MISSION and RESULTS

Our mission is to provide youth in our region with educational enrichment, citizenship training, and positive recreational activities, all in a safe environment which focuses them toward positive, healthy lifestyles and leads them to become responsible, contributing adults.

Neighbors For Kids currently sponsors six key programs designed to enrich the lives of children from Newport to Lincoln City: Kids Zone, Tutoring, Music Lessons, Rowing Club, Teen Night, and The Ronald Austin Nissen Memorial Scholarship Fund. We get a lot done with the funds we receive—below is an example (this is only a partial listing of accomplishments from Jan. – Sept. of 2009):

• Kids Zone After-School Program served children for 27 weeks, providing 405 hours of positive after-school enrichment classes and activities.


• Summer Program served children for 10 weeks, providing 275 hours of summer session classes and activities.


• USDA Meal Program - 3,673 nutritious meals and 1,034 snacks were served to local children.


• 138 hours of professional academic tutoring in reading and math, showing significant improvements in student’s test scores and grades.


• 162 hours of piano lessons taught to students in grades 1-9.

Programs: KIDS ZONE

The Kids Zone is one of the most unique after-school enrichment programs in the nation. We serve kids from age 5 – 18 free of charge. Our programs include free USDA food service for all participants (light supper during the school year and snack/lunch during summer)

The Kids Zone's classes and activities are taught and supervised by caring staff and adult volunteers. Kids Zone youth learn about important subjects such as culture, conflict resolution and peace-making, environmental preservation, health and nutrition and more. Children also participate in arts and crafts projects, take music lessons, get help with homework, play games and sports. The Kids Zone often goes on learning-based field trips or takes part in community service projects.

Kids Zone provides an excellent, safe, and enriching learning environment…most of all, Kids Zone offers a respectful environment where children and adults care about each other.Adopt This Program

Programs: TUTORING

Free tutoring and academic support are two key services we provide to the children. Students are taught important skills by caring, professional educators. Tutoring primarily focuses on reading and math, after each student has received a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. Other local volunteers spend time after school tutoring middle and high school students in various subjects. Adopt This Program

Programs: MUSIC LESSONS

Free piano and voice lessons are provided to youth who are interested. Our teacher has many years' experience working with both kids and adults. It's amazing how much self confidence and self esteem is created as kids learn and master music skills. Each year we have a recital so our participants can showcase their growing skills! Adopt This Program

Programs: ROWING CLUB

The "Killer Whales" Rowing Club teaches kids the basics of small boat handling, water safety, team building, boat construction and maintenance. And, of course, it’s a great opportunity for having lots of fun in small boats and taking advantage of the close proximity of Depoe Bay Harbor. Adopt This Program

Programs: TEEN NIGHT

Every 4-6 weeks our teens in grades 7-12 gather for an evening of music, dancing, food and games. The emphasis here is on providing a place where teens can socialize with their friends and have a chance to interact with positive adult role models in a casual, laid back, safe setting. Activities are being planned to focus on future careers, life skills and college preparation. Adopt This Program

NISSEN SCHOLARSHIP

The Ronald Austin Nissen Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in June 2005 by Mary Nissen in order to provide financial aid to Depoe Bay children to continue their post-high school studies. Neighbors For Kids, with Mary’s guidance, administers this exciting offering for the youth of Depoe Bay. Adopt This Program