NEW DIRECTION COMMUNITY HOPE

(a subsidiary of Path of Life Church)

 

 

 

PURPOSE

 

 

NEW DIRECTION is a subsidiary of Path of Life Church, a Illinois non-profit corporation with a 501 (c)(3) status located at 2200 Camp Jackson Rd Cahokia, IL.  Path of Life Church is community oriented and seeks the well being of its citizens by offering a program that gives alternatives to the negative forces that have impacted the lives of many.  We invite the citizens of the community to come together and form various committees that will spearhead positive leadership and implement the program to give direction to the needs of the citizens of the community, as well as, addressing and nurturing their spiritual, mental and physical needs. 

 

NEW DIRECTION is a grass-roots Community Service Endeavor to provide a program for Cahokia’s families of low income.  Its primary mission is to serve as a community service and outreach organization with special emphasis on youth and family programs that will assist in the enhancement of their quality of life * mentally, physically, and spiritually.  Thereby, families with children in the Cahokia area will improve their quality of life in their community.  We do this by focusing on programs and activities which encourage parents, children, and community members to come together to develop caring and respectful relations, positive and responsible attitudes, and productive skills. 

 

The long term goal of NEW DIRECTION is simple, yet fills a critical need of the people served: to empower residents to take responsibility for their quality of community life, and to promote the well-being of children, parents, families and community members.

 

NEW DIRECTION will focus on the development of the whole child.  In order to do this, we look at the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social needs of each child.  We believe that children learn with a variety of activities that will allow for success and encourage advancement in all areas.

 

NEW DIRECTION provides opportunities for the youth of the Cahokia, especially the most troublesome and ridden areas of the city and surrounding communities to participate in a variety of challenging educational and learning activities designed to enhance individual learning skills, build self-respect and self esteem, and promote an awareness and understanding of good citizenship.  

 

 

ENDEAVOR

 

 

Our endeavor is to give new direction to Cahokia, IL a city that has been belabored with crime, is drug infested, and a has a high rate of high school drop-outs.  Our program is a grass-roots community service program for families of low income.  Its primary mission is to serve as a community service and outreach program with special emphasis on youth and family programs that will assist in the enhancement of their quality of life – mentally, physically, and spiritually.  Thereby, families with children will improve their quality of life in their community.  We do this by focusing on programs and activities which encourage parents, children, and community members to come together to develop caring and respectful relations, positive and responsible attitudes, and productive skills. 

 

We will provide opportunities for the youth of the community and possibly surrounding communities to participate in a variety of challenging educational and learning activities designed to enhance individual learning skills, build self-respect and self esteem, and promote an awareness and understanding of good citizenship. 

 

There is a need to stimulate, motivate and activate the people in the Cahokia community into action.  We will do this by calling a community meeting so the residents can talk about their concerns for their community. Sometimes people want to be a part of good things going on around them but just don’t know how to self-advocate.  It is always good to allow people to be a part of what one is trying to do for them. Even those considered to be radical and uncooperative will respond differently when they don’t feel threatened and are given a chance to funnel their radical energy in a positive direction.  Often, leadership is inherent in people; all they need is for somebody to affirm it in them and build their self-esteem. They can then channel their God-given energy towards a positive display of their leadership ability. People react negatively when they lack self-esteem. Our goal is to use the people of the community to bring self-esteem and recognition to their community.

 

 

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (SEP) 

 

 

Pastor Katie L. Dargan, Director of New Direction Community Hope a subsidiary of Path of Life Church will announce the dates, location and fee schedule each year until the Program has obtained a permanent site.

 

At present, the SEP  program will be held at Maplewood Elementary School 600 Jerome Lane in Cahokia, Illinois.  Hours of operation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, June through July (dates will be announced ).  each year, unless otherwise indicated.   Parents/Guardian can register children on (date and time will be announced).  Please call 618-416-9136 if you have any questions.

 

The Summer Enrichment Program provides opportunities for the youth of Cahokia and surrounding area to participate in field trips, swimming, and a variety of challenging educational and learning activities designed to enhance individual learning skills, build self esteem, and promote an awareness and understanding of good citizenship.  The program is open to all young people between the ages of five and fourteen.  Additional ages will be accepted as manpower and age appropriate activities are available.  VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME!!!

