On Tuesday, Concordia College President Tilahun Mendedo unveiled plans for his institution to form a partnership with the city and county through its purchase of the 35-acre property formerly owned by the United Methodist Children’s Home.

He asked in return the city endorse the college’s grant application to the U.s. Department of Housing and Urban development to rehabilitate the former UMCH Administrative Building into a community learning and enrichment center.

Students in the educational school at the university would gain experience by conducting tutoring sessions for student attending schools that performed below standards on the state’s Adequate Yearly Progress Report.

Additionally, the college proposes to operate a community health and wellness clinic to support local efforts to address chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and obesity, affecting many in Selma and Dallas County.

Truly this is a helping hand.

The council should work with Concordia College in this endeavor. It is the beginning of a gown and town relationship to benefit both entities in myriad ways.