The Children's Activity Center is a surprisingly happy place.  Big smiles, happy laughter and hugs abound here. The Shade Tree provides children with a sense of safety, security and stability they might not have previously known. Children who have experienced homelessness, abuse, neglect, or who have witnessed their mother being abused, have a very special set of needs.

The Children's Activity Center offers specialized programming to address the multiple issues faced by children who are homeless. The children who come to us are often fearful, lack self-esteem, have limited social skills and poor developmental skills. They may have experienced disruptive schooling. Hunger, poor nutrition and even abuse or neglect.

The programs in the Children's Center address these issues and also work to promote healthy relationships between mother and child. After entering the shelter, a mother and her children meet with a qualified children's specialist who works with the parent to identify any needs the child may have. Together they establish a "Plan of Action".

Our programs promote integrity, healthy social interaction and strong self-esteem. During the evening hours we offer our "SKIT" program, Support for Kids In Transition. This program helps the children build self-esteem, relate to friends and family, learn to make good decisions, and deal honestly with substance abuse issues.

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” We believe art is one of the keys to beginning the healing process. We have designed activities such as poetry, painting, and music to specifically help hurting children process feelings about their abuse and promote feelings of empowerment and hope. Art is a safe, non-threatening communication tool. The children study the works of Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh and many others.  Through paint and paper, they create their own masterpieces.

The "Keys to Character" program is an important component of many of our activities. This program encourages the youngsters of all  ages to practice fairness, responsibility, citizenship, truthfulness, caring, and respect for others.

The Shade Tree kids even learn to give back to the community. One Saturday every month the kids go to the local James Gay Park to pick up litter and give the park a general cleaning. After their chores are finished the kids are allowed to spend some free time playing at the freshly cleaned park.

The Shade Tree has three full-time children's specialists who work with the children and their mothers on an individual basis as well as in group settings. The center is open from 8 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday and from 8 AM to 4 PM on Saturday.

We work closely with the school district to ensure all children are enrolled, transportation is available and that attendance is regular.  

At any given time 38% of the residents of The Shade Tree are children.

70% of the children are under the age of 9

and 20% have witnessed violence in the home.

Children will always be a priority at The Shade Tree!

By helping the children we are

"beginning to end" the problem of abuse and homelessness.

Page updated December 4. 2008