Our After School Program
The Mercy House After School Program received its first grant, and began in the year of 1998. It is available to children whom reside at the Mercy House Shelter. The After School Program is offered to school-aged children enrolled in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County School Systems. The program operates Monday through Thursday, and is free of charge to Mercy House residents.
The After School Program is operated almost entirely by volunteers from various colleges and universities in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, including James Madison University, Bridgewater, Eastern Mennonite University, etc. The Child Services Coordinator is the program operator for the After School Program.
Volunteers and staff attempt to maintain a consistent schedule for children attending the After School Program. Children are given a snack provided by the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank upon arrival. They also have one-on-one interaction with a volunteer called Buddy Time. Buddy time allows the child to have a more one-on-one interaction, and discuss their day with the volunteer. Children are encouraged to complete homework during their time at the After School Program, but are also allowed to have free time. It is believed that children need a balance in learning and play time.
Volunteers are encouraged to step outside the box, and take on a primary role in the After School Program. Volunteers plan nutritional and physical activities for the children. We aim to provide a learning and enjoyable environment for children attending the After School Program.
The Mercy House After School Program received its first grant, and began in the year of 1998. It is available to children whom reside at the Mercy House Shelter. The After School Program is offered to school-aged children enrolled in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County School Systems. The program operates Monday through Thursday, and is free of charge to Mercy House residents.
The After School Program is operated almost entirely by volunteers from various colleges and universities in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, including James Madison University, Bridgewater, Eastern Mennonite University, etc. The Child Services Coordinator is the program operator for the After School Program.
Volunteers and staff attempt to maintain a consistent schedule for children attending the After School Program. Children are given a snack provided by the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank upon arrival. They also have one-on-one interaction with a volunteer called Buddy Time. Buddy time allows the child to have a more one-on-one interaction, and discuss their day with the volunteer. Children are encouraged to complete homework during their time at the After School Program, but are also allowed to have free time. It is believed that children need a balance in learning and play time.
Volunteers are encouraged to step outside the box, and take on a primary role in the After School Program. Volunteers plan nutritional and physical activities for the children. We aim to provide a learning and enjoyable environment for children attending the After School Program.
