November is National Children’s Month, a time to honor the joy, resilience, and potential of children everywhere. As we celebrate, it’s essential to reflect on the core elements that allow children to grow and thrive. Here at Thomas House Family Shelter, our onsite Youth Development Program (YDP) functions as a dynamic after-school initiative designed to support and enrich the lives of children of unhoused families. Through dedicated homework assistance, YDP staff help students stay on track academically and connects youth to tutoring assistance and academic resources. The program also emphasizes physical activity, providing engaging opportunities for youth to stay active and healthy. In addition, the YDP Program exposes youth to essential life and vocational skills through YDP Workshops and Teen Classes from sponsors, volunteers, and partner organizations.
As we celebrate National Children’s Month, our November Food Drive also becomes an essential part of our mission to nurture and support the youth of Thomas House Family Shelter. Nutritious meals are crucial for children’s physical and mental well-being, fueling their learning, focus, and overall development. Our food drive helps ensure that each child in our Youth Development Program has the sustenance they need to thrive academically, stay active, and engage in the skills-building activities that will empower their future.
Quote from Brooklynn, Academic Youth Development Coordinator:
“I enjoy working with the Youth Development Program since it is a beneficial program that encourages our youth to take pride in their interests and their academics. I do my best to train volunteers and interns to continue to foster an environment that the kids feel safe and heard in. The most enjoyable parts of working with YDP are making connections with the kids, being able to take part in celebrating their achievements, and helping them grow into confident individuals. It is truly awarding to know that the youth enjoy taking part in program so much and sharing their accomplishments that they stop by our office on a Friday just to share with myself and Jennifer. I am very blessed to be in such a position to make some positive impact on the lives of our youth that are seen every day.”
While the Youth Development Program outwardly emphasizes academics and physical activity, it is thoughtfully anchored in three core foundations of Safety, Inclusion, and Leadership that create a nurturing environment for children to develop confidence and independence. By focusing on these principles, we empower youth to break the cycle of homelessness and generational poverty, equipping them with the skills and support they need to thrive in their futures.
Creating Physically & Emotionally Safe Spaces
In the Thomas House Youth Development Program, we prioritize both physical and emotional safety to create a supportive environment for our youth. Designed for school-aged children between the ages of 5-18, our dedicated YDP staff work diligently to ensure that the physical space is safe for participants of varying ages. We adapt sports and recreational activities to fit within our courtyard, ensuring that everyone can engage safely and comfortably in the activity at hand. Additionally, YDP staff conduct safety presentations to educate youth on how to respond in emergencies, fostering confidence and preparedness. We also emphasize the importance of notifying an adult about any safety issues, empowering children to advocate for their own well-being and the well-being of their peers. Through these measures, we create a proactive culture of safety that supports the growth and development of all participants which is crucial for the ongoing development of children.
Emotionally, YDP staff empower children by actively involving them in the decision-making process and encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings. Our YDP Coordinator, Brooklynn Allen, fosters an environment where youth are encouraged to voice their concerns and share their ideas, making them feel valued and engaged. Recognizing the diverse age range of our participants, staff also provide alternative spaces where children can focus on their schoolwork independently or find solace when needed, ensuring that every child feels heard and supported. This holistic approach not only promotes resilience and emotional well-being but also creates a nurturing atmosphere that allows our youth to truly thrive.
Promoting Inclusivity
Inclusion is a core value of the Thomas House Youth Development Program, where we actively promote sharing, teamwork, and connection among our youth. Through various sports activities, we emphasize the importance of collaboration and building friendships, regardless of age or background. Our program encourages kids to try new activities before deciding they don’t like them, fostering an open mindset and a spirit of exploration. By creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and included, we help children learn the significance of teamwork, cultivate healthy social relationships with their peers, and experience the joy of shared experiences. Ultimately, we aim to build a community that celebrates diversity and unity, laying the foundation for healthy relationships and mutual respect towards others.
Fostering Leadership & Accountability Skills
Personal leadership and accountability are integral components of the Thomas House Youth Development Program, empowering children to take charge of their own learning and growth. We encourage youth to share their ideas and collaboratively find solutions to challenges, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Through structured activities and scheduled routines, YDP youth learn the importance of time management and organization. YDP staff emphasize accountability by holding each participant responsible for adhering to the schedule and completing their homework and following YDP guidelines.
One of the key initiatives of the Thomas House Youth Development Program is the YDP Store, which serves as a powerful incentive for personal growth and accountability. Youth earn “Thomas House Dollars” by completing homework, adhering to program rules, assisting staff or peers, and demonstrating kindness to others. Every two weeks, participants who accumulate these dollars get the opportunity to shop for a variety of crafts, toys, and other age-appropriate items generously donated or purchased by volunteer groups, sponsors, and partner nonprofits. This engaging approach not only rewards positive behavior but also cultivates essential skills like responsibility and teamwork. By fostering these competencies, we empower our youth to become proactive leaders, equipping them with the tools they need to positively impact their communities.
Conclusion
As we celebrate National Children’s Month, we recognize the critical importance of creating a secure and supportive environment that empowers youth to overcome personal challenges and build healthy connections. We ensure that every child feels valued and engaged, while our focus on leadership and education equips them with essential skills for the future. The core values aim to break the cycle of homelessness and create lasting change in the lives of the children we serve, helping them develop into confident, capable individuals ready to change the trajectory of their future. This National Children’s Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the potential of every child and shaping a brighter future together, one child at a time. By supporting our food drive, you’re directly impacting the lives of young individuals who rely on Thomas House for guidance, structure, and a community that champions their success.