Arts for Esteem

Arts for Esteem (AFE), a ministry of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, TN, is committed to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ that all persons are worthy of love and opportunity. Arts for Esteem builds the esteem of underserved youth by providing a loving, secure environment, in which they can develop respect for self and for others, encourage their own creativity and learn to make choices that lead to healthy living.

The AFE program was developed in 1991 to use music and art as a tool to build the self-esteem of disadvantaged young people in our community. Through piano lessons, art class and chorus, volunteers spend time with students, sharing their faith and encouraging the students to celebrate their own creativity. Currently, Arts for Esteem is partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson, with whom the program is held at 4:00pm on Thursday afternoons on the campus of FUMC.

AFE is ever in need of volunteers to give their time and energy to these young people. Opportunities exists for volunteers to drive the church bus, provide snacks or devotionals at weekly meetings, teach piano or art lessons, or simply spend time with the students. All of our students are beginners, so volunteers with even the most limited experience with piano or art are an immense resource. Contact Turn on JavaScript!, Director of Music and Worship Arts, or Turn on JavaScript!, AFE Coordinator, to volunteer.