Participation Type
Unconference
Session Title
Session 3.16 Education and Youth Issues
Presentation #1 Title
Imagined Possibilities for the Region's Children: Community After School Programs
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
The Haldeman After School Program in Rowan County, Kentucky is a collaborative effort by community and university volunteers to offer enrichment activities for local elementary school children in a safe, child-centered environment close to home. Participating children enjoy physical recreation, nutritious snacks, planned learning activities, tutoring, and help with their homework. Special offerings include theatre, art, and music. Though the Haldeman community has a rich heritage, in recent years it has faced many of the same “known realities” that have plagued other former company towns in the region—poor employment prospects, lack of basic services, substance abuse, and struggles to access job training and relevant education. This panel, comprised of volunteers who staff the program (including a local senior who coordinates the program, a public school educator, and university students) will discuss the benefits and challenges of meeting the needs of Haldeman’s young residents and invite sharing and open dialogue about effective strategies and “imagined possibilities” for enhancing the lives of children facing similar issues in underserved areas across the region.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Joy Gritton teaches art history and Appalachian Studies at Morehead State University and co-coordinates the Haldeman After School Program.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
RoseMary Johnson is a board member of the Haldeman Community Center and the on-site coordinator of the Haldeman After School Program.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Jennifer Guthrie is a Special Education teacher at Tygart Creek Elementary School in Olive Hill, Kentucky who volunteers to lead activities at the Haldeman After School Program.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Sarah Shepherd is an Undergraduate Research Fellow and sophomore Psychology major at Morehead State University, and serves as the lead student coordinator at the Haldeman After School Program. Sarah previously worked with 4-H in Floyd County.
Andrew Kuchenbrod is a history major at Morehead State University who volunteers tutoring and mentoring children at the Haldeman After School Program
Joseph Rivers is a Junior at Morehead State University in the Honors Program majoring in Music Education with an emphasis in Voice and teaches music at the Haldeman After School Program.
Imagined Possibilities for the Region's Children: Community After School Programs
Smith Hall 335
The Haldeman After School Program in Rowan County, Kentucky is a collaborative effort by community and university volunteers to offer enrichment activities for local elementary school children in a safe, child-centered environment close to home. Participating children enjoy physical recreation, nutritious snacks, planned learning activities, tutoring, and help with their homework. Special offerings include theatre, art, and music. Though the Haldeman community has a rich heritage, in recent years it has faced many of the same “known realities” that have plagued other former company towns in the region—poor employment prospects, lack of basic services, substance abuse, and struggles to access job training and relevant education. This panel, comprised of volunteers who staff the program (including a local senior who coordinates the program, a public school educator, and university students) will discuss the benefits and challenges of meeting the needs of Haldeman’s young residents and invite sharing and open dialogue about effective strategies and “imagined possibilities” for enhancing the lives of children facing similar issues in underserved areas across the region.
