Published: October 07, 2006 01:34 am      

Program for children

Participants can sing, dance, learn musical instrument

CUMBERLAND — Young, aspiring singers, dancers and musicians will soon have a place to reveal their talents.

Pastors Shannon and Kenny Watkins of Souls Won Outreach Ministries were recently awarded a $9,000 Community Development Block Grant to start an after-school program for Cumberland children.

The Watkinses are in the process of finalizing plans for the program, After School Play It Cool, which is expected to being in early 2007.

Program participants can learn to play an instrument, sing, dance or any combination of the three, said Shannon, a gospel singer.

“My husband and I always wanted to do this — we want to encourage other people’s talents,” she said. “It will help the kids with their self-esteem and build upon or develop new talents — keeping them focused on something positive will help them stay out of trouble, and it gives them a way to express themselves.”

Cumberland resident Eddie Hershman has volunteered to give woodwind instrument lessons at the after-school program.

“I think it’s an excellent program — music is a great way to get them involved and keep them out of trouble,” said Hershman.

Hershman looks forward to working with the children.

“The younger generation seems to learn very quickly, and they really get into it,” he said.

Although the dates and locations are yet to be determined, the children will probably meet one or two days a week at Souls Won Outreach Ministries on Industrial Boulevard near the intersection of Virginia Avenue.

“We also want to take the kids on field trips to see choirs and performers,” said Watkins. After the program is established, Shannon hopes local groups will invite the children to perform at events.

“That would be a good opportunity for them to be recognized by their community,” she said.

The program is open to Cumberland children between the ages of 4 and 18 who meet income guidelines and other criteria established by the CDBG program, according to Shannon.

The Watkinses are looking for musicians, vocalists and dancers to volunteer to teach the children; in addition, they are seeking donations of musical instruments, microphones and recording equipment.

Anyone interested in making a donation or becoming a volunteer may contact Kenny or Shannon at (301) 777-3795 or kandswatkins@yahoo.com. For more information on Souls Won, log onto www.communitydoor.org/soulswon.

Jennifer Raley can be reached at jraley@times-news.com.