Safe and Nurturing

New After School Program in Tucson Helping Low-income Families

By Adrienne Campbell, Public Affairs Specialist, LSS-SW

Abounding Grace Lutheran Church has long expressed a desire to be the site for any Lutheran Social Services (LSS-SW) program that would help the surrounding community. In 2007, ground work began to start an LSS-SW After School Program for Instruction and Recreational Education (ASPIRE) at this location. A Wheatridge Grant made starting ASPIRE in Tucson possible.

"We want to create a safe and nurturing environment," explained Susie Elliott, of LSS-SW. "The community has expressed a great need for this program. It will help low-income families ensure their students have good supervision while parents are at work. Our goal for their students is to foster the love of education and to learn how to make good choices."

Abounding Grace Pastor Keith Hardy's character and energy is making everyone's experience at ASPIRE richer and down right fun. His congregation of 120 members, mostly senior citizens and a few families is also very involved in social ministry. They support Habitat for Humanity; the ladies make quilts for people in crisis; they run their own food pantry for the needy; and their hospitality program feeds and houses homeless people at the church.

Likewise, the pastor and congregation have been very supportive of ASPIRE, and the LSS-SW staff are most grateful. Two church volunteers--Jim Hogan and Glenn Hitz---have been so helpful. Jim was at ASPIRE every single day the first week it open in early March. Jim is a master at finding spare moments to teach new English words to two Somalian boys, who arrived in Tucson as refugees. Glenn Hitz, a retired civil-engineer, tutors small groups in math concepts.

This spring the program had 20 fourth and fifth graders from two area elementary schools. Eventually as the program matures, it will include middle school students. ASPIRE provides students with healthful snacks, help with homework, tutoring designed to meet student needs, organized recreational play, crafts, and a small amount of free time.

The children's ethnic backgrounds and abilities are varied. Whether they have learning disabilities or have been identified as gifted or talented, everyone fits in, gets their homework done, is eager to be tutored, and joins in the fun.

While there is a strong focus on academics, the last day of the week is Fun Day. One Friday, Pastor Keith sang and played his electric guitar while the kids sang and played rhythm instruments. Before Easter, ASPIRE invited parents, brothers and sisters, and the congregation to decorate Easter eggs. The people from Abounding Grace joined in and helped the children. As the staff described it, everyone was laughing and visiting like long-time friends.

Susie is pleased about the level of community support. Trinity Baptist Church is lending LSS-SW a van, so when school is out around 2 pm; LSS-SW-staff can pick up the eagerly awaiting students. Church neighbors are keeping an eye out for folks that should not be on the premises while the children are there. "Parents have been supportive too," said Susie. "They are here promptly by 6 pm to pick up their children."

To honor the great success of the students, Pastor Hardy and the LSS staff hosted closing ceremonies for the students and their families. At the close of the programs' first session on May 16, 2008, the youngsters, families and staff all agreed it was a worthwhile program.

This program is offered free of charge to the students and their families. A fall session will begin September 8, 2008 and will end December 12, 2008. If you would like to donate time, resources or are just interested in more information about ASPIRE, give Susie Elliott a call at: 520-748-2300.