What We Do: Client Stories
After-school superstars shine brightly
Merced's multi-family properties are home to several brilliant children who, like 11-year-old Kahlil, rush to our community centers every day to participate in the After-School Program.
Kahlil has participated in the program at Artisan at Salado Creek Apartments in San Antonio consistently since 2004. When asked why he chooses to attend the program he says the answer is simple. “It’s a lot of fun!”
The After-School Program engages children in activities that reinforce what they are learning in school and allows them to work on homework and receive tutoring. This kind of tutoring has helped Kahlil earn all A’s said Janice Hardeman, former resident services coordinator. “I have been doing really well on my tests,” said Kahlil joyfully.
Kahlil is not the only child who rushes to the community center after school. Eight-year-old Pauline and 10-year-old Jackie have made the community center at Avion Place Apartments their second home. The inseparable pair of friends are active participants in the after-school program and are also involved in the Girl Scouts.
Of all the activities available at Avion Place Apartments, Pauline said that the After School Program is her favorite. “We get to do activities about science. We learned about volcanoes and how they erupt.”
Jackie, who consistently makes the honor roll at school, said she is glad to get extra tutoring. "It helps me when I don’t understand."
The resident services coordinators at each apartment community devote a great deal of time to helping children improve their academic skills. “Many children come in after school 
and immediately start working on their homework,” said Mia Morris, former resident services coordinator at Artisan at Willow Springs Apartments. “When children struggle with their assignments, we work with them until they feel more confident about the work that they are doing.”