On the fourth day of Christmakwanzakah, my true love gave to me . . . games, toys, and tools for teens!
Imagine a child who has never played with a hula hoop, never jumped rope, never played jenga, never played monopoly, never played a video game. Games we all assume children have played by the time they become teenagers but for some it is not so.
I work at a community school and everyday I interact with children and youth who are learning to have fun in peaceful, healthy ways. They not only need to play team building activities like basketball and football, they also need to learn tools for life (life skills) and play games that will teach them to think critically, problem solve, manage their emotions and release stress. Yes, children have stress because whatever their parents/families are stressed out about impacts them greatly.
"Without healthy outlets, the desire for freedom turns into lawlessness and the need for safety and self-respect degenerates into violence . . . within each person lies a bone deep longing for freedom,safety, hope, self-respect,and the chance to make an important contribution to family, community, and the world" - Claire Forest
Our programs are city funded and our budget is cut every year. We need your help to continue to provide healthy outlets for youth and give them hope to prevent them from engaging in unsafe, risky behavior.
How can you help?
1. Donate board games, video games and game equipment(Every hula hoop counts!)
2. Volunteer to facilitate a workshop on teen issues, conflict resolution, etc.
3. Volunteer with our Fashion Club teaching sewing, knitting or how to crotchet
4. Volunteer to assist with homework help & tutoring; Math Geniuses needed!
5. Other ideas and items are welcome!
Contact angelikaimani@yahoo.com or call 718-322-0011 and ask for Jessica our Assistant Director, who's one of many roles is coordinating volunteers & donations!
Our Goddess Prayer:
We call on Artemis; strong, youthful, moon goddess to protect the innocent, especially children and empower us to protect them as well.
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