Learning. Connection. Opportunity.
The Center for Urban Missions brought education, health, and economic opportunity together. Its archived programs preserve an important chapter of MEGA’s story.
Read Our HistorySTARS: learning for children and families
STARS stood for Skill-building, Training, Achievement, Results, and Sufficiency. It began with children and families in Metropolitan Gardens and expanded to serve the wider community.
Technology access
The archived site reported eight STARS TECHVillages computer learning centers offering free computer-based classes and internet access to children, young people, adults, and seniors.
After-school and summer learning
STARS combined homework support, educational enrichment, technology, and creative arts. The site described a Homework Center staffed by certified teachers five days a week and a Metro Camp summer program serving more than 200 young people.
Support for parents
A weekly Parenting Support Network addressed parenting skills, stress and anger management, financial management, and job skills. Parents could build relationships and exchange practical guidance.
Program descriptions and reported reach from the archived 2007 STARS page. These figures are historical and are not current enrollment totals.
Read the archived STARS pageCURE: care through community partnerships
The Center for Urban Research and Empowerment connected health information, neighborhood support, and crisis response. Its approach recognized that a family’s immediate needs and long-term stability require different kinds of help.
Health information and access
The Health Initiative connected underserved residents with information about health care, services, and health professions. TCUM described partnerships involving the University of Alabama at Birmingham, churches, schools, and health agencies.
Practical family support
CURE described assistance ranging from food, shelter, and personal care to transportation, counseling, training, and sustained relationships, depending on available resources.
Disaster response
The archived site described Army of Compassion as a coordinated crisis and disaster response effort involving more than 40 faith-based organizations and community partners.
Historical activities and partnership counts reported by TCUM in its archived 2007 site.
Read the archived CURE pageRAMP: practical routes to economic opportunity
Reaching And Motivating People linked workforce preparation with technical experience and business opportunity. TCUM sought relationships with employers and aspiring entrepreneurs to help people move toward economic independence.
Learning through work
RAMP Industries described remanufacturing beverage machines, computers, and other equipment as part of its workforce development approach.
Technical skills
The RAMP Technology Center offered training in beverage equipment remanufacturing, telecommunications and electronics, and information technology.
A foundation for today’s work
These historical programs show the breadth of TCUM’s commitment: support for learners, parents, workers, and neighbors. MEGA’s Motivation, Education, Growth, and Advocacy principles carry that purpose into a new generation of community work.
The programs above are preserved as history. For MEGA’s current areas of work and the approved Pathways to Peace pilot, explore our programs.
Explore Our Programs