“The staff teaches them [children] how to do their homework, how to be  responsible and respectful, and help them to do positive things.”
- After School Parent

Christopher House creates a positive environment for young people and instills in them the values, skills, and beliefs they need to fully engage in the world around them. We use the 40 developmental assets which are designed to help youth believe in their own self-worth and value.

Christopher House surrounds kids with people who appreciate and accept them. We provide opportunities outside of school to learn, develop interests, and foster relationships with their peers. Christopher House staff and hundreds of volunteers:

• Promote academic success and a desire to excel by providing elementary and high school students with one-on-one tutoring.
• Provide young people a safe and structured educational environment.
• Set high expectations for success and provide the support and guidance needed for youth to reach their goals.
• Enable community parents to work full-time knowing their children are safe.

To find out more about what's happening in our Youth Programs over the summer, click here! 

Students who have gone through our Youth Leadership Program say that Christopher House helps them:

“Take and stay on the right path.”
“Improve my work and become who I want to be.”
“Bring up my grades.”
“Prepare me for the future.”

These types of programs are so important because:

“The after school hours are the peak time for juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and sex.”
 (Bureau, Urban Institute Estimate, 2000) Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, 2002)

“Teens who do not participate in after school programs are nearly three times more likely to skip classes or use marijuana or other drugs; they are also more likely to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and engage in sexual activity.”
 (YMCA of the USA, March 2001)