Emmanuel’s Out-of-School and full-day summer program serves 194 children from kindergarten through eighth grade, offering a comprehensive approach to support academic, social, and emotional development. The program provides trauma-informed activities, counseling services, enrichment in STEM and the arts, and community field trips—all designed to create a safe, nurturing environment that promotes positive outcomes for children facing significant challenges.

Addressing Trauma in High-Need Communities

Many children attending Emmanuel’s program come from neighborhoods with high rates of crime, poverty, substance abuse, and generational trauma. The program’s service area, ZIP code 64130, has been notably referred to as the “Murder Factory,” reflecting its elevated exposure to violence and toxic stress. Research shows that two out of three children entering Emmanuel’s programs have experienced three or more traumatic events by age five, significantly impacting their mental health and academic progress.

Recognizing these challenges, Emmanuel has hired a behavior intervention specialist and a licensed therapist to provide individual and group counseling, including a Father-Son support group. These services help children and youth build coping mechanisms and resilience, with a focus on preventing violence, suicide, substance abuse, and other risky behaviors.

Bridging The Childcare Gap In An Underserved Area

Emmanuel operates in a community classified as a childcare desert, where access to quality early childhood education and after-school programs is extremely limited. The Emmanuel Family & Child Care Center is the only licensed childcare facility in this ZIP code, highlighting the critical need for their expanded out-of-school services. The program serves not only children enrolled in the early childhood center but also older siblings and students from nearby elementary schools, providing essential support to families who otherwise face limited options.

Promoting Mental Health Equity In A Marginalized Population

The majority of children and families served by Emmanuel are African American, residing in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by violence and poverty. Historical and systemic disparities contribute to mental health challenges, compounded by cultural stigma around seeking help. Many families associate mental health struggles with shame or failure, which can hinder access to necessary resources.

Emmanuel’s trauma-informed care approach works to break down these barriers by normalizing mental health support and offering culturally sensitive counseling services. The program’s ongoing efforts aim to foster hope, build resilience, and strengthen family and community bonds.

Responding To Pandemic-Related Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified existing struggles for children and families in Emmanuel’s community. Increased rates of substance use, economic instability, and social isolation have exacerbated mental health concerns and trauma. Emmanuel’s program has adapted to meet these heightened needs by incorporating play therapy and a range of individual, group, and family therapies.

These interventions have already improved children’s ability to self-regulate emotions and engage more positively in the classroom. However, the program continues to address the pressing demand for mental health support, substance abuse prevention, and academic success initiatives to help children and youth overcome the lingering effects of trauma and pandemic fallout.

Enrichment & Learning Opportunities

Beyond emotional support, Emmanuel offers STEM-based and arts education activities that stimulate curiosity and academic growth. Field trips into the community further enhance learning by connecting classroom experiences to real-world environments. These opportunities encourage exploration and help build skills necessary for long-term educational success.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Families & Communities

Emmanuel’s comprehensive out-of-school and summer programs provide critical services in a high-need area where few alternatives exist. By addressing trauma early, fostering emotional wellness, and offering engaging educational experiences, Emmanuel empowers children and families to break cycles of adversity and build brighter futures.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.