COLORADO SPRINGS — Remote learning can be tough for students and parents in more ways than one. However, a local nonprofit organization is lending a helping hand to families who need it.
The Salvation Army re-launched the Red Shield Remote Learning Center, where staff help kids in the community get their school work done while their parents are at work.
Here, "our staff is helping our students stay on task, and make sure that they're following up with their homework while their mom or dad are at work," said Captain Doug Hanson, with The Salvation Army.
The Center was open for an all-day program when kids began the school year learning remotely in September. The Center closed it's all-day program as students went back to in-person learning, but local school districts like D11, returned to remote learning in late November.
"Parents were asking us 'what are we going to do when we have to go back to work?' said Hanson, who mentioned there was a need in the community. "This whole year has been marked with just trying to get an understanding of what the community needs are."
The center can accommodate about 35 kids, like Jimmy Hernandez, who is seven years old.
"I'm doing school work and I'm doing reading. It's kind of fun too, because now you're learning about the laptop and at least you can still do school work," said Hernandez.
Students bring their school-issued laptops or electronic devices, while staff at The Salvation Army make sure they stay on track with their classwork and homework.
The remote learning center will be remain open while kids are on holiday break until the beginning of January. If schools continue remote learning, staff will work to keep the center open, given they have enough funds.
The program is free to some kids, while others pay a low cost. Kids eat breakfast, lunch and snacks during the school day at the center.
The Salvation Army also offers all-day programs to kids in the summer. For more information on how to donate to year-long services at The Salvation Army, click here. You can also call 719-636-3891.
