Talking with children about homelessness can be a challenging topic. Yet, it is something we know they are learning about, whether through their own observations, their parents, or in other ways.
This—and the fact that St. John’s receives requests for student visits to the shelter every season—prompted a volunteer initiative this past fall which resulted in the development of an education program.
Before development began, we consulted a number of experienced teachers to assure sensitivity and age-appropriateness, as well as relevance to teachers’ curriculum objectives.
Visits will occur between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when shelter guests are not present. Experienced staff and volunteers will lead tours using a planned route through the shelter, select props that drive home key points, and use a script to help them touch on supporting facts.
The visit is intended to answer these questions:
*What is a homeless shelter?
*What causes homelessness?
*What is life like at a homeless shelter?
*How does the shelter help people?
The focus with students will always be a positive one. Our goal is to help children understand the struggles of homelessness and to realize that help is available.
As development continues, there will be a program version for the classroom and additional classroom materials for expanded discussion after a shelter visit.
Visits will occur on the last Wednesday of each month, on a first come-first served basis. Dates are Jan. 25, Feb. 29, Mar 28, and Apr. 25.
Interested teachers should contact the shelter at (920) 436-9344 at least two weeks before the visit.
