PROGRAM OVERVIEW
We believe that there are many interconnected layers of life that affect our students' ability to succeed. The positive social and academic gains affected during the middle school years are critically important. What goes on in our students' larger environment also plays an important part in their development and academic success.
In the summer of 2003 we formally established the Family Support Program to begin to connect the layers of our students' lives, building relationships to support families and strengthen the neighborhood.
The outcomes of the Family Support Program are:
1. Families have strong supports and networks.
2. Families have access to services that work for them.
3. Families and youth increase their civic participation.
4. Children are healthy and ready to succeed in school.
5. Families have increased earnings and income.
6. Families have increased levels of assets.
Building a Community of Adult Learners:
Knowledge is power, and is a key component of overcoming personal, economic and social barriers to success. We offer the following adult education classes:
Civics Education
Civic participation is a key component of healthy neighborhoods. With the help of the University of Illinois Extension program, we are able to offer citizenship classes to the community residents.
ESL
With the help of Spanish Coalition for Jobs, we have offered three different levels of ESL each week for the community residents during the fall and winter trimester. The beginner course will continue in to the spring trimester.
Community-Building Workshops
The Family Support program offers particular workshops that seek to strengthen formal and informal networks of community members, and encourage civic participation. These workshops include leadership training, developmental assets for youth, discipline procedures and pastoral guidance.
Community-Building Partnerships
The Family Support program pursues relationships with other schools, organizations and businesses seeking to improve outcomes for youth and their families. Frequently, San Miguel will host workshops offered by these organizations, or partner with these organizations to bring more resources into the neighborhood.
Active community partnerships in the Back of the Yards include: Tax Assistance Program (TAP), Precious Blood Center for Reconciliation, Neighborhood Housing Services, the Peace and Education Coalition of the Back of the Yards, Hedges Elementary School, the University of Illinois at Chicago Extension, the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, St. Michael the Archangel Church, Holy Cross/IHM Church, and St. Joseph Church.
