Our Educational Programs

Our American Family Inns provide residents of all ages with outstanding educational programs. Partnerships with a wide range of organizations enhance our residents' experiences and deepen their connection to the community.

Early Childhood Education
At our Jump-Start Child Development Centers, young children are encouraged to develop their decision-making skills, enhance their sense of control and build relationships with each other and with teaching staff. Literacy Specialists help students develop pre-literacy skills, and build a solid foundation for reading and writing. Program partners include the Starr Foundation, the Children's Museum of Manhattan, the Bank of Tokyo, Ramapo for Children, and Childcare, Inc.

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K-12 After-School Enrichment
After-school education gives children and teens the opportunity to discover new interests and engage in hands-on learning. By providing programming with consistent hours, integrated subject matter, and highly qualified staff, children who have suffered from the instability of homelessness and poverty are able to grow and learn in a dependable, supportive environment.

Created for school-aged children ages 5 to 11, the Brownstone School supplements and augments a public school education. The FutureLink program serves homeless youth ages 12 to 17, and emphasizes social development through group activities, conflict resolution workshops, community service, and mentoring. Program partners include the Jewish Community Center of Manhattan, Bideawee, CUNY Creative Arts Team, Young Audiences New York, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

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Adult Education and Employment
A typical parent entering an American Family Inn has not graduated from high school and reads, on average, at a sixth grade level. In order to assist them with improving their literacy levels, all parents are invited to enroll in the Together In Learning (TIL) Family Literacy Program.

Homes for the Homeless promotes job readiness and employment attainment as a key component in helping families build independent lives. Drawing on the strengths of traditional job-training programs but tailored to meet the needs of homeless families, the HFH Employment Readiness program provides residents with an excellent introduction to employment through a combination of practical workshops, on-site internships and job search services and referrals.