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