Success Story from Program Coordinator Shantia Clyburn:

The After School Program is a very important educational as well as social program for many children in the 5th ward community in Paterson, NJ. For the last two years, Kristie Heath has been a participant in the program. When Kristie Heath entered the After School Program, she was a very timid, smart, young girl who didn’t have many friends. However, in one years’ time, Kristie has joined the church choir as well as participating in the After School Program and has been more social than ever! The After School Program provides a safe, supportive and loving environment in which children can thrive and learn. Kristie has many friends now and can communicate her wants, needs, desires and feelings to other people. She’s smiling more often and on occasion her little sister Shania comes to visit and Kristie is able to share with Shania craft projects and read books with her!

Above all, Kristie has been in a position now where she is able to help the younger children in the program. Kristie is a whiz with mathematics as well as many other subjects, and the children look to her as if she’s a champion! Kristie has also taken the role to be a peer leader where she loves to help the younger children with homework as well as read to them when they are not in homework or taking part in any one of the activities taking place at the After School Program.

The After School Program is helping Kristie develop in many ways and most importantly, the program is teaching Kristie how to build great relationships and solid friendships.