During COVID our team got together (hello zoom) to discuss how we could adjust our programs to create more long term sustainability and wholistic transformation among families. We knew that what got us here, wasn’t going to be able to take us into the next season where we knew we were going. So back to the drawing board we went!
We dreamed for months, then slowly started chipping away and making a plan that we were all excited about.
A plan that on paper looked amazing, but would it work and could we get the families in our communities on board?
The plan? Create a more exclusive program Monday though Thursday. A program that consists of 4 hours a day, broken into age groups and 4 one hour classes. Tutoring, nutrition and cooking, P.E and play. These classes required enrollment as well as parental involvement. The parents are also required to attend a bi-monthly nutrition and cooking class, as well as volunteer and learn how to assist their children with their homework. In addition to this, we will be starting monthly classes parents can take on a variety of different topics. Though this program is evolving. It is working! Our goal of getting parents to not only engage but learn alongside their children for the greatest impact is slowly starting to take off.
A few weeks ago we launched our fall enrollment, not only were lines wrapped around the building, but we hit our current max capacity and have a growing waitlist.
Our fears of parents not being on board was completely shattered by the excitement that they too felt about having an opportunity to learn and grow themselves.
So what about the rest of the kids? Don’t worry! Fridays at our community center are still open to all, and our soccer programs are booming. We are discussing how we can expand our weekly program, and working together to figure out solutions. What a fun problem to have!