Garden Quarter Neighborhood Resource Center

We are open every day after school to provide a safe place where low-income and Spanish-speaking students can get help for homework.  We provide whole-family support by offering parent programs and keeping parents engaged in their student's academic success.  See below to see all of our programs:

Youth Program

 

• After-school homework help: safe environment to do homework, access to technology, access to school supplies, one-on-one help from high school National Honors Society volunteers, healthy snacks
• Additional school support for those with IEPs, in the bilingual program, or having difficulties in school (direct communication with teachers and social workers)
• Big Brothers, Big Sisters one-on-one mentoring
• Teen girls mentoring program at least twice monthly
• Free guitar lessons with Free Guitars for Future Stars
• One-on-one sessions with staff to discuss concerns
• Agency referrals and connections (past examples: program referral to Families ETC’s WrapAround program, information sessions and referrals to the Early Intervention Program, opportunity to sign up for McHenry Public Library card, chance to speak with Big Brothers, Big Sisters staff to sign up for community-based mentors)
• Additional family support and regular check-ins for those enrolled in services through Families ETC, Turning Point, and Pioneer Center
• Free bag full of snacks and meal items donated to 17 of our youth each week through the First Methodist Church
• Community gardening activities and access to fresh, organic produce for free
• Free lunch program in the summer through the Northern Illinois Food Bank
• Healthy living and community gardening activities in the summer (past collaborations have included the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and the McHenry County Conservation District among others) 

 

Parent Program

 

• Bi-monthly meetings and programs offered
• Educational opportunities to learn about other community agencies: past visiting agencies include Pioneer Center, Families ETC, Mano a Mano, and the McHenry Health Department
• Programs that vary dependent on client need: has included ESL classes and information on accessing health insurance
• Upcoming planned program additions:, parenting classes, parent support group, formation of a Parent Advisory Council, computer classes, ESL classes, office hours for Families ETC representatives 

 

We do all of this for a little over $4,000 a month - for about $5 per student. We operate with very little overhead: our facilities are generously donated by the landlord, our community garden space is donated by the neighboring Ace Hardware, and we receive significant in-kind donations from several local churches.  We could not do what we do without the support of community groups and concerned and passionate citizens like yourself.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us!