Stafford Junction Inc

WE TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH FAITH AND ACTION. WE STRIVE TO NURTURE AND SUPPORT CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES IN STAFFORD COUNTY, WHO ARE CONSTRAINED BY POVERTY AND THE LACK OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY. WE ASSIST THEM IN OUR FOCUS AREAS OF EDUCATION, EMPOWERMENT, AND HEALTHY LIVING. WE DO THIS BY PROVIDING A CRITICAL "HAND-UP" FOR THOSE WHO LIVE IN POVERTY IN STAFFORD COUNTY.

BRAIN BUILDERS - IS AN AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING PROGRAM FOCUSED ON STUDENTS WHOSE FAMILIES LIVE AT OR BELOW THE POVERTY LINE. WE CURRENTLY SERVE 7 ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS IN STAFFORD COUNTY. WE WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHOOL COUNSELORS AND TEACHERS TO IDENTIFY STUDENTS WHO NEED ASSISTANCE AND DEVELOP AN INDIVIDUAL TUTORING PLAN. STUDENTS RECEIVE GUIDED READING AND MATH REVIEW, HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE, A NUTRITIOUS MEAL, AND TMO (TIDE-ME-OVER) BAGS TO TAKE HOME. TMO BAGS ARE A PRE-PACKAGED NUTRITIOUS MEAL THAT WILL FEED A FAMILY OF FOUR. WE ALSO PROVIDE OPTIONAL STEAM CLASSES FOR OUR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. THERE IS NO COST TO THE FAMILY FOR THIS PROGRAM. DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, THE PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY UTILIZING A HYBRID MODEL WHERE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL MEET IN-PERSON AND ELEMENTARY STUDENTS ARE TUTORED VIRTUALLY.

HEALTHY LIVING PAYS - FOCUSES ON FOUR IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF PERSONAL HEALTH: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE ASSESSMENT AND ASSISTANCE, AND MENTAL HEALTH. WE PROVIDE HEALTHY LIVING WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES TO FAMILIES IN OUR 7 LOW-INCOME NEIGHBORHOODS THAT INCLUDE NUTRITION AND HEALTHY COOKING CLASSES. WE ENCOURAGE PARTICIPANTS TO EXERCISE REGULARLY AND TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET. WE OFFER A FITNESS MEMBERSHIP AND TRANSPORTATION (YMCA), NEIGHBORHOOD WALKING CLUBS, HEALTH FAIRS, CLINIC ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE, AND HEALTH SCREENINGS. PARENTS/CAREGIVERS ENROLLED LEARN HOW TO PREPARE HEALTHY MEALS AND LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE. THERE IS NO COST TO THE FAMILIES AND TMO BAGS ARE PROVIDED. DURING THE PANDEMIC THE PROGRAM HAS PRACTICED SOCIAL DISTANCING, RESULTING IN LOWER NUMBERS SERVED.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES - SUMMER JUNCTION IS AN UMBRELLA TERM FOR ALL OUR SUMMER CAMPS, ACTIVITIES, AND FIELD TRIPS. OUR CAMPS INCLUDE STAFFORD COUNTY SHERIFF'S BASEBALL CAMP, STEAM CAMP, CAMP NORTHSTAR, AND STAFFORD STRIKERS SOCCER CAMP. CAMP NORTHSTAR IS HELD AT STAFFORD JUNCTION AND IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO ADDRESS SUMMER LEARNING LOSS. CAMP ACTIVITIES FOCUS ON MAINTAINING MATH AND READING LEVELS WHILE HAVING FUN. WE OFFER A NUTRITIOUS LUNCH, MATH AND READING CLASSES, STEAM CLASSES, SPORTS, SELF- DIRECTED PLAY, COOKING CLASSES, ARTS & CRAFTS, FIELD TRIPS, AND TMO BAGS TO TAKE HOME. THERE IS NO COST TO THE FAMILY FOR THIS PROGRAM. DUE TO THE PANDEMIC THE PROGRAM HAS PRACTICED SOCIAL DISTANCING, RESULTING IN A LOWER NUMBER OF CAMPERS SERVED.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS INCLUDE LIFE SKILLS WORKSHOPS AND HELPING US GROW STRONG (HUGS).