Olmsted Outreach - Friendship Place

VISION

We can give money to feed the hungry, or clothe the naked, but it takes a personal contact to welcome a stranger. The mission of Friendship Place is "to provide a safe, caring environment where people of all races, ethnic groups and religions can always find a friend."

Friendship Place volunteers reach out to the children and families who live in southeast Rochester. The population we serve is composed mostly of Somalis, Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians. Many are refugees from war; others are migrants or people who have moved to Rochester from other parts of the U.S. in search of a better life. We seek to demonstrate the love of Christ by our actions in service to them all.

ACTION

After School Program

Our After School Program is designed to meet needs of elementary-age children. The program is available from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Children are helped with homework, offered a healthy snack, learn cooking and work on craft projects. A beautiful back yard encourages outdoor play. The children's 4-H garden, which always produces entries for the county fair, is tended from May into November.

Evening Tutoring

Our Tuesday through Thursday (7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) Tutoring Program provides volunteers who all enjoy working with the older middle school, high school and college students. Evening tutoring often involves helping a student write an English composition, reviewing math homework, or doing research online. Many of our students are regular attendees who we have worked with for many years and have seen progress from childhood to responsible young adults.

Summer Program

We offer a summer program for elementary and middle school children. A typical day would include special reading classes, crafts, games, healthy snacks, and outdoor play. We collaborate with 4-H, Camp Victory, Rochester Summer of Service and Project Get Outdoors to broaden the summer experience.