Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. – Youths at the National CORE’s Villaggio on Route 66 and Rancho Verde Village apartment communities are building balloon-driven cars, making ice cream, learning to tie-dye, playing math games and tackling art challenges through a seven-week summer afternoon enrichment program funded by the Inland Empire Community Foundation.
The weekday program, part of the Hope through Housing Foundation’s Building Bright Futures initiative, aims to combat summer learning loss, bolster social-emotional learning and provide children with a fun, safe and academically dynamic program in June and July.
Inland Empire Community Foundation donated $50,000 for the summer learning program.
“We are deeply indebted to the Inland Empire Community Foundation for their extraordinary gift,” Hope through Housing President Gregory Bradbard said. “Summer learning loss is a challenge faced by all students, but it is an even more significant barrier to success for children in low-income communities. With this simple program, we are transforming lives across our community.”
Hope through Housing’s mission is to help break the cycle of generational poverty. Utilizing onsite community centers and long-standing relationships with residents living within National CORE affordable apartment communities, it can deliver resources and support right where residents live. Hope through Housing offers services to more than 8,000 households and 24,000 residents.
Building Bright Futures also provides teen clubs and after-school program for elementary to middle school students, providing a safe environment and daily support within 30 community centers. Each day, students receive homework help, a nutritious snack and exercise, positive role modeling, and other enrichment activities including STEM, the arts, character development, and college/career readiness.
Hope through Housing has three additional areas of focus.
The Connections to Care program supports senior residents with mental and physical health programs, social connectedness and financial aid, as well as a host of services that include transit support, disaster preparedness and aid in obtaining benefits. The Pathways to Economic Empowerment program supports family stabilization leading to economic mobility through a mix of secure, affordable apartment homes and onsite services/supports that empower adults to overcome barriers to employment and improve their financial situation. In partnership with its housing partner, National CORE, the foundation’s Unlocking Opportunities program also provides a stable living environment for individuals and families at risk of homelessness.
Click here to support Hope through Housing’s Building Bright Futures initiative.