Take-home school work, for kids of all ages, requires educational resources (encyclopedias and dictionaries, for example) not readily available to those caught up in homelessness. These children and youths are further disadvantaged when homework assignments require access to a computer. Understanding that, HCEF early on began creating Learning Centers and then Resource Libraries within county homeless housing facilities to provide kids with access to the same educational tools at their current, if temporary, residence that their classmates enjoy in their homes. A Learning Center is equipped with computers, the latest in educational software, printers, a scanner, art supplies, a globe and a laminated world map, and appropriate furniture.

One child happily proclaimed to a Learning Center staff member: "Now I feel like my house is like other kids’ houses. I can talk about using a computer at home too. I can even do my reports."

A 4th grade girl asked to tell what she had done during that just-completed school year that made her proud wrote: "I got a B in spelling, I got an A in reading, in math I think I got a B, and I wrote poems." Her favorite memory was "reading a book with someone and reading by herself."

Learning Centers also serve as physical sites for an After-School Enrichment Program and summer opportunities that complement the children's public school education.

A children's programing staff member reports:

"We call our learning center the Happening Place. The books are widely used by our moms and children. They are borrowed daily from the library and upon returning them both moms and children are enthusiastic. The children, some with the help of their moms, are reading the books, learning colors, numbers, and even body parts. The children tell us of different places they read about and imagine what it would be like to visit there in person. The moms of the smaller children borrow the interactive books where the little ones can push buttons and open flaps. The moms are so excited when they see what their babies can accomplish."



What was once an unused attic



has been converted by the young men who will be taking advantage of it into an up-to-date computerized Learning Center at Auberle's Movin'On transitional residence for youths. Learn more here.

How does HCEF help create a Learning Center and Resource Library?
See our photo story of "a work in progress."

How does HCEF help transfigure a Learning Center and Resource Library?
See the photo story

Want to help?
See our donation wish list!

(10.26.2015)