Children living in poverty—particularly those who have experienced homelessness—face complex challenges that often leave them academically behind their peers from higher-income backgrounds. Our Youth Programs take a holistic approach to positive youth development by providing the support and resources every child needs to develop their full academic and social-emotional potential.
Conducted on-site at six Many Mansions’ locations, our programs provide educational activities to keep resident children and teens engaged and supported in their schooling. It helps develop their self-esteem, interpersonal relationships and their sense of pride and achievement. The education, enrichment, and long-term support from staff and volunteer role models can lead to generational change.
All programs are offered free of charge to residents.
MM Youth Club is an after school tutoring program that provides an educational environment in which children have one-on-one homework assistance every school night for three hours. Staff and community volunteers provide tutoring, supported reading, computer and internet access, computer educational programs, and an extensive reading library.
Camp Many Mansions is a fun and educational seven-week camp experience for resident children. It is designed to promote exposure to new experiences and ideas – through field trips, experiential learning, and safe play, and help children overcome summer learning loss by daily practice of reading and math. Teens learn resiliency and develop leadership and job skills in our Junior Counselor program.
Youth Enrichment Program provides activities for children and teens designed to enhance their education and broaden their awareness and knowledge of the world around them. The Youth Program addresses three major topics: STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math), literacy and art, and health and nutrition.
Community Gifts Program provides every child with essential school supplies, gifts during the holiday season, spring baskets, and multiple events and carnivals throughout the year that are both fun and educational. Generous donors contribute gifts and volunteering hours to make this program happen. In addition, the community donates food gift cards that ensure families can celebrate with holiday meals.
Volunteers play an integral part in all of our programs by generously giving of their time to tutor children, plan and lead activities, oversee crafts and games, speak on special topics, and much more.
If you would like to learn more about Youth Programs, please email Tyler Smetzer, Program Manager, at TylerS@manymansions.org.