I have been attending Saturday Academy classes conducted by Cherished Hands for about 10 months. I am a CASA for a foster child and he absolutely loves going to Saturday Academy. Both Devyn and Rose are extraordinary people that genuinely love and care for each student within their organization (and even those that simply come to visit!). They have grown their organization tremendously since I first started attending and have done a great job at getting more volunteers and further developing their curriculum.
They also do a great job at finding free activities outside of Saturday Academy such a field trips to museums or sporting events.
I have performed several volunteer opportunities over the years and I would have to say that this has been the most fulfilling experience. The organizers are whole hearted about making sure this organization succeeds. The foster children love coming to this. This is especially good for singles or students who have a 'family shaped hole' in their heart. You will feel like the children are your family.
I started taking my foster daughter to The Cherished Hands Foundation Saturday Academy in September 2012. Getting her to do anything above and beyond 'required homework' is always a struggle. But when it comes to getting up on 'sleep in Saturday' she NEVER complains and is ALWAYS eager to get up and go.
The Founders are excited about what they do and provide for foster youth. Their glass is always half full and keep a positive vibe going at all times. There is no other way to describe them except to say they are the Dynamic Duo!
The Founders and Volunteers embrace the children with love and caring that puts them at ease so they are more open to absorbing the knowledge being presented. They are in tune with the children to the point that when a child 'checks out' they give them alternatives for seated breaks before slowly reeling them back into studies.
There is always a fun kid assisted science experiment at the end of each seesion. I think that is awesome!
The Cherished Hands Foundation is commited to encouraging scholastic growth in foster youth.
Meeting every other Saturday on a college campus is a great idea because it exposes the children to a college campus and there is always something fun or interesting going on in or around campus. My foster daughter has informed me more then once that she is going to 'Thee' USC
I love volunteering for the Saturday Academy at CHERISHED HANDS. For a few hours every other Saturday, I get to hang out one on one with a foster kid who has more than likely fallen behind in school, and hep him/her with learning skills across all subjects. These kids are little sponges who are in need of a little extra attention, and you can actually see the wheels turning as they work through the problems. The smiles on their faces when they figure out a tricky problem are priceless. If you are in the LA area, come be a part of this great organization. It's only a few hours every other Saturday and it is more rewarding than you can imagine!
I am so grateful for the Cherished hands organization for providing a loving, nuturing and motivating enviroment for the kids that really need that extra support. It is close to impossible to get my foster daughter to sit down to do school work but she loves the class on Saturdays so much that the work becomes play. The love and attention she receives feeds her mind and also helps to raise her self esteem as well. She is so accustomed to struggling in school but on those two Saturdays a month she knows that she will get the attention and the help that she needs which motivates her to try just a little harder and belive in herself!!
As a volunteer, I have loved the opportunity to teach and educate the wonderful foster children we have at the Saturday Academy (a program held by the Cherished Hands Foundation). Unfortunately, the children have fallen behind their grade level, but it's very rewarding to be able to give these children the attention they need and work through worksheets with them. I definitely encourage people to join us in helping these children with their education.