Programs

The Old South Baton Rouge community is the primary focus for the programs of Key Foundations. The Old South Baton Rouge (OSBR) community encompasses a three square mile area in the inner city of Baton Rouge. This community has been identified as a severely distressed neighborhood by the Baton Rouge Office of Community Development based on the numbers of: persons living in poverty, persons on public assistance, adult males not working, single women with children and high school dropouts. OSBR was once a thriving, racially integrated neighborhood. Due to several events in the 1960’s, OSBR has taken on the stereotypical characteristics of a declining community.

The population of OSBR is 92% African American and 5% White, while 3% of the community represents other racial or ethnic groups (Census Bureau). The signs of urban decline observed in the neighborhood include increased crime, a high poverty concentration, many children under the age of 13, a high percentage of single females with children and a rapidly increasing elderly population. Statistical evidence points to weakened family structures, increased poverty levels, and decreased availability of quality educational opportunities within the community.

The children of OSBR experience barriers to school success long before they enter kindergarten, due to widespread poverty. Over 50% of OSBR residents live on $12,575 or less per year and about 30% of those residents are living on half that amount (2000 Census Bureau). For every 100 people in OSBR, 82 are dependent on others for resources or help.

The overall purpose of the project is to establish a high quality facility that addresses the needs of the families of children ages 6 months to 5 years. Key Foundation ’s program begins in a geographical area where there are children with the greatest need, particularly in the Buchanan and Polk school districts of OSBR.

The first targeted population to be served will be 25 children from 3-5 years of age in OSBR who are not enrolled in other qualified community child care programs and whose families meet project income guidelines. The second targeted population will be 25 families in the OSBR community, including parents of the children in the program, as well as other young adults in the community who have concerns about improving their academic skills and increasing personal potential through the development of various life skills. The evaluation of this project will be based on the ability to service the community with our programs. Key Foundations will provide childcare-preschool services to 25 children who are pre-tested and post-tested showing a 25% improvement in the first year 2005-2006. Key Foundations will provide 10 classes to educate the community in child development, parenting, family communications, parent, step parenting, and grand parenting, premarital education career planning, etc. by December 2005. Quantitative and qualitative measures will be used. What is the SIP Grant?

The Family Resource Center will deliver a comprehensive family assessment that will include screening for domestic violence, mental and physical disabilities, substance abuse, criminal backgrounds and the influence of extended family. Individual and family counseling will be provided and appropriate referrals will be made to outside community agencies when necessary. Three educational programs will be offered each quarter to 25 families and will include the topics of child development, parenting, step parenting and grand parenting; dating, premarital education, family communication, and marriage enrichment/mentoring; financial management, career planning and spiritual growth. Baseline measures of parent well-being, child well-being and development, family structure and functioning, father involvement, parenting, home environment and parent-child relationship will be assessed by interview and surveys designed to measure participant’s attitudes about and knowledge of the subject. Follow up surveys conducted one year after classes will measure long term changes in relationships and behaviors. Data collected will be used in a yearly program evaluation to improve service delivery. For more information please visit the Christian Family Therapy Center of Baton Rouge at www.hopeforyourfamily.com

What is the Girls' Club?

What is Building Healthy Relationships?

The Key Foundations Preschool will address the needs of children 2 1/2 years to 5 years old. A high quality Child Care-Preschool program will be provided through a combination of the recruitment of a qualified early childhood teacher, utilizing the Creative Curriculum, the Montessori materials and methods and Spaulding reading and spelling strategies. Pretests, screenings, observations and need assessments will be used to evaluate both the child and the family. Evaluations will be performed at regular intervals throughout the year and will include quantitative and qualitative measures. A family satisfaction survey will be delivered at the end of the school year. The data collected will be analyzed in a yearly project evaluation to improve program services. Key Foundations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin in administration of the educational policies, admissions policies or any programs offered.

Key Foundations Preschool