Halo’s youth program soars but still needs help
In just three months Halo's Junior Journey of Hope Eagle Wings Youth program has already taken off and is having success.
The room that hosts the program lay barren in January, but now is filled with games such as a skee-ball, foozeball and air hockey.
However games are just a small part of the what the Eagle Wings program does. According to program administrator Jarah Hall, providing them with life skills is also a key component.
"When you learn how to play an instrument you get lots and lots of practice, but in life you're just expected to know how to handle situations and things that pop up and we're just trying to give them the skills to cope with that," Hall said.
Monday Hall introduced them to a part of the program dedicated to overcoming life obstacles
In order to get them to buy in she came up with a creative activity for the students to do when they came in. Hall set up an obstacle course for the students to get through.
"We just took the activity and had fun and then we did a few more activities and then we sat down and talked about how these obstacles can relate to our life obstacles in our own lives," Hall said.
Some of the things the kids brought up as obstacles were fear of failing and peer pressure. However through the program Hall said, the students will learn to overcome those obstacles.
Currently the program serves teenagers and some pre-teens. Hall said they need more volunteers so they can help some of the younger children.
"Most of our children right now are under 10 years old so we're looking for volunteers not only to work with the junior journey of hope program, but to also work with our 10 and under children," Hall said.
Hall said you don't need any experience to volunteer, just a willingness to have fun and love on some kids.
If you'd like to volunteer Halo is hosting a training session Sunday March 26 at their café from 2pm – 4pm.
To be eligible to participate in the Eagle Wings program volunteers must be able to pass a background check.
