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Do you remember when you
were a child and there was always that
special person who you looked up to? You always
knew they would be there with something
positive to say, to help you make good
decisions and maybe even point you in the
right direction as you grew up.
Franklin Community Center in the city of
Saratoga Springs, believes children
hold the key to the future of our community,
but not every child has that special person
to guide them along the way. Through Project
Lift, a free, after-school prevention
program for youth in grades 1-5, children
are provided with the role models and
education needed to help set them on a more
positive developmental path.
Project Lift is a unique, comprehensive
program that places emphasis on positive
youth development activities, raising
self-esteem and the development of refusal,
decision-making, problem solving, and
communication skills. We use research-based,
science- backed curricula to equip the
children with information to make healthy
decisions on their own. Project Lift is
offered in the Saratoga Springs City School
District at three locations: We operate at
Greenfield Elementary School on Mondays and
Wednesdays, at Lake Avenue Elementary School
on Tuesdays and Thursdays and also offer
this program at Geyser Road Elementary
School. Each day consists of structured, positive
programming with group activities until 5
p.m. Children are provided with a healthy
snack and bus transportation home.
In addition to the time spent at the
after-school program, children and their
families also have access to Franklin
Community Center’s ancillary services, as
needed, including: referral and advocacy,
free clothing and
food, summer camp
scholarships, school supplies,
holiday
assistance and more. Family events and
community presenters also take place
throughout the year, allowing the children
to benefit from social interaction.
Volunteers from local high schools and
colleges also spend time with the “Lifters,”
adding another unique component to the
program. The combination of education,
social skills, family bonding and a positive
environment make Project Lift an effective
way to impact a child’s life, while helping
them grow into a healthier and more
productive member of our community.
Parents interested in enrolling their
children in Project Lift can email Jaime
Lyons at
Jaime@franklincommunitycenter.org.
Please include the child’s name, age, grade,
school, parent’s name and a phone number
where they can be reached during the day.
Project Lift receives funding from the
New York State Office of Alcoholism and
Substance Abuse Services, The Office of
Children and Family Services, the Saratoga
City School District (through Safe and Drug
Free Schools), the Town of Greenfield and
the City of Saratoga Springs. Community
donations and
fund-raisers supplement grant
funding.
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