History

The year 2000 was designated as The Year of the Child by the Presbyterian Church USA. Jeanne Isaacs, former Director of Children’s Education at Independent Presbyterian Church (IPC) expressed interested in creating programming to celebrate and honor the Year of the Child.  She wanted to establish programs on three levels:  church, community, and international.  Jeanne had long dreamed of creating programming for the children of the community so that they would have opportunities for after school activities.  She noted that our children’s facilities at IPC were empty all week except for Wednesday evenings.
 
IPC member Caroline Polson, a teacher in the Birmingham City School System, told Jeanne that if she were going to do anything with these children it should be tutoring them in reading.  She said that reading skills were the greatest weakness in the students she encountered in her teaching experience.  Coincidentally a few weeks later Dr. Jim Carter, IPC pastor at that time, mentioned the STAIR reading program during a sermon.  STAIR was founded in 1985 in New Orleans at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church.  Dr. Carter had also been pastor at this church leading to his familiarity with the program.  Caroline’s interest was piqued.  On Monday morning she called the New Orleans STAIR program and the rest is history.
 
The New Orleans STAIR director was extremely helpful and encouraging.  She sent curriculum and worked with Caroline on the phone.  Jeanne and Caroline decided to pursue the program for IPC.  STAIR of Birmingham began in the fall of 2000.  There were 12 students and 24 tutors. The first two schools served were Avondale Elementary and Whatley Elementary. Willie Mae Butler joined the team.
 

Our Staff

Anna James, Executive Director

Evelyn Puckett, Program Director, Site Director for Whatley and Gibson Schools

Alice Morgan, Executive Assistant

Lewanna Robinson, Student Coordinator, Independent Presbyterian Church

Alison Jenkins, Site Director for Avondale School at Avondale United Methodist Church

Ingrid Moore, Site Director for Barrett School at 45th Street Baptist Church

Nathaniel Humphrey, Site Director for Councill School at Greater New Antioch Baptist Church 

Diane Rencher, Site Director for Norwood School at the school, sponsored by St. Luke's Episcopal Church and the Norwood Resource Center

Board of Directors

Penney Hartline, President

Kennon Walthall, Vice-President

Jean Shanks, Secretary

Gene Lewis, Treasurer

Susie Abbott

Laura Clarke

Melodie Echols

Charles Grizzle (Chip)

Joan Lightfoot

Bette Owen

Caroline Polson

Bryson Stephens

Ann Whorton

Randall Woodfin

Susan Clayton, IPC Staff Advisor