WCF’s Children’s Services

Summer is always a busy time at the shelter, and this year has been no exception. One of the largest groups of guests are the children that are in the shelter each summer. During this years’ Summer Program, we have served 61 children so far.

The Summer Program is led by Candace, WCF’s Childcare Advocate. The goal of the program is to provide daily activities to keep the kids engaged in learning and growing through the summer months. The daily themes – Reading Education, Imagination Day, Culinary Arts, Theater Play, and Field Day – provide a variety of activities for the kids to take part in that not only foster an ongoing learning environment, but also let them be kids and have fun summer stories to share with their friends when school starts. This summer, some of their activities have included planning flowers, learning about healthy eating, cooking meals, water play, building a camp site, and lots of sports. The kids have also enjoyed special activities like a visit from the UALR Basketball team and a trip to Altitude Trampoline Park.

Our Children’s Services do not end when school starts. Throughout the year, childcare services are available for our guests to use while they are working with an advocate, looking for housing, looking for a job, etc. Candace also coordinates after school tutoring, childcare during WCF’s Domestic Violence Support Groups, craft nights every other week, and story time on Mondays.

Life in the shelter can be hard, especially for a child. Our hope is that the Children’s Services will provide a safe, comforting, and enriching environment and assist the kids in their healing process during their time with us.