AHC’s Resident Services program started 25 years ago with a simple idea – give youngsters something productive to do in the afternoon.
Today the program has evolved into a thriving, community-based effort that touches hundreds of children, teens, adults and senior citizens each year.
Resident Services’ programs combine community partnerships with AHC-managed programs to strengthen our residents’ economic and social stability. We offer in-depth educational programs for children and teens, and parenting and health-related workshops, financial capability classes, eviction prevention, food distributions, computer access and social services for adults on a regular basis, including activities specifically geared towards seniors.
Student Programs
AHC’s educational programs for students encourage academic excellence and personal growth in a nurturing and stable environment. Because programs are located in the communities where families live, they are a vibrant part of children’s lives from elementary through high school. Our multi-pronged approach includes:
After-School Program
AHC’s After-School programs focus on improving literacy for elementary students. Staff and volunteers build reading, writing and vocabulary skills through a variety of educational and cultural activities. The program’s emphasis works. In 2016, 90% of the students who were assessed improved their reading level by at least one full grade and/or are reading at or above grade level.
Teen Tutoring
AHC’s program for middle and high school students aims to keep teens in school and help them maximize their options after high school. The program includes one-on-one tutoring, college visits, SAT test prep, and a variety of enriching experiences. The formula has proved successful. One hundred percent of the seniors in AHC’s teen program have graduated from high school since we began tracking the program in 2008. And nearly all students have continued on to college.
College and Career Readiness Program
Our new College and Career Readiness Program helps high school seniors successfully transition to their next step. The program includes a full-time manager and pairs students with adult mentors for a full year. In 2016, all 15 high school graduates were accepted into college. Together, the group won $500,000 in scholarships!
Summer Camp
AHC’s Summer Camp program is designed to prevent learning loss – a particular challenge for low-income students – through both educational and enrichment experiences. Last year, 94% of students tested showed no loss or increased their reading levels. The best thing about Summer Camp? Kids are having so much fun they don’t even realize they’re building literacy and math skills, too.
AHC Summer Camp makes learning fun
Adults and Seniors
AHC offers community connections and onsite programs to help adults strengthen their economic stability and build stronger futures for themselves and their families. Programs include partnerships with local food banks that provide food to qualifying residents on a weekly basis, English as a Second Language courses, access to Arlington County services and an eviction prevention program to help families stay in their homes.
Programs for seniors continue to grow. In Arlington, one in five residents will be 60 or older by 2020. As the number of senior citizens grows, affordable living opportunities for older Americans are becoming an increasing need.
Currently, AHC operates three apartment communities for senior citizens. All provide programs and staff to help residents age in place successfully. Activities include exercise classes, arts and crafts, nutrition and wellness programs and access to libraries, continuing education and cultural excursions.
Volunteer
Volunteers are critical to the success of our programs. Learn more about how you can spend as little as an hour a week and change a life.
