News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
McMinnville’s Kids of The Community group serves to give direction and purpose to at-risk youth.
Program Director Barry Dishman said his work as Warren County’s Director of Juvenile Court Services gave him an inside look into what these kids are dealing with. Dishman said whether its food insecurity, a distressed home life or education, Kids of The Community is there for them.
“They didn’t participate in organized sporting activities, anything of that nature basically because of a lack of funding to apply and play in the program,” Dishman said. “Primarily a lack of transportation is a major issue for them. So they can’t get to and from games and so we just started having organized activities to let them know that they belong to the community.”
Dishman said that after 21 years of Kids of The Community, the group is still growing and offering four-day a week tutoring and meals during the summer. He said getting the kids involved in helping their community is something instilled young to show the power of giving.
“We did 3,200 hours of community service projects,” Dishman said. “Basically we would put the kids in the van and take them to local nursing homes, do crafts with the residents there. Play bingo, fun games like that, we delivered Meals on Wheels meals all summer long. We did a big wheelchair wash.”
Dishman said often the kids join because of word of mouth in school or even from parents who were members during their youth. However, Dishman said the pandemic was a devastating set back for operations and there is a need for volunteers and community partners.
“If you can’t do anything but you can help us financially, we’re in dire straight,” Dishman said. “I think every non-profit is, if you can’t help us I would encourage people to help any non-profit across Tennessee because it’s just been a really difficult year last year.”
Kids of The Community has a 6-acre facility in McMinnville and are always looking for artists, musicians or anyone with time to engage the kids. The group can be reached by calling (931) 668-5437.
