Safe Haven After School Program
The 2001 Safe Haven After School Program is based upon the thirty six (36) week school year calendar, September to May, pausing for the Summer months, and resuming the following September. The Safe Haven sessions are held at eight locations:
- Bierer Wood Acres
- Lemon Wood Acres
- Snowden
- South Hills Terrace
- Dunlap Creek Village
- East End Community Center
- Gibson Terrace
- Fort Mason
Each session is in operation three days a week, from 3:45/4:00 p.m. (depending on school district), until 6:00 p.m. each scheduled evening. The program primarily targets youth Kindergarten thru 6th grade but will accept older children to act as assistants and mentors for the younger children. Each session uses a consistent format of academic assistance, snack time, alternative/recreational activity and for character development lesson. The goals of the program are to provide the children of these communities a safe, secure place to work on academics, learn new skills, and socialize with their peers. Staff, family members, and school district reprehensive have observed over the years, a positive impact on the children that attend the program on a regular basis. These children are more cooperative with others. They participate in more community activities; the level of respect is higher for others and for self and they work harder to achieve goals. Overall, we can state that the Safe Haven After School Program is a positive, productive, and successful program. The FCHA has contracted for services with the Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission to provide a comprehensive after school program. The Drug and Alcohol Commission subcontracts to the Uniontown YMCA to provide recreational services and charter development skills, and Communities and Schools to provide intensive tutoring services. Drug and Alcohol's internal staff rotates throughout the program to educate participants on health lifestyle choices and the dangers of drug and alcohol usage.