Project LINK - Teen Reach

Jenna Bartello

1.            I chose to volunteer my time at an after-school program called Teen Reach. Teen Reach is located at 845 18th Street in Charleston, IL. The kids within the program are ages 9-17 years old, and are considered "at risk" children. The kids are provided snacks as well as transportation home from the program. There are many activities for the kids to do at Teen Reach, including arts and crafts, watching TV or movies, video games, basketball, using computers, or just hanging out with the other kids and volunteers. Upon arrival, the kids are first directed to do their homework. The volunteers are there to make sure anyone with homework is staying on task and completing it, as well as offering any help the kids may need with their homework. The kids are free to do any of the activities provided once they complete their homework.

2.             The service that Teen Reach provides reflected several learned concepts in FCS 4840. First off, the coordinator of the program was the person to inform me that all of the kids in the program are considered “at risk.” I was not told what any of the risk factors were, but from what I have learned in class I can assume some possible risks include: being victims of abuse, living with a disability, belonging to a minority group, living in poverty, etc. Teen Reach provides a safe and helpful environment for these kids. At Teen Reach the kids are encouraged to put their schoolwork above all else, which is encouragement they may not be getting at home or from anyone else. Teen Reach also provides small daily snacks, which can go a long way for a child if they are not getting enough food when they get home at the end of the day. Throughout many of my FCS courses, I have learned the important of support systems in a person’s life. Throughout my time volunteering, it was very obvious that the staff members and other volunteers cared deeply for the kids. I was glad to realize that if any of the kids within the program didn’t have a good support system at home or outside of the program, that they at least did from the adults in Teen Reach.

3.             As soon as I walked into the doors at Teen Reach I was able to network with the coordinator/director (or “guy in charge,” not sure about his technical title), Mr. Porter. Mr. Porter and I discussed my major in school and he was able to share information with me about the many family service facilities in the Charleston area. Teen Reach shares a building with the Illinois Coalition for Community Services (ICCS) and Mr. Porter also explained to me a lot of things that the ICCS does for children and families. From this networking experience I feel like I have a better understanding about the many ways that agencies operate and serve people. I plan to continue to volunteer my time at Teen Reach, and so I feel that as I build a better relationship with Mr. Porter, he will become a great reference on a resume and a great professional mentor as well.

4.             Teen Reach can and does have a positive influence on the Charleston community. Many of the kids in the program had never before been eligible to join a sports team or other extracurricular activities at their schools due to low grades. Mr. Porter informed me that because of their time at Teen Reach and focus on schoolwork, many of the kids have improved and been able to participate in other activities. Teen Reach also provides an overall safe and supervised environment for kids during after school hours. From what I’ve learned in classes, adolescents are more likely to get in trouble and commit crimes during after school hours when left unsupervised. This program has a positive effect on the community because it keeps these kids out of trouble, while also improving their grades, providing food, providing transportation home, and providing support from adults they may see as mentors and supporters.

5.            I was very pleased with my volunteer time at Teen Reach. Most of the kids were happy to see any volunteers there. Upon my very first arrival and before even walking into the building, a 10-year-old boy was begging me to play basketball with him. I right away felt like whatever I was going to spend my time doing at Teen Reach would matter to the kids there. Another 14-year-old girl kept telling me how nice I was. I was so warmed by this because I was simply just sitting with her and coloring. I really felt like if these kids had more volunteers around in the program that it would benefit them even more. I also did not initially realize the kind of impact such a simple after-school program could have on kids. There were a few unpleasant experiences with certain kids while volunteering. Especially at this age, not every teen is going to want to interact with an adult, let alone someone they just met. Not every kid was friendly and open to me, but I did not take it personally. Since the kids in the program are “at risk,” I figured they might not be the most trusting of anyone who comes into their lives. In summary, I overall had a good experience at Teen Reach. Through just 5 hours of service I feel remembered by some of the kids, and I am definitely planning to volunteer on a weekly basis and continue to make connections with everyone in the program.