After-school Care Program
The Shelter’s After School Care program supports and empowers families residing in Emergency Shelter by offering a safe, familiar, and developmentally appropriate environment for school aged children during out of school time. The Shelter believes that during the hours that children are out of school, they should be provided with quality well supervised activities that stimulate new interests, encourage creativity and build self-confidence, while providing parents with peace of mind.
The Shelter’s Youth Development Advocate accepts children as individuals and helps them develop at their own pace by providing a warm and affectionate environment that celebrates children’s cultures, backgrounds, and differences. The Advocate is sensitive to children’s needs and understands the effects of domestic violence on children. Furthermore, the After School Care program is essential in each child accomplishing his or her goals and also in assisting their parents in meeting their individualized service plans to move the family toward safety and peace.
To meet the physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and recreational needs of school aged children (5 – 17 years) the After School Care program will:
- Offer fun, enriching, academically oriented and recreational activities that help promote confidence, self-esteem, personal safety, and responsibility
- Provide a relaxed atmosphere where children can socialize and make new friends
- Foster growth and development by incorporating values and respect in peer group relationships
- Provide scheduled activities facilitated by community partners, supervised by our friendly staff
- Provide time for tutoring and homework assistance
- Provide a nutritional snack
During school holidays and summer breaks the Youth Development Advocate offers the same activities and field trips.