Programs for Youth and Hopes for Housing

On Thursday, Chris and I visited Central John F. Reynolds Public School and sat down with Principal Hackett to try and found out what kids have to do in our neighborhood.

She told us about the various after-school programs the school is able to offer through federally funded Education Works. Through this, the school is able to provide after school care, a homework club, a drama club and all of the materials that were needed for the school to have a 100 Book Challenge. Principal Hackett proudly let us know that the 100 Book Challenge raised the students’ reading level two to three grades in just a few months. Education Works also gives the school the opportunity to provide field trips for their students and a camp for the kids in the summer.

As our conversation with Principal Hackett came to an end, we asked if there was anyone that she thought would be good for us to talk to about our upcoming stories. Right then and there, she called the president of the Brewerytown/Sharswood Community Civic Association, Warren McMichael. In about 10 minutes, he was sitting in Principal Hackett’s office with us and talked about everything from the history of the city to the how things have changed in our neighborhood.

After a good hour of conversation, Mr. McMichael offered to show is a home he has been renovating and will soon be ready for sale. As soon as Chris and I stepped, we couldn’t believe how great the home looked. Everything on the inside was brand new and absolutely gorgeous.

With many of the people we’ve talked to about housing in the area, the one thing that kept coming up was the transience problem. The fact that Warren McMichael renovated a home to be sold to own gives our area hope for at least some permanent residents.

Ashley Campbell and Chris Zakorchemny
Group 17 - Ridge Avenue (Broad to 25th)