New MDO director at Saint Mark

A new director is at the helm of the Mother’s Day Out program at Saint Mark United Methodist Church on Columbiana Road in Vestavia Hills.

Bettye Walton, its founding director, retired in May after 37 years of heading the ministry for children ages six months through two years.

Fredda Townsend, who has worked in childcare for 21 years and most recently was the director of the Mother’s Day Out program at Riverchase United Methodist Church, was hired in June.  

Walton, a member of the church, said the Mother’s Day Out program, known as K.I.D.S. (Kids in Developmental Stages), was launched in 1986 to provide care for the ages not served by the existing Kindergarten for children who have had their third birthday on or before Sept. 1 through age 5.  

“We were young mothers wanting to serve our church and community,” she said.

At the end of last school year in May, there were 72 children enrolled.

A bench on the school’s playground has been planned in Walton’s honor.

In the church’s weekly news letter, Rev. Steve West, the senior minister at Saint Mark, praised her dedication and impact on the lives of children and parents.  “She has touched countless lives, both children and parents alike, who were seeking a safe, enriching and loving environment where kids can grow,” he wrote.   “We are given the privilege of guiding them through the most important formative years of their lives.”

After a long career in childcare, Townsend sees Mother’s Day Out as meeting a very important need in a youngster’s development.   

“They need a safe, nurturing environment to bond with other caregivers,” she said.