 

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

DRUG FREE ENVIRONMENT

 

PHILOSOPHY:  Our Program focuses on the development of the whole child.  In order to do this, we look at the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social needs of each child.  We believe that children learn with a variety of activities that will allow for success and encouragement in all areas.

 

I.    PURPOSE:  Our purpose is to serve and meet the youth in the community.  Therefore, our goal is to provide a positive environment   where the youth can learn and acquire skills in various academic areas, socialization, recreation, physical, educational, understanding cultural diversity, and the appreciation of arts.

II.  OPEN DOOR POLICY:  Parents are welcome to come to the centerat any time during program hours.  Parents should feel free to come and spend lunch or other time with child, as well as, volunteer time is most appreciated.

III.  NON DISCRIMINATION:  The center does not discriminate against any race, creed, religion, and/or sex.  This applies to volunteers and participants in our program.

IV.  REQUIREMENTS:  In order for your child to participate in our program he/she must be five years of age or older.

V.  REGISTRATION:  Each child must be registered with the program in order to attend the summer program.

VI.  HOURS AND DATES:  The summer enrichment program program begin June 9 through  July 18, 2014. The hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of some enlisted field trips.  Departure may be at an earlier time and parents will know ahead of field trip day.

VII.  FIELD TRIPS / PERMISSION SLIP:  The center will be attending field trips such as Cahokia, St. Louis, Edwardsville and Alton.  Parents/Guardians will be notified of the field trips in advance.  Parents are asked to sign a permission slip in order for the child to go.

VIII.  DROP OFF / PICK UP:  Parents/Legal Guardian are required to sign in each child upon arrival with the registrant and to sign out the child/youth upon departure.  If someone other than the parent/legal guardian is to pick up the child, the parent/legal gaurdian must sign their legal name on the application at the time of registration.  If an individual other than the parent/legal guardian is to pick up the child, that person must show a picture ID with legal name that appears on registration form at the time of pickup.   

IX.  GENERAL RULES:

No weapons or look alike weapons are permitted in or around the center

No alcohol beverages are permitted in the center

No smoking or smokeless tobacco is permitted in the center

No gum is permitted in the center

Food and drink not permitted

No loud / abusive language will be allowed

No fighting will be allowed

No loitering will be allowed inside / outside the center

Place all trash in receptacles and keep our center clean

Center telephone cannot be used for personal calls.  Cell phones cannot be used in the center.  In case of an emergency, a staff member will dial local numbers only.

Only participants directly involved in the center's activity will be allowed to remain the center

This center is not a child care facility.  Children under five are the direct responsibility of the parent or guardian and must not be left unattended.

X.  ILLINESSES / MEDICATION:  In order to protect the welfare of others, parents, are asked to keep their children home if the following symptoms are present.

       *Fever of 10 degrees F                                   *Skin rash

       *Difficut breathing                                          *Reddened eyes

       *Severe coughing                                            *Lice Infection                                         

       *Pain                                                                    *Diarrhea

       *Vomiting                                                           *Headaches 

XI.  MEALS / SNACKS:  The center will offer morning snacks/or Breakfast from 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m and will offer a nutritious lunch as well, a afternoon snack.

XII.  FIRE DRILLS:  The center will hold fire drills each month.  The children will be taught safety procedures

XIII.  INJURIES / EMERGENCIES:  In case of an injury, a staff member will complete an accident report and a copy will be given inform the parent o f injury.  I there is a serious emergency, 911 and a parent will be notified.  The child/youth will be transported to the nearest hospital (Tochette Hospital in Centreville).  I we cannot contact the parent/guardian, we will contact the person you have indicated on the enrollment form to make medical emergency decision.  You signed emergency medical release will assist us in getting prompt medical attention.

XIV.  WAIVER OF LIABILITY:  The parent/ legal guardian will be asked to sign a waiver, stating that the center will not be liable for any accidents.

XV.  TOYS/CLOTHES/PERSONAL BELONGINGS:  These items are not to be brought to the center.  If the child brings these items without permission, the center will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

 

 

 Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct

Purpose of Volunteer Policies

 

 

These policies are written to provide overall guidance and direction to staff and volunteers engaged in volunteer involvement and management efforts. These policies do not constitute, either implicitly or explicitly, a binding contractual or personnel agreement. Our agency reserves the exclusive right to change any of these policies at any time and to expect adherence to the changed policy. Changes to or exceptions from these policies may only be granted by the Program Director, and must be obtained in advance and in writing. Areas not specifically covered by these policies shall be determined by the Program Director.

