SUCCESS STORY: KIDS PROGRAM

Part of the Kids Program main goal is to increase academic competence, reading and comprehension skills and help the kids develop anger management and other life building skills.  ”James” (name changed for privacy) is a recent success story from our progrom.

James started the Kids Program very reluctant to attend. He only came because his mom wanted him to and because his older brother came. He would not read or even let one of the counselors read to him. He was constantly putting himself down and yelling at the other kids.

After attending the Kids Program regularly he began to open up, talking to the counselors and doing other activities instead of yelling at the other kids or calling himself stupid. He began reading a little each Program beginning with little words and working his way up. He began reading short books to the counselors, a new one each program.

James then decided that those books were too easy for him and he could do better. At just six years old he began reading a chapter book. He read a few pages each Program and about a month and a half later he finished his book and is now starting on his second chapter book. James has begun to realize that he can do what he sets his mind to and that the counselors are there to help him. It is very rare that you hear him call himself stupid, and you now hear him ask to read or work on some math problems. He is very eager to learn!