Teen reach program

November 8, 2013

Shaneika Tolliver Charleston Teen Reach Program  845 18th street

1. I volunteered at the Teen Reach program in Charleston. This organization is a non profit organization that allows children to come after school. Here at this program it allows volunteer workers to help the children with homework, play video games, football, and arts and crafts. At the Teen Reach program there are some children who have disabilities, children who parents are recovering drug addicts, and children who have grandparents that raises them.
2. The Teen Reach program reflects what I have learned in my Disadvantage class and other FCS classes because we have talked about families that struggles financially. At the Teen Reach Program almost all of those children come from a family that is financially struggling. The Teen Reach program is a free program that offers services to any one in the Charleston Community.  As a FCS major the Teen reach program gave me hands on experience working and interacting with children in need.
3. I was able to interact with the other volunteer workers as well as the director C.J. I had a one on one conversation with C.J about this one little girl who is African American, he would like for someone to become her role model because she doesn't speak to the other children very much. C.J indicated that this girl is a bright student and always receives straight A's. I would mention her name but I don't think it would be appropriate if I do. C.J told me that everything they receive is free. There are people who cooked food for the children every day, they donate books, games, and anything they feel can be used. Although I knew that a non profit organization does not receive any financial help, it was great finding out how people do work together to make a away. It was great finding out that everyday someone is cooking and donating their food for the children to eat. I can say I gained more knowledge and have a different outlook on life, I got to see things from a different perspective at the Teen Reach program.
4. The Teen Reach Program have a positive effect on the community. It allows parents/caregivers a chance to have some alone time away from their children. It a free after school program that help the children with homework, gain social skills, and form a family/friendship with the other children. The Teen Reach program is a safe  and worry free environment for the children. Its a place the parents can have a piece of mind knowing their child will be safe. It's a place were children can escape their problems at home and just have fun.
5. I really liked volunteering at the Teen Reach program. It was a great experience hearing the children rap, helping those who wanted to do homework, and eating hot pockets. When I heard some of those children stories about their family I was sad. I could not imagine me growing up with no parents. I couldn't imagine having a recovering drug addict parent. At the program no person could even tell anything was wrong with those children or even knew they had family problems. All the children seemed so happy and very joyful. I had a great time I know I wouldn't mind volunteering there again.