Many children are struggling both academically and socially after more than two years of disruption because of the pandemic. Online learning and social isolation have taken their toll on many families. During the pandemic, a local organization called Friendly House started their free Complete Student Support (CSS) Program to support students moving to online learning.
The program has now shifted to help kids with their unique needs. Some might need tutoring or help getting their homework done. Some might be looking for a mentor to help nurture their passion for music or drawing. And some might just need a friend to talk to about their day or play some games.
“The meetings help her pronounce tough words she never knew before and become an independent reader, but not only that, she loves to read for fun, which is most important to me,” one parent said of their child’s experience.
The program serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Friendly House works with kids and their families to figure out the right support for them. Mentor and student pairs are assigned with great care based on their personalities, the needs of the kid, and the skills of the mentor. Staff also get to know students’ families and can connect them to transportation, food, mental health, and housing and utility assistance to build more support for students at home.
Friendly House’s CSS program is free for everyone and is completely funded by grants from organizations like Metro and the Herbert A. Templeton Foundation.
