Rain of Hope: Empowering Youth
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Rain of Hope builds caring communities through programs that empower students through community service learning!
Educators agree service learning is vital. With the onus on schools to realign curriculum, only 32% of public schools integrate service learning. Additionally, existing afterschool programs engage children while parents are at work, and juvenile crimes are at their peak. Children in afterschool programs have increased school attendance and improved behavior.
Yet, More than 15 million school-age children (26 percent) are on their own after school. Among them, more than 1 million are in grades K-5. (Afterschool Alliance)
Children also need character development to build social and ethical skills, learning how to connect and work together. This creates an environment where students willingly listen, respect and support each other, and are ready to learn.(Character.org)
While many traditional programs address academics, Rain of Hope incorporates afterschool programs that reinforce academics with service learning and character development. Our programs include grade-level lesson plans with educational outcomes. Removing the onus from schools with affordable programs, we empower children to become caring and nurturing adults.
Rain of Hope's focus is building and teaching communities that we are all connected and affect each other. We all have the power to change the world. In a learning environment, Rain of Hope's programs empower children and adults through age-appropriate community service projects.
Educators agree service learning is vital. With the onus on schools to realign curriculum, only 32% of public schools integrate service learning. Additionally, existing afterschool programs engage children while parents are at work, and juvenile crimes are at their peak. Children in afterschool programs have increased school attendance and improved behavior.
Yet, More than 15 million school-age children (26 percent) are on their own after school. Among them, more than 1 million are in grades K-5. (Afterschool Alliance)
Children also need character development to build social and ethical skills, learning how to connect and work together. This creates an environment where students willingly listen, respect and support each other, and are ready to learn.(Character.org)
While many traditional programs address academics, Rain of Hope incorporates afterschool programs that reinforce academics with service learning and character development. Our programs include grade-level lesson plans with educational outcomes. Removing the onus from schools with affordable programs, we empower children to become caring and nurturing adults.
Rain of Hope's focus is building and teaching communities that we are all connected and affect each other. We all have the power to change the world. In a learning environment, Rain of Hope's programs empower children and adults through age-appropriate community service projects.
Partnering with Southern Connecticut State University's Elementary Education Department each program includes academic curriculum with educational outcomes that are grade-level appropriate.
Every day ends with a fun game to reinforce the lesson of the day. After a full day of learning in school, we believe that afterschool hours should be academically enriched - while also providing physical and fun activities that get children excited!
Funds raised support qualified staff, supplies and operating costs, and help us grow additional programs to be offered in more schools and communities.
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Current Programs:
Seniors Matter(TM)
Students are taught the importance of community service areas, focusing on the caring about seniors in the community. Interactive games and literature areused to engage students and help them understand common senior issues. Through correspondence, children will become connect with senior citizens in a local senior center, which will also become a part of this program. Letters will be delivered to seniors and returned to students by Rain of Hope.
Friendship Matters(TM)
Rain of Hope has created a recipe for friendship, complete with: Kindness, Openness, Communication, Listening and Colloboration. Through fun and engaging activities students build social and character skills needed to truly become the next generation to bring positive change to our communities. Understanding each other and playing together builds friendship. And, with friendship, anything is possible.
Community Matters(TM)
Students realize that they have the power to bring change to their community grow. Working in groups, children are taught to research community service areas, as well as local nonprofits serving particular community service areas. Children present their favorite service and organization, and pitch why this organization should be chosen to be rained on. In a large group, everyone will vote on the chosen organization. Once an organization is chosen, the class comes together to create and complete a project in honor of the organization."
Music Matters(TM)
The power of words. When listening to songs, what are the actual lyrics? What is the underlying message? Can songs impact our emotional or physical state? Students are encouraged to through movement and dance. Taking music to the next level, students will create a playlist filled with positive, age appropriate songs. Ah yes "“ and there will be a touch of Karaoke with a small showcase at the completion of the program!
____________________________________________________________
Our programs are showing results! Results that would not be possible without your support. Thank you for those that have supported us! Your donation has made a ripple larger than you may realize!
Considering donating and not yet convinced? Contact us and happy to share with you the difference donations at all levels can make.
