February 4, 2009The Erwin First United Methodist Church in Syracuse provides neighborhood kids a place to stay during their school's February break. The church is on the corner of Euclid Avenue and Westcott Street, just east of Syracuse University. The program, entitled "Safe Space for Kids," is open for free to children ages 8-14. From 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., kids can play dodgeball, learn, and interact with other students. The church pastor, associate pastor, and office manager will supervise the kids during the day. Pastor Wendy Rhodehamel says the program aims to house children who have nowhere to go during the break.
"The idea is indeed to provide safe space for the kids who are out of school the week of February break who cannot go to Florida or can't go to grandma's house, who may be home alone if the parents are working or at school." Rhodehamel says.
Aside from housing the kids, the church also aims to instill Christian values of God and community. Rhodehamel says the program will teach the students to give back to those less fortunate.
"If they walk away with anything it will be that they felt loved and cared for, that this was a gift the church gave for them, and that God has given them many gifts that they could also give back."
The Safe Space for Kids program will be open from February 5th through the 12th.
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