Meridian Learning Center prepares tomorrow's young leaders today
he Salvation Army, after-school learning and recreation center looks forward to another school year assisting area children grow and develop mentally, socially, and spiritually. Located in The Salvation Army community worship center, the new after-school program has a computer lab with six computers as well as instruction from Salvation Army staff and volunteers. The recreation center has several table and video games for young people and is open daily from 3-6 p.m.
Major Don Wildish, corps officer at the Meridian Corps, attributes the vision for the center to Wanda Mingo, young people sergeant-major at the Meridian Corps. "Wanda makes 
things move. ...This is her vision. I just needed to give her the freedom to work and get out of the way," Major Wildish said.
When Majors Don and Helene Wildish arrived in Meridian last summer, they brought with them a passion for ministry to the young people of Meridian. As they prayed about the direction of the Corps, God began to "show us people who had a vision and passion for the young people of our community," Wildish added. "Wanda Mingo was one of them."
Mingo summed up her love for young people this way: "All children are gifts from God...‘Train up a child in the way he should go,'" she said. "I do not take that lightly."
The Meridian Learning Center is more than the vision of The Salvation Army; it flows from the desire of community leaders to positively affect the children of Meridian. Heather Rose Goodwin, governor's appointee to after-school programs, businesswoman Mary Peavey, and Mayor John Robert Smith all expressed their support and desire to see the center thrive and minister to the needs of children.
"We want the after school programs to be a great experience for the children. Once the 
festivities are over, the work begins. We ask the community to come help us help children," said Peavey.
Programs at the center aim to build character and spiritual growth. "We want to point children to a growing relationship with Christ," said Wildish.
Photos, top to bottom: Youth enjoy the video games at the Meridian Corps. Students are given tutorial help as they use the computers to complete school projects and homework.