Our goal is to develop virtual/remote educational, arts, and emotional support outlets for the youth we served prior to COVID19. Our objective is to continue to be a beacon of stability with robust offerings for group, small group, and individual sessions across various topics. Our expected outcomes are to build upon the established track record, pivot as necessary, and continue to be of tremendous value in the daily lives of the underserved youth by remaining relevant and serving to ease educational gaps and emotional stress.
Given CDC guidelines and following Mayor Muriel Bowsers COVID19 response guidelines for Washington DC, the FCEC has shut down all its regular in-person programming after school, summer school, and evening programming to pivot to initiatives that can still support the community during the COVID19 pandemic. During this time of great uncertainty and fear, we have come to realize that the primary need of the community is for the FCEC to remain a steadfast resource that provides support and a sense of “presence” in order to soothe the emotional toll of the COVID19 pandemic. Our concern since the pandemic has been how we can effectively connect with our youth members again so that we can continue to build on the trust already established and offer an outlet that is even more dire during this moment of restricted activity.
We need our youth to stay connected and have an outlet more than ever and know that even during perilous times they are not abandoned. This pandemic has hit the underprivileged and underserved communities, such as the African-American populations that we serve, with far more intensity than any other group. Therefore, common across the recommended risk mitigation strategies is the need for rapid implementation and reimbursement for virtual services, including cross-sector collaboration to maintain continuity of necessary support and services.
Building on its past experiences and best-practices, FCEC has developed strategic partnerships and collaboration with granting agencies to develop a holistic set of multi-prong programs with immediate impact. As we have always done, we listened to the needs of the community and understand where the community’s vulnerability lies. Therefore, as a trusted hub in Ward 7, the Center programs address direct needs in a pragmatic and innovative manner such as virtual/remote programming.
At the FCEC we are committed and determined to develop meaningful virtual programs in order that we may continue to serve our youth members. So much was already against our youth and the pandemic took away the little they had. Through virtual/remote programming we will be able to provide continuity, an outlet, and connection once again with their peers in a safe and meaningful manner. Importantly, the work with the creative virtual program will help us lay the groundwork for virtual academic support which will be needed after the sudden disruption of regular instruction during the Spring.
After School Program
Introducing the Program
The After School Program began September 17, 2019 and through June 14, 2020, with breaks following the DC Public Schools schedule. The program hours are be Monday – Friday 3:00pm – 6:00pm. Snacks are provided. The majority of our programs cater to the 7-14-year-old demographic and we also have special quarterly activities for youth ages 15-17. This older demographic population will have the opportunity to obtain community service hours through different mentorship/volunteer opportunity at the Faunteroy Center, as well as specialized field trips that will expose them to different opportunities outside of their Ward 7 communities. The After School Program focuses on three elements social/emotional development, academics and enrichment activities.
Tutoring/homework
Participants receive daily homework support and weekly engaging lessons through academic games like jeopardy, battleship, battles of the sexes, and wheel of fortune. Ages include 7-14 years old.
Group Discussions
Participants weekly discuss community concerns, gender-specific concerns and others; and also become knowledgeable about conflict resolution strategies. Ages include 11-17 years old.
Junior Achievement
FCEC is partnering with the Junior Achievement program and Howard University to deliver weekly content for participants. The program fosters work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills for ages 7-12.
Arts and Crafts
Participants are introduced to art projects that promote self-expression and creativity. Ages include 7- 14 years old.
Planned Programs
Dance Sessions
Participants will be introduced to different forms of dance, including hip hop, African, and hand dancing. Ages include 7-14 years old.
STEM Programs
Participants weekly discuss community concerns, gender specific concerns and others; and also become knowledgeable about conflict resolution strategies. Ages include 11-17 years old.
Field Trips
Ages 7- 14 years old will participate in 4 quarterly educational and enrichment trips outside their immediate environment to sites around the DMV area. Ages 15-17 years old will participate in trips that support leadership development/college readiness, community service, college visits, and conferences.