Written by our Director of Community Engagement, Hannah Lee
When I stepped into the room at Good Shepherd Lutheran, I quickly forgot I was standing in a dining area. Small sneakers were scattered across the floor, art supplies filled the tables, and the room was full of laughter and excited chatter as hot dogs were passed out and quickly eaten. In the middle of this fun, a group of boys launched a clay ball through the air, watched it hit the ceiling and drop to the floor with a loud thud. The room stood quiet for a brief moment, and then erupted with laughter.
This joyful scene that unfolded before me last week might sound like a special event, but is actually a weekly occurrence through Canopy Kids After-School program. Each week, there are 2 groups held: one for the older kids and teenagers, and one for the younger kids. I joined the younger kiddos!
The program is designed to be fun, supportive, and educational.
One of Canopy’s wonderful volunteers (and current board member), Teresa, oversees this weekly gathering of children. Beforehand, she sends out a schedule for the afternoon: outdoor time to get some energy out, snacks, group discussion, and then craft time. The theme for the day is Changing Mindsets: How do we see things and people? How looking more closely, thoughtfully, and creatively can change our perspective.
Teresa is kind and patient while simultaneously being structured and organized; it is no surprise that her roots are in teaching! She, along with a group of college volunteers, ensure every child enrolled in the program is picked up from school and well taken care of.
As we all sat in a circle on the floor, we practiced English and talked about what we wanted to be when we grow up. One of the girls announced she wants to be a firefighter, to which a crew of boys giggle: “you’re a girl!” One of the leaders smiles: “Yes she is, and she can be a firefighter if she wants.” The future firefighter smiled brightly.
Special guests are often invited to join in on the fun. This past week, Art for the Heart, affiliated with Art Feeds, led an art session. Every kiddo received a pack of clay and were encouraged to create anything they wanted. Bunnies, cats, snowmen, and giant rainbow balls began to take form. Each volunteer was careful to make sure every child’s creation was acknowledged and his or her creativity encouraged.
Every week, a significant amount of work goes into our Canopy Kids After-School Program. From planning the schedule and preparing the snacks, to coordinating rides for each child from various schools, Canopy’s team and amazing crew of volunteers pour a lot into this program.
And we believe that every dollar and every minute contributed is absolutely worth it.
Change can be difficult for anyone, but especially for kids. Significant life changes during childhood can have long-term impacts on physical and mental health and overall well-being. Fleeing from your home, living in a refugee camp, and moving to an entirely new country are all enormous life changes for a child to experience! As a result, refugee children are extremely vulnerable to mental health difficulties. Strong, safe communities and healthy relationships are two important ways to provide support for children in vulnerable places.
Through initiatives like our after-school program, Canopy works in collaboration with our community to provide sustainable support and empowerment for these amazing children, and cultivate safe, healthy relationships. Our Long Welcome plan will allow us to provide these services on a long-term basis, so we can ensure each child has the support, resources, and opportunities to be happy, healthy, and able to enjoy childhood.
You can help us provide the long-term support that our children need. Give the Gift of Support!
If you would like to know more about how you can get involved with our After School Program, email hannah.lee@canopynwa.org!
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