September 2020 Newsletter

We did it!
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, over 70 children and youth graduated from our summer virtual programs. 

Eight 5- and 6-year-olds gained skills on how to use their superhero powers and feel safe in our parent-child Superheroes class. Thirteen 6- to 13-year-olds learned phonics and improved their reading comprehension in our widely popular Summer Read and Learn Group. More than fifty youth from 9th to 12th grades received pre-employment training through the MYEEP Intern Program we hosted.

The Superheroes Class trains parents and children together, in ten sessions, to build skills to identify and communicate feelings to a trusted adult; develop healthy coping and self-regulation skills; build self-esteem; learn how to work in a team; and build healthy communication skills. Upon graduation our young superheroes get to wear a special red cape for a photo opportunity and receive a diploma.

​The lessons in the Summer Read and Learn Group  supplement what the children will be learning or should have learned during the school year. They are assessed by the teacher on individual needs. Students get grade level appropriate workbooks, stationery supplies, and school bags mailed to their home in advance. This year, besides a certificate of completion, each received a pokemon bag with school supplies.

In addition to hosting MYEEP workshops for more than 50 students, we also worked with worksites such as Sunnydale Boys and Girls Club and Ultimate Impact, which hosted virtual programs for participants as well. Youth Interns participated in Money Management, Self-Care, Time Management and Social Justice workshops. We used digital programs such as Zoom and Google Classroom for youth assignments. Virtual programing was new to all of us, but we had a very successful summer.