Children’s Program Thriving!

The first half of 2012 was exhilarating, as many supportive, educational and entertaining activities were introduced to the Children’s Program!

• School on Wheels is providing tutoring for the children on a weekly basis.

• Monthly birthday parties are held providing an opportunity for all the children having a birthday that month to celebrate together.

• A swing set and a basketball hoop were donated so the children can benefit from participating in outdoor activities.

• The children are exploring their creative sides through art in an incredible partnership with AWBW (A Window Between Worlds), which uses art as a healing tool for those who have suffered from trauma. Through the art workshops children and teens are able to tell their stories, express their feelings and rebuild confidence.

• “Dinosaur School,” a child training group, is held for children ages 4-8 and focuses on a variety of therapeutic activities to develop social skills and emotional competence.

• “The Incredible Years” is a new support group facilitated by Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles for the mothers of children ages 6-12 with early onset conduct problems.

• Girls ages 4-10 participated in a dance class called “Shall We Dance,” which was taught by a volunteer dance instructor.

• A Valentine Pizza Party was provided by our friends at Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church in Studio City.

• An Easter egg coloring and hunt was provided for the children by volunteers from hikeitup.com.

• The children experimented with musical instruments such as the maracas, seed shaker, guitar and congas, and presented their own original recordings at our Mother’s Day event.

Our Children’s Program addresses the unique challenges that children who have experienced homelessness face. We provide an open, fun and safe environment for kids to develop valuable social skills, build confidence, and to just enjoy being kids.