Description of Existing Programs and Services
Friends of Children's Upward Success in EDucation
(FOCUSED): This is an after-school instructional
program for Clark Elementary School students (currently
1st and 2nd grades), for Woodbrook Elementary School
students (currently 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades), and selected
Greer Elementary School students. The program provides
special instruction in the areas of math and reading,
SOL preparation, and general homework help. Students
are referred to the program by teachers and participate
at the parent's discretion. Instruction takes place
immediately after school in a facility in or near the
student's neighborhood, and is conducted by teachers
and teachers' assistants from the school the students
attend. The FOCUSED teachers maintain regular contact
with the students' daily schoolteacher so that they
can ensure the child is progressing properly and receiving
help in the areas where it is most needed. Urban Vision
also hosts a monthly principal's meeting for parents
to meet with the participating school's principal to
discuss various school related issues. Students are
rewarded for their participation with field trips and
special events.
Recreation Department After School Program:
This program is active in both the Friendship Court
and Park's Edge communities. It focuses upon education
and recreation. Each afternoon's activities have both
an educational and recreational component. The educational
component includes a homework period and tutors from
the University of Virginia.
GED Programs: There are currently three GED
programs running at Friendship Court: a general GED
prep program, a GED fast track program, and a GED fast
track healthcare program.
Housekeeping Workshop. Using a module from HUD,
Urban Vision works with Friendship Court's waiting list
to ensure that all future tenants reduce their risk
of eviction because of poor housekeeping skills. In
the future, it is hoped that current residents facing
eviction can take the course and remain at Friendship
Court.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): In
2006 Urban Vision provided tax preparations for fifty-nine
Charlottesville residents (most from Friendship Court)
and helped them recover, free of charge, $49,000 worth
of Earned Income Tax Credits and $94,000 dollars of
State and Federal taxes.
Individual Employment Assistance: Individual
assistance is provided when a resident is actively seeking
employment and having difficulty. Urban Vision Staff
take a personal interest by taking individuals on job
hunts, contacting potential employers and offering individual
counseling.
Employment Searches: The Virginia Initiative
for Employment not Welfare (VIEW) and the Virginia Employment
Commission (VEC) will conduct workshops and job fairs
at Friendship Court.
Computer Classes: Urban vision offers computer
classes anytime resident desires. UV staff routinely
helps residents acquire computer skills as they seek
information about on-line job searches, typing skills,
basic computer knowledge, hardware installation, etc..
Community Service Work: In collaboration with
OAR (Offender Aid and Restoration) and Juvenile Court,
Urban Vision has helped Friendship Court residents and
others fulfill their obligations of community service
ordered by the courts.
Community Awareness: Urban Vision helps residents
become more aware of their communities' issues by hosting
such events as the School Superintendent's meet and
greet, voter registration, the city's neighborhood planning
workshops, police surveys and candidate forums
Community Togetherness: To help communities
build cohesiveness and self identities, Urban Vision
sponsors events such as "Block Parties", Christmas
Parties, Easter Egg Hunts and offers services such as
conflict resolution.
Summer Youth Apprenticeship: Urban Vision, in
collaboration with the Commission on Youth and Families
and the City of Charlottesville, sponsor youths (3 in
Summer 2006) for an apprenticeship within the city.
Urban Vision provides these youths employment counseling,
transportation, job counseling, and trouble shooting.
Financial Literacy and Predatory Lending: Classes
are taught at Friendship Court by the Piedmont Housing
Alliance to enhance money management skills and to explain
how to avoid predatory lending situations.
Individual debt help: Such assistance is given
when a resident of Friendship Court is taking a serious
interest in clearing up their debt record.
Health Workshops: The Student National Medical
Association (SNMA) is a National organization with a
local chapter at The University of Virginia. Minority
medical students and alumni conduct workshops and provide
health services in primarily minority communities. SNMA
is conducting workshops at Friendship Court on issues
such as cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Sister to Sister groups: The Aids Services Group
brings together a small group of women to learn about
AIDS, STDS, substance abuse and self esteem. Participants
receive a $40.00 incentive for successful completion
of the program.
Hands on Art: Urban Vision is working with the
2nd Street Gallery to have regular art instruction available
at Friendship Court.
Summer Lunches: Urban Vision is working with
USDA to distribute free lunches to the children of Friendship
Court.
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