There Are Opportunities All Around – From A to Z
By Zahra Aprili
Soulcial Scene Contributor
Most families know that afterschool
activities and programs are available at their
neighborhood community centers like the Boys and Girls
Club or YMCA. There are also a number of independent
centers serving the inner city of Toledo, places like
the Frederick Douglas Community Association, Friendly
Center, Grace Community Center and East Toledo Family
Center.
With school back into the full swing,
let’s make sure that we are keeping our children and
teens active outside of the classroom. This week I share
with you a list of promising activities that parents may
or may not be familiar with. Many of these activities
are free or have reasonable fees with payment plans
available.
After School Help and Student Resources
Toledo Lucas County Public Library
has a number of programs and services available year
round for people of all ages. Now that school is back in
session there are a few important resources that
everyone should keep in mind for school age children.
HOMEWORK HELPER is a free service available to students
in grades 1 through 6 at various library branch
locations. Check with the library for the full schedule
of branch days & times.
For teenagers, the library is not just for research.
Teens can find volunteer opportunities, as well as,
resources on careers, employment, college testing, and
financial aid. You can find out more information by
contacting the library at
(419) 259-5200 or visiting www.toledo
library.org
Visual & Performing Arts
Dance is a great activity for people of all ages to get
involved in. From Ballet to Hip Hop, Acro and Gymnastics
to Jazz and Tap, any child interested in moving and
grooving will be able to find a class that fits their
taste.
Touch A Dream Dance Studio
is hosting “ENCOURAGE A FRIEND TO DANCE WEEK” September
30 - October 7. During this time period anyone can try
one (1) dance class for free. Feeling shy? Bring a
friend, their class is free too. Contact Studio Owner
Tanisha Shelmon for class information and time (419)
344-6190 or (419) 344-6028.
Children’s Theatre Workshop is a Nonprofit organization
that offers theatre programs for students age five-18.
Located in the Collingwood Arts Center, participants
take acting lessons and are given the opportunity to
audition for live stage performances. CTW holds fall,
spring and summer sessions contact them at
419-244-5061 or check out
childrenstheaterworkshop.org
for more information.
My5tery Music
offers afterschool performing arts programs for students
in third through 12th grades. Clinicians work
with students to help them unlock the art within them by
introducing them to five Musical My5teries: Drumlines,
Step Teams, Pitched Instrument, Vocal Performance, and
Theatre Etiquette training. For more information
contact
artsprograms@my5terymusic.com
The Toledo Museum of Art
is open Tuesdays-Sundays and is always free to the
public. It is a great place to take your student on
Thursday or Friday after school. The Museum also has
activities in their family center of children ages
one-10 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. If
you are interested in formal classes the Museum offers a
variety of youth courses for a fee. Scholarships are
available for students. The deadline for registration
and scholarship application for Fall Session 2 is
October 4, 2015. Call 419-254-5080 or register in person
in the Education Office of the Museum.
Youth Groups & Service
Organizations
The Maumee Bay Youth Club
is a youth group sponsored by the Maumee Bay Chapter of
the National Association of Negro Business and
Professional Women’s Clubs Inc. The Club is for youth
ages 12-18 and meets throughout the year. and
participates in activities that focus on Leadership,
Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Service. The group
also hosts the Annual Black College Tour that takes
place each year. For more information about joining this
group or to participate in this year’s college tour
contact Trevor Black at 419.478.7844 or tblack7@bex.net.
The Beta Gamma Chapter of Xinos and Kudos
are sibling youth groups sponsored by the Beta Gamma
Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc.
The Xinos (girls group) and Kudos (boys group) is for
high school students, their purpose is to lift the
educational, ethical, moral, and social standards of
youth. Members participate in educational enrichment,
service projects and social activities. The culmination
of their year is participation in a regional conference
with other chapters from throughout the Midwest. For
more information on how your high school student can get
involved contact Linda Collins at 419.902.8541 or
Collins.Linda226@gmail.com
