Kids in need and professional educators are being given the opportunity to succeed in the newly renovated Resource Center!

A full and proper education is what children require to reach their fullest potential in life, yet many children in need do not get a quality education where they can learn, develop and challenge their capabilities. Fortunately, inside the newly renovated Resource Center at the children’s home, education is a main priority.

For most children new to the children’s home, moving from home to home was detrimental, causing them to lose self-confidence, trust in others and academic capabilities. When these children are assessed at the Resource Center, they are usually at least a year behind in learning. Thankfully, donors and staff work together to offer a brighter academic future for each child, one they’ve never dared to dream of. Each child attends public school, then gets the extra assistance they need inside the Resource Center on campus, where four tutors work with children individually.

One of those tutors is Pat Hendershot, who has worked with middle school-aged children at the children’s home for more than 20 years.

“We train their brains, give them tools, teach them the best ways to learn and expose them to experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have,” Pat says. “The children’s home and its donors meet each child’s physical and emotional needs, which frees them to be able to rise above their situation and a make a success of themselves academically.”

Pat and other trained tutors engage their students through effective teaching practices, like communicating with children in ways they learn best. Whether a child is a visual, verbal, social or solitary learner, he or she has an equal opportunity to succeed. Most importantly, the Resource Center provides a conducive environment for learning, which many children never got at home.

“The Resource Center is separate from their living situation, so when they come here, they get into an academic frame of mind,” Pat said. “We instill good habits in them by giving them one place to come at the same time every day and with the same tutor for at least a year.”

Pat has gotten close to many of her students, including Cassie, an energetic 8th grader.

“When Cassie came here as a little girl, she was very behind on learning even though she was only 6,” Pat recalls. “It’s been a joy watching her grow into a capable young woman. She has dreams, and our job is to help her accomplish those dreams and to be a support system for her.”

Cassie has always been a visual learner, and looks forward to meeting with Pat daily to review homework and work on challenging lessons.

“She’s always there for me,” Cassie said. “Whenever I’m stuck, she knows how to help me. Mrs. Hendershot used to help me write everything. Now, I do it on my own and she looks at it. She’s really nice and a good person to look up to.”

“When Cassie and the other kids get an ‘A’ on something, they come running in with a smile,” Pat says. “Every time that happens, it strengthens them. I feel lucky to be able to work with kids who have so much enthusiasm, and I have a dream they will become better people by overcoming their experiences.”

Outside of the Resource Center, the children’s home introduces kids to the power of expression through sports, music lessons, art classes and more – to help them heal, learn and do better in school.

“These kids have potential that they haven’t yet been able to develop,” Pat says. “I think it’s amazing that people financially support them and give them the opportunity to flourish. I can only do what I do with support from donors.”

Step inside the newly renovated Resource Center! Watch as Pat explains the importance of childhood education and how staff and donors are making an impact.