Back to School Means After School

The after-school hours are the peak time for juvenile crime and risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, according to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center. And many of the families that enroll their children in The Salvation Army’s After School Adventures program understand the value of after school programming.

The tragedy is that some working families are struggling to make ends meet and the additional cost for valuable after school care is simply too much. Even when The Salvation Army only charges $5 per week per child it’s still a hard decision to make.

And that’s where Ayrica Harvey, pictured above, makes a difference. As former teacher at The Salvation Army, Ayrica has recently been promoted up the ranks to After School Director. An IU student, she understands the value of a good education, and is daily transferring those values to children who receive encouragement and a solid Christian education. The effort she, her staff and volunteers put into their jobs makes the children enrolled at The Salvation Army more likely to avoid violence and go on to a bright future.

Child Care Featured on Local Radio

The quality of care that every child gets at The Salvation Army’s Child Care Connection is something that is getting increased attention.

WFIU, one of the local radio stations, recently featured the Child Care Connection in their program “Community Minute”.  You can hear this short piece here.

Under the direction of Shannon Chapman, the Child Care program has claimed quality as it’s defining factor. Striking a delicate balance the children allowed to learn through play and taught the things they need to excel in Kindergarten.

For more information about The Salvation Army’s Child Care Connection visit them online or contact Shannon Chapman at 323-7402.

450 Children Going to School in Style

In just one morning, over 500 people filled the Bloomington Corps parking lot where they waited to get back-to school items.

Thankfully, with the help from area churches and businesses there was just enough to go around. On that morning 450 children recieved a new backpack, socks, underwear, shoes and school supplies. Everything was brand new, and it was like shopping at the kids favorite store, except it was in a gymnasium with a large Salvation Army shield on the floor. All remaining supplies will be donated to local school corportations.  

Thank you for donating, because when you do you make a big impact in our community!