ChildReach Program
ChildReach is the part of our AfterCare services that focuses exclusively on the needs of the child. The cost of extracurricular activities and education can be astronomical for low income families; therefore, by providing additional support to AfterCare families the needs of the children are met and parents can focus on providing a safe home for their children.
ChildReach is a program that embraces the concept of developing “the whole child.” This is understood as focusing on the healthy development of a child’s physical, mental, spiritual, social, and emotional well-being. Raphael House believes that by creating educational and extracurricular opportunities, it can form a place where children can successfully develop in these areas.
These opportunities are in the form of weekend fieldtrips, specials events, and holiday celebrations. Additionally, ChildReach provides scholarships for afterschool activities, education enrichment programs, and tutoring. To provide these services, Raphael House works direclty with parents to create a healthy and stable environment for children.
Three Saturdays per month ChildReach staff and Raphael House volunteers develop and lead fieldtrips that introduce children to new experiences.
The following are examples of recent outings:
- Whitewater Rafting on the American River
- Kayaking in Sausalito Bay
- Hiking in Muir Woods
- Rock Climbing in San Francisco
- Ropes Course at Deer Hill Ranch
These outings introduce the children to new challenges that help them build self-esteem, physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as valuable social interactions with other children. The majority of AfterCare children have not had the opportunity to experience a peaceful afternoon in nature or an exciting day rafting down the American River. By creating these experiences, Raphael House helps widen a children’s view of the world and their relationship with their community.
Raphael House believes that education is the key to many opportunities in life. Therefore, Raphael House staff works hand in hand with parents to find tutoring and academic enrichment programs for their children. By ensuring that they have opportunities to be academically successful, the children are able to develop tools that will help them be successful in adulthood.
By being given the chance to become successful adults, it is more likely that children will not repeat the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Rather, they will take their experiences and education and grow into confident individuals with endless potential.