Programs
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Program Updates
- 8/14/2009 - Registration Begins
- Goal of 250 participants
- Transportation needed
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Yes We Can
The objective of the Yes WE Can program is to provide a safe, positive and enjoyable atmosphere, outside of the school setting, which will support and reinforce education, socialization and recreation processes. The program will also demonstrate to parents and the community that efforts are being made to rectify long-standing challenges faced by the West End neighborhood.
About the Program
As a first step in developing the Dawson Community Resource Center, Just Do It Now initiated the Yes WE Can youth program for youth ages 6 through 18 utilizing the gymnasium and adjacent rooms.
The Yes WE Can program will operate from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year.
Staff will be present from 3:00 until 7:00.
Special Saturday programs in the gym are a regular feature.
This summer the program runs from 12 p.m. until 3:00 for all participants.
From 3:00 until 5:00 special activities are planned for youth who are following guidelines and/or showing progress in targeted areas.
The Yes WE Can program is aiming at known youth from the community who are currently functioning below grade level and are at risk of failing the TAKS Test (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) in one or more areas. The Yes WE Can program has a better chance of reaching these at-risk individuals because Just Do It Now has an established reputation in the community, the program is located near their homes and the director and many of the volunteer staff are people they know. Since parental supervision is a primary problem, it is critical that the whole family be involved in the process. Therefore, parents or guardians must agree to attend monthly training sessions in order for their children to participate. These sessions will assist parents in developing structured environments for continued learning, discipline and positive social behaviors at home.
The Yes WE Can Program schedule during the school year will include:
- Homework/Study Time - concentrating on homework completion and individual tutoring in areas of need to be completed before moving on to other activities
- Food - a balanced meal following homework/study
- Group Chat - period for therapeutic interaction through group communication, which positively promotes social skills and social awareness related to home, school and current events
- Recreation - Physical activities, art, crafts and a variety of games will provide a time of fun with an emphasis on structure and discipline
The objective of the Yes WE Can program is to provide a safe, positive and enjoyable atmosphere, outside of the school setting, which will support and reinforce education, socialization and recreation processes. The program will also demonstrate to parents and the community that efforts are being made to rectify long-standing challenges faced by the West End neighborhood.
The Yes WE Can program has the full support of the Wharton Independent School District as well as many local organizations including the City and County governments, the Wharton Community Development Corporation, the Wharton Boys & Girls Club, numerous churches, service organizations and the community in general. Everyone is enthusiastic and hopeful about the program, and many people have already volunteered to help make it a reality. We have the buildings and we have the volunteers, but we still need funds for staff, materials and operating expenses.