Teen Reach in Charleston By: Nicole Tatge

             I chose to do my volunteer hours at Teen Reach in Charleston. Teen Reach is an after-school and summer program that provides entertainment and learning opportunities to children ages 11 to 17 and enrolled in the public school system. They pick up the children from school and drive them to their facility and then back to the children’s home. The hours they operate are from 3pm – 6pm.

            Teen Reach is a great place where children can go after school for a few hours while the parents are still at work. This can be related to our class because some parents can’t afford to put their children in childcare programs. This leaves the parents leaving their children at home for a few hours till they can get home from work. Teen Reach is a place that the parents can know their children are going to be safe and not getting in to trouble.

            While I was volunteering I had a chance to talk to the other professionals. I learned about the program by those who work with these children every day. By making connections with the professionals, I also got to learn more about the children and how I could help them more. I have gained a lot just from networking with these people. It has made me want to see if we have a teen reach program in my hometown. I have also gained a better understanding for what Teen Reach really does for the town of Charleston.

            I went to Teen Reach three different times. The first time I was there we played a big group game and then I helped some children with word searches. The theme for the day was eating health. I helped the children color a food pyramid and draw what kind of food they ate that day that fits into each food group. The second time I was there I made spaghetti for them to eat for a snack and talked with the kids and played air hockey.  The third time we played a big game of BINGO and helped the children with some homework.

           After the first time at Teen Reach I wanted to go back because I had so much fun with the children there. I enjoyed seeing their faces light up when I helped them with a task or just talking with them. I learned that there is always someone that could use your help you just need to open your eyes. This assignment has let me remember that I love working with children and has opened a door for me to volunteer not only here but at other places also, when I have the time.