DORRIS DANN KIDS CAMPUS
Working with our communities' children began when we first opened our doors . . .
By simply reading stories to the children who accompanied their parents to our Food Pantry, we learned about their needs and the lack of resources available to meet these needs. Growing up in an impoverished community compounds the stress and challenges of overcoming barriers to well-being: gangs, drugs, blight, racism, food deserts, inequality and increased crime rates, to name just a few.
In 1989, to meet the needs of our community’s children, we established our Youth Development Programs. Enrichment opportunities were created and expanded to optimize each child’s academic experience. In 2006, generous grants and donations enabled the construction of the 18,000 square foot Kids Campus Youth Center. Named after late and beloved Executive Director, the Dorris Dann Kids Campus includes a middle school-sized gymnasium, 1,340 square foot tutoring and performing arena, computer lab, art studio and six classrooms. Kids Campus’ goal is to encourage and prepare youth to succeed by reinforcing their development in academics while also encouraging social and emotional learning through enrichment in arts, athletics, health and wellness, and community responsibility. Today, programming includes After-School Expanded Learning, Summer Expanded Learning, and Soccer for Success.