For kids with working parents or guardians, finding a safe place to spend afterschool hours can be challenging. In fact, 20% of students are alone between the hours of 3-6 PM. That’s why afterschool programs are crucial—they provide safe environments for our youth to continue to learn and grow. 

According to the Indiana Afterschool Network:

• Afterschool programs provide safe, supportive environments that help keep kids out of harm’s way after the school bell rings.

• Studies have found that afterschool programs promote academic gains and improve student engagement in learning, as well as their motivation to learn.

• Out-of-school time programs help families balance work, school, and life.

• Out-of-school time programs can help kids gain hands-on experience and learn to communicate, collaborate, and lead in order to help them prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.

The Power House Youth Center is one organization supporting students in Allen County, offering afterschool programs to 7th-12th graders in New Haven and Fort Wayne. Each day, students are bused from New Haven Junior and Senior High Schools to The Power House, where they have a safe place to spend the evening hours.

“One of the most important aspects of what we do is that we provide kids an environment where they’re surrounded by adults who care,” said Bonnie Roth.

“Many of the students we serve are hurting in some way or another. Many of them aren’t involved in sports or any kind of afterschool activity. We see many kids who aren’t sure where they fit in. At The Power House, they find not only physical safety, but also emotional safety, where they know they will be encouraged and supported.”

When students arrive at The Power House around 3:30 PM every day, they participate in a schedule that dedicates time for them to do homework, socialize, or explore a life skill. Following that day’s activities, every student is served a hot meal at 5 PM.

“Providing opportunities for students to learn life skills is a crucial part of what we do. From cooking, to sewing, to budgeting, we want students to feel like they have the tools to help them succeed,” said Bonnie. “We also provide 10-week curriculums around concepts such as goalsetting, consequences, decision-making, emotional wellness, healthy friendships/relationships, and more. We hope to help them become well-grounded, well-rounded, contributing members of their families, and the community.”

Now the Executive Director, Bonnie has been involved with The Power House since its inception in 1995, originally as a volunteer. “When I was young, I was fortunate to have caring adults who spoke to me. That caring generosity becomes a part of you, and now I get to give back, and see kids move past the walls.”

“Many of our kids walk in hurting, and walk out healing. They walk out a different person, having had those a-ha moments, with the boldness to say, ‘I’m not who everyone said I was,’ and that drives me to do this work, every day.”

We’re grateful for The Power House’s commitment to keeping our youth safe, engaged, and inspired!