Every raindrop brings hope of new beginnings.
Every person brings hope of endless possibilities.
Rain of Hope believes that anyone, regardless of age, can make a difference. Together, as a community, we will succeed. For more information about Rain of Hope, visit lwww.rainofhope.org l .
__________________________________________________________
Results to date:
- Rain of Hope's pilot program is "Seniors Matter" is a SUCCESS!! Even better - the 2nd grade students are asking for more programs! The senior center has also asked for us to host the program again.
Testimonial: Rain of Hope has given me just that:.Hope! It is so nice to have the Rain of Hope team so dedicated to what they do. I work with memory impaired residents who have had the opportunity to reach out to second grade children as pen pals and then meet at the end of the program. - Coachman Square Retirement Center
- Rain of Hope programs can now be found five days a week in New Haven Public Schools!
NEXT STEPS:
- Our goal is to publish our curriculum and provide training to allow schols nationwide to offer Rain of Hope programs.
- Once each program has been piloted,published, we will offer certification to allow schools nationwide to offer Rain of Hope programs!
Every day ends with a fun game to reinforce the lesson of the day. After a full day of learning in school, we believe that afterschool hours should be academically enriched - while also providing physical and fun activities that get children excited!
Funds raised support qualified staff, supplies and operating costs, and help us grow additional programs to be offered in more schools and communities.
_____________________________________________
Current Programs:
Seniors Matter(TM) Students are taught the importance of community service areas, focusing on the caring about seniors in the community. Interactive games and literature areused to engage students and help them understand common senior issues. Through correspondence, children will become connect with senior citizens in a local senior center, which will also become a part of this program. Letters will be delivered to seniors and returned to students by Rain of Hope.
Friendship Matters(TM)Rain of Hope has created a recipe for friendship, complete with: Kindness, Openness, Communication, Listening and Colloboration. Through fun and engaging activities students build social and character skills needed to truly become the next generation to bring positive change to our communities. Understanding each other and playing together builds friendship. And, with friendship, anything is possible.
Community Matters(TM)Students realize that they have the power to bring change to their community grow. Working in groups, children are taught to research community service areas, as well as local nonprofits serving particular community service areas. Children present their favorite service and organization, and pitch why this organization should be chosen to be rained on. In a large group, everyone will vote on the chosen organization. Once an organization is chosen, the class comes together to create and complete a project in honor of the organization."
Music Matters(TM) The power of words. When listening to songs, what are the actual lyrics? What is the underlying message? Can songs impact our emotional or physical state? Students are encouraged to through movement and dance. Taking music to the next level, students will create a playlist filled with positive, age appropriate songs. Ah yes "“ and there will be a touch of Karaoke with a small showcase at the completion of the program!
____________________________________________________________
Our programs are showing results! Results that would not be possible without your support. Thank you for those that have supported us! Your donation has made a ripple larger than you may realize!
Considering donating and not yet convinced? Contact us and happy to share with you the difference donations at all levels can make.
Every raindrop brings hope of new beginnings.
Every person brings hope of endless possibilities.
Rain of Hope believes that anyone, regardless of age, can make a difference. Together, as a community, we will succeed. For more information about Rain of Hope, visit lwww.rainofhope.org l .
__________________________________________________________
Results to date:
- Rain of Hope's pilot program is "Seniors Matter" is a SUCCESS!! Even better - the 2nd grade students are asking for more programs! The senior center has also asked for us to host the program again.
Testimonial: Rain of Hope has given me just that:.Hope! It is so nice to have the Rain of Hope team so dedicated to what they do. I work with memory impaired residents who have had the opportunity to reach out to second grade children as pen pals and then meet at the end of the program. - Coachman Square Retirement Center
- Rain of Hope programs can now be found five days a week in New Haven Public Schools!
NEXT STEPS:
- Our goal is to publish our curriculum and provide training to allow schols nationwide to offer Rain of Hope programs.
- Once each program has been piloted,published, we will offer certification to allow schools nationwide to offer Rain of Hope programs!
Organizer
Jennifer Ricker
Organizer
New Haven, CT