 

Definition of 'Volunteer'

A "volunteer" is anyone who, without compensation or expectation of compensation beyond reimbursement, performs a task at the direction of and on behalf of the agency.  A "volunteer" must be officially accepted and enrolled by the agency prior to performance of the task. Unless specifically stated, volunteers shall not be considered as "employees" of the agency.

 

"Mandatory" Service

Our agency also accepts as volunteers those participating in student community service activities, student intern projects, alternative sentencing or diversion programs, corporate volunteer programs, and other volunteer referral programs. In each of these cases, however, a written agreement must be in effect with the organization, school, or program from whom the special case volunteers originate and this agreement must identify responsibility for management and care of the volunteers. This agreement must be reached in writing before the volunteer begins assignment, and it is the responsibility of the volunteer to secure this agreement with the appropriate organization.  The Project Director is happy to speak with supervisors by phone to explain our program and answer any questions.

 

Volunteers Under 18

If you are under 18, at least one of your parents/guardian must know you are going to volunteer with this organization.  We strongly suggest that you give your parent/guardian the DRUG FREE ENVIRONMENT Rules and Regulations so they can read through the materials themselves.  Your parents are invited to call or e-mail the Program Director, Pastor Katie L. Dargan, with any questions or comments about our program.

 

Service at the Discretion of the Agency

Our agency accepts the service of all volunteers with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of the agency. Volunteers agree that the agency may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer's relationship with the agency. 

The volunteer may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to sever the volunteer's relationship with the agency. Notice of such a decision should be communicated as soon as possible to the Program Director.

 

Representing the Summer Enrichment Program

Volunteers are asked to not contact organizations or individuals on behalf of the Summer Enrichment Program unless they are given express written directions to do so by the Program Director 

 

Confidentiality

Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this information involves a single staff, volunteer, client, or other person or involves overall agency business. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in termination of the volunteer's relationship with the agency or other corrective action.

Screening/Reference Checks

 

Volunteers must submit samples of work and 2 professional references. 

 

Contacting Other Volunteers

Occassionally, volunteers will need to contact other volunteers with regard to their activities with the Summer Enrichment Program. We expect all such communications among volunteers to follow general netiquette guidelines. The Program Directorr will not share contact information about a volunteer with another volunteer without the express consent of all parties involved. We encourage volunteers to use common sense when communicating with other volunteers.  We suggest your following this rule: don't reveal anything about yourself to someone that you would not feel comfortable revealing to a stranger you met on the street.

 

Inappropriate Communications

If at any point you receive any communication that you feel is inappropriate, for any reason, and you believe you have received it in conjunction with your involvement with the Summer Enrichment Program, please share details about the communication to the Program Director and/or Designee.

 

Volunteer's Inappropriate Communications toward Program Participant

If at any point a program participant receive any communication that they feel is inappropriate, for any reason, and they believe they have received it in conjunction with your involvement as a volunteer with the Summer Enrichment Program, all details about the communication to the Program Director and/or Designee will be addressed with you and at the mouth of two or thiree witness the facts shall be established and if found guilty, you will be dismissed from the Summer Enrichment Program.  Any sexual related communications toward any participant will be reported to the proper authorities. 

 

Confidential Information

The safety of our volunteers is important to us. To that end, the Summer Enrichment Program will not release a volunteer's phone number, age or other personal information to anyone outside of our organization or to other volunteers without that volunteer's written permission to do so. 

 

Ending Your Volunteer Role

You can cease volunteering with the Summer Enrichment Program upon the completion of any volunteer assignment, or when you are not currently engaged in an assignment.  A written notice stating your intent to cease volunteering should be submitted to the Program Director and/or Designee.  

 

Dismissal of a Volunteer

Volunteers who do not adhere to the rules and procedures of the agency or who fail to satisfactorily perform their volunteer assignment are subject to dismissal. No volunteer will be terminated until the volunteer has had an opportunity to discuss the reasons for possible dismissal with Program Director and/or Designee. Possible grounds for dismissal may include, but are not limited to, the following: gross misconduct or insubordination, theft of property or misuse of agency materials, abuse or mistreatment of clients, staff or other volunteers, failure to abide by agency policies and procedures, and failure to satisfactorily perform assigned duties.

 

I agree with the Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct     Yes ____

 

Volunteer's Signiture ___________________________________     Date_____________