The Hardy Center offers after-school and summer programs that provide children in Linden with school-based instruction, individualized tutoring and homework help, healthy meals and caring adult mentors. Children develop a sense of belonging and have access to opportunities that prepare them for future success in school and life. The center is just one of many out of school time programs across Franklin County that receives support from United Way’s Community Response Fund.
Stephen Garland, the executive director, is highly invested in the children and families who attend the center. He visits their homes, attends parent teacher meetings at schools and forms partnerships across the community to ensure the kids have computer access, qualified tutors and nutritious meals. In many cases, the staff and volunteers have come back after having attended the programs as young children.
Katherine Higgenbotham grew up in the neighborhood and is the center’s program director.
“I know the Hardy Center impacts kids because we see the results. We see students who have made it to college,” she says. “And without the Hardy Center, I don’t know that they would’ve had enough support or even enough confidence to know that they can get there.”
Together, we can make sure every child has the support they need to reach their full potential.
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