|
 Among
United Way's many supported services,
Fun in the Sun has become a
community hallmark, positively
influencing the lives of nearly 1,000
children and families annually.
Young children living in Santa Barbara's
low income neighborhoods are being
threatened with isolation, gang
violence, drug abuse, and other risky
personal and social behaviors. In
addition, the lack of structured
activities and adult guidance over the
summer months leads to a dramatic
learning loss, which triggers a downward
spiral effect on their academic
achievement during the school year.
To combat this ongoing problem, thirteen
years ago United Way launched Fun in the
Sun, a highly specialized summer
enrichment program for these at-risk
children. The program has expanded and
grown over the past decade, and we were
able to serve over 360 children and
teens at four locations from Carpinteria
to Goleta this past summer.
Fun in the Sun takes kids off the
streets and puts them in a safe and
supportive environment where their
potential can grow. In a seven-week
session, at-risk youth ages 5-16
participate in a variety of indoor and
outdoor activities creatively focused on
engaging minds that would otherwise
languish over the summer months. The
goals are to build positive self-esteem
and behavior choices, provide quality
educational enrichment with an emphasis
in reading achievement, and involve
parents and the community in the
children’s activities.
The children who attend Fun in the Sun
are from the neediest families in the
Santa Barbara community. Thanks to our
partners and generous United Way donors,
the Fun in the Sun program is free to
participants. These children need Fun in
the Sun in order to maintain academic
skills over the summer, enrich and
extend their educational experiences,
and increase their chances of success in
school and in life.
Nearly 60 public and private
organizations partner with us each
summer to present a research-based,
educationally diverse program that is
the most comprehensive our community has
ever known.
Fun in the Sun is an important resource
for the children and families who
participate. The program catches
students before they fall behind during
the long summer months, allowing them to
return to school with sustained skills,
an expanded base of educational
opportunities, and a stronger foundation
of social and emotional support. |
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