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Programs

CGM After-School Program

Category: Religion-Related - Christianity
Beneficiaries: Children only (5-14 years)
Priority: 1
Budget: $500.00

In the after-school program, the children are helped/tutored with their homework. There is a certified teacher/volunteer on designated days who gives special help with math and reading.
There are supervised activities and games both indoors and outdoors and a nutritious snack is provided. Life skills, such as cooking, doing chores, and personal hygeine are taught.
Courtesy, respect, love, and Biblical principles are emphasized. Food, clothing, and school supplies are provided if needed.
Most of the children either walk or are dropped off at Common Ground. At the end of the day, the children are either picked up by their parent or are taken home in the Common Ground bus.
Since 1991, an estimated 575 children have been helped at Common Ground Ministries. The 2007-2008 school year and summer program had an attendance of 50-60 children.
There are always children on the waiting list who cannot be accomodated due to the limited space.
The after school program runs through the school year from 3-6pm each day.
Goals:
1.Improve grades and TAKS scores.
2.Make a difference in the lives of the children by instilling Christian values.
3.Teaching life skills including cooking, physical hygeine, daily chores, and personal responsibility.
4.Complete high school and further their education.

Definition of long-term success:

1.Attendees will complete highschool and continue their education.
2.Expansion of building thereby serving more children in the community.
3.Continue to serve the youth through their secondary school.
4.Break the cycle of spiritual and physical poverty.

Definition of short-term success:

1.Physically fit children through recreational activities and healthy food choice.
2.Improved daily and test grades.
3.Improved self exteem due to better grades and/or conduct.
4.Homework completed on a daily basis.

Success monitored by:

1.Parental conferences.
2 Reward system at center for daily behavior tracked by daily logs.
3.Contact with teachers and administrators.
4.One on one conference w/children concerning their spiritua and academicl growth.

Evidence of success:

1 TAKS scores.
2.Report cards.
3.Several students attending college.
4.Teacher conferences.
5.Highschool graduation rate.