LEADERSHIP COLLEGIUM PRESENTS RECOMMENDATION FROM HSLT TASK FORCE

Elder Courtenay Willcox, Moderator of the Leadership Collegium of the Presbytery of Philadelphia announces their Task Force findings and recommendation regarding Head Start Learning Tree.

June 27, 2013

Dear Presbyters,

In April, the Presbytery of Philadelphia’s Leadership Collegium appointed a task force to review our current engagement with Head Start Learning Tree (HSLT). At the Collegium’s June 19 meeting, the HSLT Task Force shared their findings and recommended that the Presbytery end its relationship with HSLT. You can read the HSLT Task Force’s report here: HSLTCollegiumeTaskForceReport

After prayerful consideration, and what we felt was in the best interest of the children and families served by HSLT, the Collegium passed a motion recommending that the Presbytery end its relationship with HSLT and to seek immediate relief from being the HSLT Grantee. This motion will be presented to the Presbytery for its approval on July 16. 

The Task Force’s report was compelling. The Task Force discovered:

  • there is virtually no engagement in HSLT among the congregations or minister members of the Presbytery;
  • HSLT has a demonstrated record of deficiencies, which is jeopardizing its granteeship and is a disservice to the children and families it seeks to serve;
  • Federal standards for the delivery of services to children and families through Head Start have become increasingly demanding, requiring a level of professionalism beyond what the Presbytery is able to provide.

It was Task Force’s conclusion that the Presbytery has neglected the original HSLT ministry it started, and is incapable of continuing this program with the professionalism and compassion required to serve the children and their families. For those reasons, and in light of the Presbytery’s diminished staff and resources, the Collegium felt it best that the granteeship be turned over to a better equipped organization. The Federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has assured us that another grantee agency will be in place almost immediately, so child and family services will continue without interruption.

The HSLT Task Force’s report was done with the input of the HSLT Board, the regional office of the ACF, and Presbyterian Community Ministries of the Delaware Valley board leadership, we are appreciative of the Task Force’s diligence. We are grateful for the efforts and passion of the HSLT Board, the PCMCV Board, and the many others, who over the years have been so supportive of the HSLT project and the children whom it supports, especially the work and ministry of Delores Brisbon, Maxine Tucker, and Earline Williams.

If you have any questions about this motion, please feel free to contact any member of the Leadership Collegium, and plan to attend the Presbytery meeting on July 16 at Wallingford.

Grace and peace,

M. Courtenay Willcox, Moderator, Leadership Collegium

Please click here for a roster of the Leadership Collegium: Collegium Roster