Thanks to the generosity of the Assisi Foundation of Memphis, the St. Patrcik Learning Center on 4th St. and Pontotoc (directly begind St. Patrick's Church) serves as the head quarters for service to our neighbors in South Memphis. For nearly 25 years, the St. Patrick Learning Center has striven to serve the people in the neighborhoods south of Beale Street. All monies raised by the 5K will help fund these programs:

• Pre-School: "Smart from the Start" serves children from 38126, Memphis' highest poverty/crime zip code. Our school bus picks up children from Foote, Fowler, and Clayborn Homes and surrounding areas providing transportation every school day. After a day of learning and nutrition, the youngsters are delivered back to their door.

• Nutrition: We open our doors at 1pm with soup on Sunday's and More than a Meal the fourth Sunday of each month.We also operate MIFA's largest food pantry on site at the St. Patrick Learning Center.

• Athletics: St. Patrick's Soccer Program is booming every year. Our soccer stars posted their first wins during their second season and regularly attend Memphis Grizzlies games and other fun-filled activities.

• Housing: For decades, St. Patrick's has built affordable homes for the working poor. Our latest effort, Pontotoc Gardens, located just east of Danny Thomas at Pontotoc, provides new, single-family housing by WM Daughtery Development Co. LLC.

• Literacy: The St. Patrick Learning Center offers one-on-one training to any person of any age who requests our help!

• Help Center: We link people from the area to agencies serving their needs.

St. Patrick's School

Through the generosity of Bishop J. Terry Steib and Dr. Mary C. McDonald, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Memphis, St. Patrick's School is now complete. It is directly across Linden Avenue from FedEx Forum and will be the closest school to an NBA facility in the world! St. Patrick School pened in Fall 2003 with Kindergarten. We have added a grade a year to be a complete K-6 by 2009. We look forward to our 2009-2010 school year being complete!