There are many exciting things about this program, but perhaps the most exciting aspect is how it brings people together. Marilyn Miles, who is a regular attender of the Bible study, says it this way: "It's a comeraderie. It's something you don't normally see." She describes how it used to be in West Dallas, how the African-Americans and the Hispanics hardly ever spoke with each other. But this Bible study is different - it has created an environment where people are comfortable across cultural barriers. Ms. Miles tells this story of a sewing class she joined because of the Bible study: "I was the only non-Hispanic in the sewing class. One night I was trying to do something [with my quilt], and I couldn't do it. I found that I wanted to call Debbie, a Hispanic person, to learn how to do it."

"[The Seniors' Bible study] is a place where I can tell her [Debbie] that I love her - and I'm really telling the truth!"

Out of this comeraderie has developed a real passion among these ladies for the proper care of the West Dallas community. The Crime Watch meeting hosted at Vocie of Hope Family and Community Services, which is primarily attended by Seniors' Bible Study members, always has the best turn out of any of the Crime Watches in the area, according to the police officers who come to the Crime Watch meetings.

It is a blessing to see these ladies from a variety of backgrounds coming together around the common bond of faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to the study of His Word!

CP: How many years have you been an ASPIRE Coach at Voice of Hope Ministries?

QH: 5 years, going on 6.

CP: Have you always been a 1st grade Coach?

QH: Yes.

CP: Did you have any personal ties to West Dallas before you came on staff with Voice of Hope?

QH: Yes, I was born and raised in West Dallas. My kids went to West Dallas Community School for a while, and now they attend Focus Learning Academy.

CP: So what led to these 1st grade students accepting Christ?

QH: I was leading Bible study on that Friday [February 11th], and I gave the plan of salvation, you know, how you can be a follower of Jesus, and I made sure they understood it. I asked if any wanted to accept Christ - hands went up, and there were 10 that accepted.

CP: So what do you think it takes to be a good ASPIRE Coach?

QH: You have to love the Lord, you have to love the children, and you have to be interested in their learning. You also have to be patient and be able to multi-task.

CP: What do you enjoy most about being a Coach?

QH: I enjoy being with the children when they are most responsive, when they see and do what is being asked of them. It's a success to see them catch on to what's going on.

CP: What is yoru biggest challenge?

QH: The kids that are undisciplined, who won't listen and have a tendency to disrupt the class.

CP: What impact does the ASPIRE program have on the students in your class?

QH: It gives them a place to come and get help. They get fed, and they can interact with students from other schools.

CP: Do you see any long term benefits for the students?

QH: Yes, I do. There's real help for them here. They can get the help they need for their education. And during the summer time they get to see and do things they haven't experienced before, and that's good for them.

CP: What one thing would you tell a new coach who just took the job?

QH: It's a day-to-day experience - no two days are alike. You just have to stay grounded. You have to stay the same - you can't change. You have to treat all the students the same, but their situations are different, and you treat each situation differently. But with the students you can't have any favorites.

The young men who participate with the West Dallas Saints not only love basketball, but have chosen to join the Out of Boundz Youth Ministry–a Christian mentorship program for teenage youth that not only offers them volunteer basketball coaching and a team environment through sports programs like the West Dallas Saints, but also provides role models who can guide these young men as they make important life decisions. Each youth must maintain a level of commitment and good behavior in order to get and stay on the Saints team. In addition, each has a mentorship relationship with coaches and Out-of-Boundz ministry leadership.

We charge these select players very little, based on the financial situations of our West Dallas residents. If it were not for Voice of Hope providing the opportunity to play AAU, many of these players would not have the chance of playing for a team.

Most of the players attend L.G. Pinkston High School, and many are already leaders in their class due to their skill at basketball. Our goal is to work to form them into young men who can be solid examples to their classmates of the transforming power of Christ working in their lives day by day.

The AAU team travels and plays in tournaments. Some of last year's season highlights include:

• 5 time consolation winner
• 4 time 1^st Place champions
• 3 time 2^nd Place champions
• 5 time 3^rd Place champions
• 4 time bracket winners