Lack of education and anxiety over food insecurity can be crippling —and can perpetuate poverty. Access to food, education and support can be key factors in ending the cycle of poverty. The Felician Sisters have founded, sponsored and continue to support a variety of programs for at-risk youth who have been affected by racial or economic inequality, lack of opportunity, food insecurity, violence, loss or trauma.
Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs
Coraopolis, PA
Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs continue the mission of foundress Felician Sister Rene Procopio to provide life-changing and essential programs for approximately 700 children and adults in the Mooncrest Neighborhood of Moon Township, PA.
- The After School Program for students K-8 operating daily.
- The Helper Program encourages students in grades 6 and up to spend time helping younger students with homework.
- Summer Programs for students grades 1-7 teach team building, respect and kindness while having fun!
- Adult programs include a GED Program, access to food and faith sharing.
Villa Maria Youth Program
Buffalo, NY
The Villa Maria Youth Program provides after-school support to children in grades 2-4 who are in need of academic assistance in math and reading. Students are accepted into the program through teacher recommendation, with parental support. From October through May, the program assists children with the completion of homework, math review and skill building, reading and vocabulary skills, library time and computer time, along with creative puppetry, art and physical activities.
United Stand
Chicago, IL
United Stand Family Center serves children, adolescents and families of Chicago’s inner-city communities. We help students reach their potential intellectually, socially and emotionally; support parents and families; assist principals and school staff in identifying and assessing at-risk students; offer prevention programs that build resiliency skills; and act as advocates for children and adolescents who have been victimized by loss, trauma and violence.
Over the past 25 years, United Stand has evolved into a highly competitive training site for university students who are pursuing Masters and Doctoral degrees in clinical psychology and related areas. Students participate in a range of learning activities beyond those required by their universities, including the development of after school programs; the creation of professional development workshops; the participation in team responses to school and community crises; and the facilitation of support groups and informational sessions for parents and families.
