Samaritan House Family Services Program
Samaritan House Family Services Program
Welcome to the family services program website at the Samaritan House. The family program was implemented to better support the needs of the homeless youth and parents living at our shelter. We have established a regular schedule of activities for parents and children that are educational and enjoyable. To learn more about the family services program including, volunteer opportunities, and a list of everyday needs please continue to scroll down the page. If you would like to contact someone in person, please call Lyric Raub at 303-996-6064.
Family Services Program: Schedule of Activities
The children’s playroom is open Monday through Friday. Monday through Wednesday, the playroom is open from 5:45pm-8:15pm (can volunteer from 5:45pm-7pm or 7pm to 8:15 if time is limited). Thursday and Friday, the playroom is open from 6:45pm-8:15pm. The playroom is open to all ages, with most children being age infant to 12 years old. During Playroom, the children usually play with toys, create artwork, play board games, or participate in special events.
During the school year, the children are able to participate in Homework Club, where they can get assistance with their homework at the end of the day. Hours vary, and can be adjusted to the schedules of volunteers, with most assistance offered between 7pm-8pm. Homework Helpers usually take school-aged children with homework first. However, if no one has homework then the Homework Helpers can work with children that might need some extra help in a specific subject.
On Thursday evenings, staff offer a group to children age 4-12 called Kids Connection. This group focuses on supporting homeless children through times of crisis by focusing on communication, expression of feelings, and self esteem. This group is held from 7pm-8pm.
Every Sunday evening from 7pm-8pm we offer Children’s Bible Study. This is a chance for the children at the Samaritan House to learn about Jesus or to enhance their knowledge of the word of God. During this time the children will sing songs, watch veggie tales, and other fun activities.
The family computer lab has 6 computers. These computers can be used to play educational games or to write up homework assignments, for children, or for housing and job search for adults. Computers lab times vary from 6pm- 8pm, Monday through Friday.
We offer many supportive activities for parents, including a Parent Support Group, Relaxation Skills Class, and Community Meetings. Families are also offered interactive groups to give parents and children an opportunity to more effectively interact and communicate. The Hear to Hear Group and Activity Group are both opportunities for families to interact in a positive way. We are also able to offer occasional Craft Groups for the children.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Without the support of regular volunteers the family services program would not be possible. Volunteering your time is a wonderful way to give back to the community. Listed below are descriptions of volunteer opportunities within the children’s program.
- Playroom Volunteer: Playroom is a time for the children of Samaritan House to have free play( play board games, create artwork, build with building blocks, play dress up, read, and other various activities. Playroom volunteers are there to play with the children. The children’s playroom is open Monday through Friday. Monday through Wednesday, the playroom is open from 5:45pm-8:15pm (can volunteer from 5:45pm-7pm or 7pm to 8:15 if time is limited). Thursday and Friday, the playroom is open from 6:45pm-8:15pm.
- Homework Helper: Volunteers help school aged children with their homework or offer tutoring in specific areas that are problematic. Hours are flexible, and in the evenings.
- Family Computer Lab Monitor: Volunteers are needed to monitor the computer lab while it is open for parents and children. This time can also be used to teach the families about the computer and how it works, or how to play available educational computer games. Computers lab times vary from 6pm- 8pm, Monday through Friday. Hours are flexible.
- Children’s Bible Study Teacher: Children’s Bible Study if offered every Sunday from 7pm- 8:10pm. Volunteers are needed to help teach the children about the life of Jesus.
- Other Opportunities: If you are interested in getting involved in any other activities described above, or are interested in developing and leading a craft group for the children, please feel free to contact us with your ideas.
In order to maintain the consistency of this program, volunteers are required to make a 6 month commitment. If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities or have specific questions please call Lyric Raub at 303-996-6064.
Plese DONATE for the Every Day Basic Needs For The Children
- Diapers- especially larger sizes and pull-ups
- Wipes
- Baby Bottles
- Teething Rings
- Rattles
- Car Seats
- Strollers
- Infant clothes
- Pacifiers
- Baby food
- Clothing items for the older kids ( socks, underwear, pants, shirts, coats, shoes, mittens, hats (all sizes)
- Grocery Certificates
- Gift Certificates for families and activities ( Target, Wal-mart, K-mart, Hobby Lobby, McDonalds, Burger King, Movie, Blockbuster, Music Stores, ect.)
- Educational games and toys