Not every child in America has the comfort of coming home from school to a parent or guardian available in the home. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 30 American children were homeless at some point last year, and did not even come from the day at school to a permanent home. (source: NBCnews.com)
After-school programs are providing a valuable service to many children across the United States who benefit from educational extensions of the school day. One organization that is doing an amazing job at this is called A Place Called Home, which is located in South Central Los Angeles.
A Place Called Home (APCH) provides after-school enrichment, safety, training, educational opportunities, counseling, and nurturing mentorship for children and teens in the South Central Los Angeles area. These opportunities are available even on the weekends and throughout the summer as well.
This incredible, non-profit youth center helps children to stay in school, provides council regarding higher education and careers, and exposes the attendees to activities that may not be available otherwise. This is not only a needed service, but it is changing lives in an incredible way.
Mercy Lab Foundation formed a partnership with APCH in 2016, which we want to continue, because we believe in the program and understand its importance to the community. One of the decisions the Foundation has made recently is to share the funding for a full-time Evaluation and Outcomes Manager position, which will further our joint collaboration.
This new position will provide essential information for APCH, which in turn help to see the impact of the decisions being made and provide important information not only for the non-profit, but for donors as well. Mercy Lab Foundation’s mission is to be able to provide a measurable impact, which this contribution directly achieves.