Summer Camp for Homeless Kids

“Home Begins Here” was a special summer program for seven children living at Genesis Home. Project goals included exploring what it means to “be seen”, exploring a wide range of creative expression, gaining exposure to various artistic disciplines, using critical thinking, and creating works of art. The seven participants accomplished all the goals listed above and more during the week-long project. These young people had never participated in a week-long camp let alone an immersive artistic experience of the type provided during “Home Begins Here”. Agency staff also observed a marked increase in the confidence and self-esteem of the participants and credited this to the programming and mentoring provided by the various facilitators and special guest artists. The project made a huge difference to the seven children who participated and their parents who were able to keep attending jobs and school which would have been disrupted without the positive programming made available to their children. Research shows that children in homeless households are at risk of a variety of negative behaviors including teen pregnancy, gang involvement, and dropping out of school. Positive programming of the type provided by “Home Begins Here” creates positive self-esteem, healthy relationships with adult role models, and a sense of accomplishment in children and these outcomes were observed by both facilitators and staff during and after the project.

Thank you for helping make these special moments available for our children.

Warmest regards,

Robin

On March 28th, a team comprised of volunteers from the community, staff and board members walked the 2015 Great Human Race at Northgate Mall in Durham. It was a beautiful day with music, games and fellowship in addition to the 5K race/walk. The Genesis Home team raised $3614 to pay for summer camp and needed supplies for the children of our shelter guests. Summer is typically a time of great joy for young people as they escape the confines of the classroom until school resumes in August. The summer can be a challenge for low-income and homeless families though as camps are expensive and arrangements must be made in order for parents, usually single parents, to maintain needed employment. Jobs are crucial for anyone hoping to secure and sustain permanent housing and Genesis Home works to ensure that all of the families residing in our shelter have the opportunity to attend summer camp. Arrangements have been made with the YMCA of Durham for summer camp spots and in a matter of a few weeks, agency staff will purchase swim suits, running shoes and other necessities for the summer camp experience. Our kids are fired up and ready to go! We appreciate the support of our summer camp donors and thank each of you for making this experience possible for our young people living at Genesis Home. The Great Human Race will be run again in March of 2016 and we hope that you'll again make a gift to support this very real need for our families and children.