The Children's Museum of Manhattan is bringing educational programs to kids who live in city shelters. NY1’s Clodagh McGowan has the story.
Janet Miles says life in a homeless shelter is not an ideal situation for families like hers.
"It's hard. It's very hard on children as they get older and in school. Programs like this kind of break up the monotony of being in a shelter," she said.
She's talking about the Children's Museum of Manhattan. The nonprofit is working with the Department of Homeless Services to bring free children's programming directly to city shelters. The 10-week program includes arts and crafts and physical activities, with a big emphasis on a healthy lifestyle and diet.
Shelter Director Valerie Rock says everyone can gain some valuable information from the program.
"The program here is a great resource for not only the children but the parents and the staff as well because we also took the first class and the staff took it and we loved it," said Rock, the director of the Jamaica Family Residence.
Besides bringing free programming into the shelters, CMOM is also installing educational art exhibits. Organizers say the signage provides useful information for both parents and children.
"We wanted to reach these families, who may not have access to any of these type of materials, learning resources and ways to work with their children. And we want to empower parents," said Leslie Bushara, the Deputy Director of Education for the Children's Museum of Manhattan.
The kids leave the classes feeling empowered too.
"I enjoy it, because it's a lot of fun. And it gets me started for school," said Mark Wilson, a program participant.
CMOM also offers free museum memberships to the program participants. Miles has already taken advantage of it and can't wait to bring her kids back to the museum.
"It's a big help towards our kids. You know, that they're able to go places and do things that kids are supposed to do," said Miles.
Right now, CMOM's early childhood education and learning hub is in four shelters through the city. Organizers hope to expand the program and reach as many families as possible.