The purpose of Saturday Sessions is to create an atmosphere where mothers who are involved with The PROGRAM – “It’s About Change” can spend quality time together and have positive interaction with their children on a Saturday with encouragement and support from staff and/or community volunteers.

The PROGRAM – “It’s About Change” wants each mother to realize the importance and value of education and to recognize the need for their children to become better academic students.  Mothers are encouraged to take an active role in their child’s life both at home and school regardless of the circumstances of her incarceration.

Programing/Services

The six (06) Saturday Sessions are as follows:

1. •Session 1 – Intake/Orientation
   

2. •Session 2 – Cultural Educational Activity
   

3. •Session 3 – School Visit
   

4. •Session 4 – Library
   

5. •Session 5 – Free Choice Activity
   

6. •Session 6 – Graduation Lunch or Dinner
   

Each session lasts between two and three hours.  Participants are encouraged to attend cultural events, obtain a library card, read to their children, volunteer at their child’s school, and spend “fun time” together.  At the conclusion, parents and children receive a certificate of recognition at a graduation ceremony.

Eligibility

Any agency client with children is eligible to participate in Saturday Sessions.  Referrals from outside the agency can be made on behalf of any woman with children who has been involved in the criminal justice system and/or has had a substance abuse is eligible. 

Contact Information

Located at:

1515 Derry Street
Harrisburg, PA  17104
(717) 238-9950
Fax: (717) 236-3585

Hours:

Scheduled Saturdays and/or other weekdays depending on the activity

For more information contact Ms. Tammy Johnson, Children’s Program Director at (717) 985-6440 or email tjohnson@theprograminc.org

Click here to download the one page handout about Saturday Sessions.