Salvation Army provides after-school program for local low-income families

Monroe County’s average household income is about $10,000 less than the Indiana average, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. \nIt’s no wonder, then, why the Salvation Army of Monroe County would pride its Child Care Connection program on being cost-efficient while still providing many services to the children of the community. The Christian-based organization opened a new addition to its program in January: after-school child care. \n“This is one of the most affordable after-school programs for the Bloomington community,” said Amy Herman, the Salvation Army After School Adventures Program Director.\nAfter-school facilitator Morgan Sergi said the program began in order “to help families that need after-school care for their child and can’t afford other after school care.” \nFamilies are charged $1.10 per week, Lewis said. Free transportation from the child’s school to the Salvation Army, constant supervision, a snack and numerous activities are offered to the students, who range in age from kindergarten to sixth grade.\nThrough the program, children can benefit from extra homework time, hands-on activities, building relationships and socialization. Many of the topics covered are pulled primarily from the interests of the participants.\n“We conduct our activities in a Christian environment with Christian themes,” Herman said.\nHowever, a strong religious background isn’t required to become a part of the after-school program. \nLessons and activities are driven by weekly Bible stories including those about Noah’s Ark and Adam and Eve, but the lessons are universal and will extend across the child’s life, Herman said. The supervisors try to relate the lessons to real-life experiences, said Maggie Lewis, Salvation Army Youth Ministries Coordinator.\n“We use the Bible as a starting point for thinking about the world,” Herman said. “I teach, they teach me, they teach each other.”\nIn addition to structured activities, parents can fill out a tutor request for additional school and homework help in any area their child struggles in. This time is used to individualize with each student, Lewis said.\nParalleling the extra learning time, community members and other people with specialty skills are invited to come in to teach students about their profession or ability.\n“People can come in to share experiences, occupations, skills, religious and educational stories,” Lewis said. \nWith only four children currently enrolled, numbers are expected to increase and volunteering is encouraged. The Salvation Army is working on raising awareness about the new program through the schools and through the children who attend, Sergi said. Anyone interested in volunteering or presenting to the children should contact Maggie Lewis at 323-7246 for more information. \n“The goal of the whole program is to run on volunteer help alone so it can stay cost-free for the community,” Lewis said.\nThe Salvation Army is known for being a Christian-based outreach program and church, constantly teaching and enacting the Christian values. The after-school program can play as an extension to reach the Bloomington community.\n“It’s a way to branch out to the community and provide services they may not have had the access to,” Lewis said. “The main reason we would like to serve as an outreach program to students is to bring the students and parents to church.”