Q: How did you get started with the Summer Lunch Program?

A: Last year we tried it at Gold Run Apartments and it was such a hit we knew we had to bring it to Freedom Park.  Almost immediately after starting the Summer Lunch program, all the kids came and it created a great community spirit.  There is nothing like feeding children to create a sense of community.  I have been a struggling parent, myself, before, and I know that trying to get your kids fed can sometimes be just crazy.  I think the Summer Lunch Program is just such a wonderful way to give.  It is a great way for the tenants to see that we really care about them and their children.  The Freedom Park Summer Lunch Program was a huge success just within Freedom Park itself, and then when people started hearing about us, children started coming from all over North Highlands!  Most days we fed over 100 kids! 

A:  Well, what you realize when you start something like this and it is so successful, is that you can't just stop it and tell everyone to come back next summer!  So, when we found out that there was a School Year Snack Program we signed up for that, too!  But, we're not just going to give snacks.  After thinking about what these kids really need in an after school program, we've added what we think is going to make a big difference!  It is a Reading program which we are very excited about and know is going to make a huge impact on the community.  We know that the Summer Lunch Program took time, effort and concern, and now our concerns are turning to the development of these children's minds!  For this program we need time, energy, excitement and BOOKS!  All kids like stories, so, they will be read to every day Monday thru Friday, or if they're already accomplished readers they will be able to check books out from our Lending Library.  If kids want to borrow a book, read it and report back to us on how they liked it, we will keep track of their attendance and the number of books read!  So, basically, the community spirit that we started with the Summer Lunch Program is going to grow and flourish this fall starting on September 3rd with our Snack and Read program!  Come and check it out at Freedom Park Apartments in North Highlands, a great place to live and grow!