The organization I chose is the Harlem Children's Zone (http://www.hcz.org/). The Harlem Children's Zone began in the 1970's as a truancy-prevention program. Due to the drug epidemic that took place in Harlem in the 1980's and 1990's many residents gave up hope. The staff of HCZ did not and thought that there should be new approaches. HCZ opened a public school that was shut down for after-school and weekend activities and services for the young children in the neighborhood. In the 90's the goal was to keep schools safe, so they placed AmeriCorps participants in the classrooms known as the Peacemakers programs. HCZ supported disadvantaged families facing crumbling apartments to failing schools, from violent crime to chronic health problems (http://www.hcz.org/). The HCZ serves over 8,000 children and 6,000 adults. In the 2000's the HCZ has opened more programs called Baby College (parenting workshops), Harlem Gems (pre-school program), HCZ Asthma Initiative (teaches the parents and children to better manage the disease), Promise Academy (a high-quality charter school), and Obesity Program (to help children stay healthy). All the programs are free to children and their families who reside in Harlem.
An issue that I read about is that single mother's did not have the right support or education on the development of young children. This is the reason that HCZ developed Baby College. Baby college teaches young mother's the proper way to take care of their baby and how a baby develop into early childhood. For example, the program teaches the young mother's about comforting their baby. If a baby is crying how to softly speak to the baby to calm the baby down and/or cradle the baby in their arms. It is important for young mother's to know that they are their child first teacher and protector. The baby did not hear or see his mom and wanted to know that mom was nearby. HCZ helps train and teach young mothers so that they will have a positive and safe environment to raise their child/children in.
http://www.waldenu.edu
I too saw this site and was intrigued, though it was not my final choice.It is interesting that there is a program just for the Harlem district, which is good making sure not to leave the out of receiving a quality education. It is in these districts where information and knowledge is needed in order for children to be able to receive the best quality education available. It is good that they were not just thrown by the way side, but shown appreciation.
ReplyDeleteI am one who is familiar with AmeriCorps workers and must say they are really helpful and influential when it comes to working with children in a classroom. I teach kindergarten and have help from a AmeriCorp worker everyday who comes in for about an hour or less to read to my students and work with those who need extra help on different skills that they may show lack in. AmeriCorps workers can assist in a lot of positive ways and implementation of their help can really show positive and successful progress. The issue on single mothers is very interesting. I am a single mother of two and I must say after having my first child at the age of 21, I learned that without the help and support from my mother, father, and other influential adults in my life, I probably would have had hit quite hard trying to raise my first child on my own at the time. I feel like programs that are set up to help young mothers who aren't as fortunate as me is great based on fact innocent children and young mothers deserve a chance at a good life although things like this occur. It doesn't mean that its the end of the world for the mother and it doesn't mean the child has to suffer, support is out there somewhere. Great Post and I think you chose a great organization to research and work with.
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