Overview
It
has been an eventful year for Kids' Klub. We have seen many changes in the program
relating to growth, development and program enhancement. The Kids' Klub mission
is now more apparent than ever before. Over the years Kids' Klub has witnessed
the demonstrated need for quality childcare and risen to the challenge, providing
a "safe haven" for the children in our neighborhood.
Staff
The Kids' Klub program has been faced with many staff changes this year.
Maureen McBride resigned her position as Executive Director to dedicate more
time to parenthood. Maureen still visits the kids and they enjoy seeing her
every so often.
Kids' Klub after school
program director, Jenn Donald will be leaving Kids' Klub to continue to pursue
her degree in education and take on a full time job.
Sunny Olson, before school program director is currently on a leave of absence
to welcome her 7lb 4oz baby boy, Miles Silva!
Kids' Klub morning assistant Maria Durazo resigned her position as morning assistant to relocate. Maria's position was filled by Krista Williams. Krista is a student at UNR pursuing a degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
Volunteers
Volunteers are a vital component to the Kids' Klub program, providing
supervision, structure, as well as assistance to program staff and program participants.
The number of weekly volunteers is currently low, so we continue to seek dedicated
individuals to volunteer their time.
Program
Development
The Kids' Klub continues to grow. We added a before school program,
providing before school supervision, games, art, and breakfast. The program
is slowly developing there are currently 22 children enrolled with an average
daily attendance of 10. Our after school program is expanding so much so that
we have reached our maximum enrollment at 110 and we had our biggest day yet
with 73 children in attendance.
Our Martial Arts program is currently underway. The jujitsu classes are offered through Bushidokan studio. The youth instructor Suki LaGue has her current group ready to receive their orange belts in Jujitsu.
Last year we introduced an academic incentive program that provides incentives to children for spending time on their reading, writing, and homework that has been assigned by their teachers. The Academic incentive program continues to encourage children to maintain A and B level grades and promotes raising C, D, and F grades up to grade level.
We were able to bless
many children and their families this Holiday season. Thanks to multiple volunteers
we were able to provide a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to our Kids' Klub
participants. We conducted our annual Christmas "gift shop" giving each child
an opportunity to purchase gifts for their family, friends, and a little something
for themselves. The gift shop would not have been such a success had we not
received an abundance of donations from the members of Saint Paul's. The children
were able to buy and gift wrap all of the gifts they purchased (with some help
from Ms. Connie Emerson). With help from the members of St. Paul's we put smiles
on numerous faces and joy in many hearts.
Grants and fundraisers
Because
the Kids' Klub program is funded solely by grants and fundraisers we are constantly
pursuing grants and funding from outside sources. The following is a list of
funding sources for the 2003 calendar year:
| St.
Paul's Dermody Taco Fiesta & Matching funds AWCMS Junior League United Thank Offering Specialized Consulting St. Paul's Donations JLH incorporated Nevada Women' Fund IGT Misc. Donations Earned Interest income |
Future Vision We are currently in
the process of restructuring our art program to include a weekly art project
guided by an art instructor.
Our teen club that was
formed late in 2002 will be altering the current schedule to include community
service projects, leadership development, and team building activities.
Kids' Klub will be inviting
parents to join us for our family nights where we plan on bringing our families
in for dinner, movies, etc. to encourage parents to spend valuable time participating
in various activities with their children.
Conclusion Respectfully submitted,
2/3/04
-j
Kids' Klub is currently pursuing a separate 501 (C) (3) status in order
increase the potential for growth and development including additional sites
and further fundraising options.
Kids' Klub is in a very unique position, having started a program from
the ground up that provides quality childcare for "at-risk" children free of
charge. We are currently of one two non-school sites that hosts a Kids' Café'
program and the only program with a free before and after school program.
Our promising partnership with the Northern Nevada Food Bank ensures that our
mission will make a significant impact on the children in our surrounding neighborhoods.
Because of the vision that began at here St. Paul's church the children in this
underprivileged neighborhood will not go without a morning or evening meal,
adult supervision, a safe, nurturing environment. Kids' Klub is able to provide
a program that is what many would consider a basic need to children that consider
it a privilege. I look forward to expanding our program and impacting the lives
of many more in the upcoming year.
--Tiffany
Madden Executive Director January 14, 2004