SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The United Company Foundation is a vital partner as we work to deliver the MMS child from a position of need and future dependence. MMS provides a home, church, and school, for as long as needed, just as we have throughout our nearly 100-year history. Dedicated staff spiritually guide and work to empower each child.
As we provide MMS kids with the resources, strengths, and tools they need to succeed today, tomorrow, and years to come, we focus on three core components:
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Educating Today, Preparing for Tomorrow
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Nourishing Kids for Better Health, Better Learning, Better Learning
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Empowering Kids by Providing Challenges and Opportunities
This approach is working. More than 90% of MMS residents go on to college, universities and community colleges across the nation and ultimately secure meaningful employment. This is a far different future than these capable children would have had without Mountain Mission School. Success is more economical than failure (juvenile justice, prison, entitlements). MMS graduates break the cycle of poverty for their families – a legacy worthy of investment.
Rose Hurley
Director of College Readiness
CAMP
SUCCESS
Trip to Washington D.C.
The Camp Success trip for the seniors returned to Washington, D.C. for a 4-day visit in September. Camp Success had not traveled in the fall before; chaperones Rose Hurley and Rachel Hood suggested the move in order to enjoy a more relaxed tour with fewer student groups in the area.
The trip began with a focus on history. The Holocaust Museum was the first stop, followed by dinner and the opportunity to reflect on what was learned. The evening provided a guided sightseeing tour of various memorials, including World War II, Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, and Korean War. The students enjoyed seeing these sites at night.
The second day included a couple of new additions to the itinerary. First was a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture; this was an excellent museum! After lunch was a U.S. Capitol tour which included a visit to the original U.S. Supreme Court chambers; this was included because fewer tourists allowed for a longer, in-depth visit. The second new event was a visit to the office of our Representative, Morgan Griffith. While Representative Griffith was not there, the students enjoyed visiting with the office staff, initiating a conversation about working on Capitol Hill with them. The day ended with a visit to Mount Vernon and an evening ghost tour in Old Town Alexandria.
Day three provided some flexibility. We first visited the Arlington National Cemetery and witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Our tour guide also highlighted various individuals buried there. The day ended with a unique treat - a performance of “Cats” at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The students had been introduced to the production prior to the tour so they knew it included dance and music; it was a wonderful cultural opportunity everyone enjoyed.
The tour ended with a final new destination - the Museum of the Bible. All agreed the two hours allotted was not enough time to see all the exhibits, but what was toured provided valuable new insights.
Thank you again for the opportunity to expand the seniors’ knowledge of history and culture through Camp Success.
Trip to Atlanta Georgia
The Camp Success trip in 2019 returned to Atlanta, Georgia for a 4-day visit. Following the drive south, the seniors and staff chaperones (Rose Hurley and Rachel Hood) began the trip with a visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. The Atlanta Botanical Garden followed, which was a favorite of this group. Dinner was at the Hard Rock Cafe, where the students entertained the other guests by dancing along to one of the songs.
Wednesday began with a visit to the High Museum of Art, a new place on the itinerary; students enjoyed the opportunity to view European masters’ paintings like Degas, Monet, and Picasso from the traveling exhibit that had just opened. This too was a stop they enjoyed. Following an appreciation for artistic culture was an appreciation for God’s natural creation at the Georgia Aquarium. For many students, this was their first opportunity to watch sea lions and dolphins perform. The Varsity provided dinner and the opportunity to relax at an Atlanta tradition.
Thursday was packed with activities: a studio tour of CNN was first, followed by a visit to the World of Coca-Cola. The seniors got to take a photo with the iconic polar bear, experience a 4-D movie, and taste sodas produced around the world. Stone Mountain provided scenic views of downtown Atlanta and an opportunity to hike. Thus, the Mellow Mushroom was a great dinner choice for the hungry hikers.
Friday brought the most popular stop on the trip - the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Students were challenged by what they learned about American history in the 1950s and beyond as well as the challenges faced by people around the world. Since the weather forecast called for rain, we spent the remainder of our visit indoors. The group attended a Good Friday service at the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta and concluded their trip by visiting the APEX Museum.
“What a blessing The United Company Foundation has been to the children of Mountain Mission School. For nearly 100 years this school has strived to serve those who need a little help in life and without the assistance of people like yourselves, this could not be accomplished. On behalf of every child we serve, I thank you for your financial contributions, dedicated personal service and continued prayers on our behalf. I am thankful that you have been blessed and are able, willing and eager to share that blessing with others. What better example of Christian living.”
Chris A. Mitchell
Mountain Mission School
President