Club 3:30
Club 3:30 is the longest continually running elementary afterschool program in the state, and brings 30 students to the church every weekday to offer homework help and a host of other support services.
For over 30 years, First Presbyterian Church of Marietta has led the way in providing afterschool support for some Marietta’s most vulnerable children. Our state-licensed program works with the Marietta School System to identify the elementary children who could most benefit from our support, and each year we have children on a waiting list hoping for a spot in our program. Over the years, Club 3:30, under the leadership of Mary Groves, has provided educational and emotional support to hundreds children. So many of these children have grown up and are living successful lives with the help of Club 3:30. Many even return to visit “Miss Mary” and other long-time volunteers.
The Club 3:30 program supports children from kindergarten through fifth grade, and it is a marvelous way to positively affect the lives of some amazing kiddos! These children may come from less privileged backgrounds, but they are sweet and loving and eager for the attention provided by our program. Sometimes they struggle with their language skills as English may not be their first language. Typically, it’s reading or math skills that get them referred to us. Simply providing a little extra encouragement and support can go a long way toward facilitating the growth and development of our children. Many of the Club 3:30 graduates, go on to obtain college degrees. All students admitted to any college or trade school will receive a scholarship from the Peggy Bullard Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Homework Help
If you have a couple of hours a week to spare, and would like to help change a child’s life for the better, please contact Club 3:30 Director Mary Groves below. Volunteers are needed Monday through Thursday, 4:15-5:45, for homework help and mentoring. No previous experience is needed – retirees, high schoolers, stay-at-home parents, men and women who work from home and can spare an hour a week – all are welcome.
Wednesday Dinners
Because Wednesday Night Supper has not resumed, the Fellowship and Outreach Council and Club 3:30 would like to invite members of the congregation and community to assist in providing a meal for the 30 students enrolled in Club 3:30 on Wednesday afternoons at 5pm. Sign up here (link).
Food can be pizza delivery, boxed meals from a local fast food outlet, simple home-cooked meals, etc. For details on what student preferences might be, please reach out to Club 3:30 Director Mary Groves below.
Guardian Angels
Each child enrolled in Club 3:30 is assigned a Guardian Angel. Guardian Angels donate a specified amount each year that goes toward our annual Christmas shopping excursion. Guardian Angels also purchase a small birthday gift, and many also write notes or cards throughout the year to encourage their assigned child.
Our Angels pray for their student throughout the year, they celebrate accomplishments and birthdays, and they can watch, or even participate in, the growth that occurs throughout the school year.
If you are interested in becoming a Guardian Angel for one of our children, please contact Club 3:30 Director Mary Groves below.
Meet Our Director
Mary Groves has been Director of Club 3:30 for over 35 years. In her role as director, Mary advocates for the families of the students, both at school and in the community. Her vision for this ministry has impacted more than 200 students. Mary lives in Smyrna with her husband of 40 years.