Dreamseeds Children’s Programs
The Dreamseeds Children’s Programs benefit over 200 children of current residents in our transitional housing program as well as children of Sojourner House families served in our supportive housing and outreach program.
A majority of Sojourner House families live in low-income neighborhoods with limited community resources and high crime levels. Many of the children have experienced homelessness, emotional, crisis, poverty, and in many cases, domestic violence and the insecurity that comes with parental substance abuse and neglect. Sojourner House takes a holistic approach to helping at-risk children develop resiliency, self-awareness and confidence to overcome their challenges.
For over ten years, the Dreamseeds Programs have provided highly structured, academic, cultural, and recreational opportunities, including one-on-one mentoring and tutoring, creative and therapeutic art, music and dance, excursions to special events and community programs. Our goal is to reach disadvantaged and underserved youth who would not otherwise have access to such opportunities. Through the Dreamseeds Program, children are involved in enriching experiences that positively impact their self-esteem, emotional growth, and academic performance.
The Dreamseeds Program provides individual attention and support to children, ultimately helping them to improve their life prospects so they can become productive members of their families and communities.
Dreamseeds Children’s Programs Descriptions:
Dreamseeds Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA): Provides weekly arts and cultural opportunities for children ages 6-17. Twenty to thirty children participate in classes that are offered in the areas of Creative and Therapeutic Art, Piano, Caribbean Drumming, African Dance, Modern Dance and Tap Dance. The programs are taught by professional artists who assist in working with the children. Additionally, each child’s parent participates at least one hour per month. Classes are held after school Mondays-Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the school year. Classes are held at Monica Place, Nancy Watson Dean Place, DancEncounters Dance Co-Op and Anthony Square. Transportation for the children is provided. Throughout the year, children have the opportunity to perform for community service or special community events, e.g. Senior Living facilities or Black History Month. At the end of the program year children showcase their talents and growth by performing in a special celebration for family, friends and the community.
Study Buddy: 20-30 school-aged children in grades K-6 participate in tutoring sessions from 6:15-7:30 pm two nights per week throughout the school year. Sessions are held at Sojourner House, Nancy Watson Dean Place, Monica Place, Greece Commons, and Susan B. Anthony Apartments. Volunteers from the community are interviewed and attend an orientation program to prepare them for the experience. Transportation is provided for the children when necessary. Family Service Case Managers meet with parents to discuss the parental commitment and support for their children. Case Managers facilitate and supervise Study Buddy sessions. A year-end celebration is held for children, volunteers and parents.
In-House Children’s Activities: Activities take place weekday afternoons during life skills sessions for the mothers, and also weeknights from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Sojourner House. The Children’s Activities Coordinator plans structured, age appropriate activities for children living at our transitional housing site (20-30 children per year).
Summer Camp Experiences: The Dreamseeds Coordinator communicates with Family Service Case Managers and parents to assess the needs and interests of their children regarding summer camp opportunities. Camp opportunities include a variety of options at several local camp providers.
Back to School Project: Each year in August we provide approximately 225 Sojourner House children with new backpacks filled with school supplies for the coming year. This effort helps Sojourner House children be prepared with the tools they need to succeed throughout the school year.
Visit our Volunteer page to learn more about volunteering your time in the Dreamseeds program.
