ABOUT: Inspire: A Shalom Afterschool Initiative, is a ministry of Shalom International Ministries directly responds to the needs of refugee and immigrant youth in the Clarkston community. Many refugee and immigrant youth have experienced little or interrupted formal education.  As English Language Learners, they face the challenge of adjusting to middle school while also navigating a new educational system, a new language, and a new cultural context.  As they transition to life in America, these students have the need for:

• a safe, constructive place to spend their afternoons;
• help in understanding the language and the academic content of their classes;
• positive relationships across cultural and language groups;
• confidence, a sense of self, and a sense of belonging.

Inspire: A Shalom Afterschool Initiative responds to these needs by offering middle school students a safe place to spend their evenings, healthy snacks, enrichment activities, and academic support. In addition, Inspire seeks to increase family involvement in student education. To that end, staff members make regular home visits, with the goal that parents will feel empowered to contribute to their children’s success. Through these activities, Inspire supports students to grow as critical thinkers, excited learners, and self-confident young adults. By bringing together students from a variety of countries and cultures, Inspire seeks to build a peaceful community where all can prosper.

SCHEDULE: Program Hours: Monday – Thursday, 4:30-7:00pm

@MDM: Donnell Building

WEBSITE: shalominternationalministry.com/inspire

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/inspireafterschool

VOLUNTEER: shalaominternationalministry.com/volunteer