St. John's Community Success Center (CSC) Started 12 years ago with some neighborhood children and parents who were resting on the church lawn on a hot day and were thirsty. A few glasses of water opened the conversation of community needs as that family felt them. After school activities were started, then came Kids' Saturdays, then the TLC club for pregnant and parenting teens, ESL classes, and now a Homework Center, SafeSpace youth activity center, Exercise classes, and the READ with Me!! family literacy program. Youth are tutored in academics. Special workshops in dance, drawing, and drama help them build self confidence and take leadership roles in planning and carrying our community events. New books are given to families each Wednesday and at community resource fairs to encourage enjoyment of the written word and peaceful parent / child interaction. It is thrilling to see the little ones come to the book table and decide which book appeals to them, to see each face light up, and hear parents talk about how they read with their children. With the older youth it is obvious they need a safe place to socialize after school. They come by even even on weekends just to see--hoping the door is open. They respond to greetings by the staff and like to have an adult to talk with at certain times. CSC is growing with the community and also helping the community grow.
Review from Guidestar