For my service learning, I have been volunteering at a place called Cook Library. Cook Library serves mainly as a library but also has a large after-school-program for kids in the neighborhood and also is a community center where many other organizations utilize their space. The role I play at Cook Library is one of a tutor. I help out with the after-school-program by helping the kids who come with their homework, reading, and supervising any other activities that take place. Cook Library is located in a heavily Hispanic populated neighborhood so almost all of the kids who come to the after-school-program are Hispanic. That being said, I have seen a handful of African-American children and adults in the space as well. Their age range
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Cook Library, as mentioned above, mainly provides homework help through an after-school-program for kids. Cook Library also provides tutoring, a 14,000 book library, job search help, resume building help, and is an open community space for organizations to use for meetings. The center also is a safe space for people who need help with simply things like copies and faxes. It is also a place for other organizations to get the word out on their resources. Lastly, it serves as a literacy center for people learning …show more content…
The only information I had in regards to what I would be doing or what Cook Library was all about was that I would be helping kids with their homework and provide tutoring and potentially be a mentor. After my first volunteer experience at Cook Library, I realized what a wonderful organization they are and what great resources they provide to underprivileged children. Since Cook Library is located in a Hispanic neighborhood most of the kids that attend the after-school-program are Hispanic as well. As a minority, these children are already stigmatized purely based on the way that they look. Many children there will be first-generation college-goers and will probably receive a higher education and a better education than many of their parents. Cook Library addresses the failure of the school systems in poor neighborhoods that provide less than quality education by making sure kids are getting extra attention and at times, one on one
Cook Library, as mentioned above, mainly provides homework help through an after-school-program for kids. Cook Library also provides tutoring, a 14,000 book library, job search help, resume building help, and is an open community space for organizations to use for meetings. The center also is a safe space for people who need help with simply things like copies and faxes. It is also a place for other organizations to get the word out on their resources. Lastly, it serves as a literacy center for people learning …show more content…
The only information I had in regards to what I would be doing or what Cook Library was all about was that I would be helping kids with their homework and provide tutoring and potentially be a mentor. After my first volunteer experience at Cook Library, I realized what a wonderful organization they are and what great resources they provide to underprivileged children. Since Cook Library is located in a Hispanic neighborhood most of the kids that attend the after-school-program are Hispanic as well. As a minority, these children are already stigmatized purely based on the way that they look. Many children there will be first-generation college-goers and will probably receive a higher education and a better education than many of their parents. Cook Library addresses the failure of the school systems in poor neighborhoods that provide less than quality education by making sure kids are getting extra attention and at times, one on one