NESHAMINY’S  CARING KIDS

Neshaminy’s Caring Kids is a service learning program designed to raise self-esteem and success in school, improve interpersonal relationships, increase community awareness, and increase the numbers of students involved in community service by fostering interest in service.

The program provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in problem-solving, decision-making, intergenerational relationships, and group-dynamics by allowing them to participate in a much-needed community service. The Caring Kids participate in group discussions designed to stress life skills, then practice and refine these skills while working in nursing homes, extended care facilities, a day care center and preparing projects for the American Red Cross. It also includes several activities designed to increase problem-solving skills.

The Caring Kids includes primarily students from grades eight and nine. There are officers on an executive committee to help facilitate the daily program and special events. These officers head individual committees, which are open to all members.

We believe that the special recognition, life-skills, and successful personal experiences will increase the self-esteem of the members and provide life-long memories.

Students are out of school periods 2 and 3, or 6 one day every two weeks. They are responsible for any work missed during this time. When you do something to help somebody else you usually feel good about it. Most kids are not in a position yet to "give back" to their society. This is usually not their fault; they have no job, no money, no car, and no way to feel that they are contributing. This organization provides a way in which kids can contribute a valuable service to their community and develops intergenerational relationships with residents of the homes, senior citizens of the community, and children. Everything is attainable for the kids – transportation is provided with the buses so no parents have to drive; and it does not compete with after school activities. Our kids have the opportunity to do something nice for somebody else, provide a service their community, and feel good about what they are doing.