| Sojourner House was founded upon a desire to serve women and children in need. The children who accompany their mothers to Sojourner House have suffered the effects of poverty, homelessness, and the insecurity that comes with parental substance abuse and neglect. Over the years, it became evident that the success of Sojourner House Women is directly tied to the stability of their children and that there is an urgent need to address the children’s issues.
The Dreamseeds children’s program was established in 2000 in response to the need. This comprehensive Program provides Sojourner House children with educational and enrichment opportunities that help the children build self-esteem and develop healthy coping strategies. The program inspires academic achievement and creativity, and give them hope for a brighter future.
The Dreamseeds Program features:
Dreamseeds Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA)
DAPA provides arts and cultural opportunities that enable Sojourner House children to increase their self-esteem, develop creativity, and grow emotionally. The children may choose from 6 classes offered in the areas of creative art, creative writing, music, and dance. The classes, taught by talented artists and professionals, are offered in the evening during the week and Saturdays throughout the school year.
Study Buddy
The Study Buddy program pairs Sojourner House children with volunteer tutors who assist them with their schoolwork two evenings a week throughout the school year. The program helps the children get excited about learning, increases their academic performance and self-esteem, and provide them with adult mentoring relationships.
Summer Camp
Sojourner House provides summer camp scholarship opportunities that engage the children in fun, productive, healthy, and educational activities during the summer months. The summer camp experience helps the children feel better about themselves and do better the following academic year.
Back-to-School Project
Every year in August, Sojourner House kicks off the school year with the back-to-school project. Thanks to supportive organizations, groups and individuals, Sojourner House has been successful in providing hundreds of brand new backpacks and new school supplies to Sojourner House children. If you are interested in helping with funding or donating school supplies, please contact Portia Chiarella at 585-436-7100, extension 117, or portia_sojourner@yahoo.com. For additional information about school supplies, please click here.
In-House Children's Program
This program provides structured activities every weeknight evening for the children currently living at Sojourner House. Developed by the In House Activities Coordinator and implemented with the assistance of community volunteers, these activities help to enhance the children’s social skills and interactions, while stimulating their creativity. The program also includes regular family outings that provide exposure to new and different experiences in the community, as well as strengthen family bonds.
Dreamseeds Note Cards Available For Purchase
Please click here to see the wonderful artwork created by children in the Dreamseeds Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA) Program. These pieces have been made into note cards to raise funds to support the program. The note cards may be purchased at Sojourner House, 30 Millbank Street, Rochester, NY 14619 or by calling 436-7100. The cost is $10 per package of 8 (4 each design) blank verse note cards with envelopes.
Visit our Volunteering Opportunities page to learn more about volunteering your time in the Dreamseeds program.
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