Huntsville non-profit aims to break the cycle of generational poverty
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Breaking the cycle of generational poverty: that’s the goal of Huntsville-based non-profit Village of Promise (VoP).
VoP is a Family Advancement Center with a mission of addressing the needs of children and families in distressed, high-poverty neighborhoods.
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The organization focuses on one particular community in Huntsville — the Northwoods community, which is a property of the Huntsville Housing Authority.
The nonprofit has a multi-generational aspect, with programs and tools for people from infancy to adulthood.
When a family gets to VoP, they develop an “Individualized Family Advancement Plan.” The plan addresses four key areas: education, social and emotional growth, physical health and wellness and professional development.
“Walking alongside Village of Promise families as they take active steps to create a better life for generations to come is truly humbling,” said Dana M. Gillis, CEO of VoP. “Partnerships – from our families, staff, local and state government, volunteers, donors and corporate partners – all fuel the programming that allows our families to earmark dreams and move towards ending the cycle of poverty.”
Right now, VoP is serving 222 participants through two umbrella educational programs: Promise Preparatory (infant to college/career) and Promise Institute (adult education).
According to staff, Promise Preparatory teaches skills and behaviors that pave the way for school and adult success. The program includes:
Precious Promises Early Childhood Development Program: Infant Class – 6 weeks to 18 months; Toddler I Class- 18 months to 30 months; Toddler II Class- 30 months to four years old; and two Alabama First Class PreK 4 classes, which are DHR-certified
Promise Reading Academy/Middle School/High School/College Success Programs still serving yet rebuilding
Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom School: Summer program for children ages K-8th grade that has literacy focus and daily enrichment activities. A family engagement component is provided once per week for adults and scholars
Gillis said preschool education is a key part of their efforts.
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“Studies have shown, if you start kids off early enough, you can catch them,” he explained. “Basically, if they’re from under-resourced families, if you put that focus on preschool education, you get them ready for the K-12 school system, and they get a better start in life overall.”
Meanwhile, the Promise Institute has programs for parents to continue learning about child development, community action and involvement:
Infant University (eight classes over four weeks): parents that are expecting or have children through age 4; learn about self-care, nutrition, developmental milestones,
resources, positive parenting, and early literacyFamily Connections (classes each semester): multi-generational class focused on Home/School Relationships, Learning Issues, Physical Health, Professional Growth, Financial Literacy, Mental Health Awareness, Parent and Child Time (PACT)
Next Steps: GED, English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Literacy, and Workforce/Career Development
For more information on Village of Promise, call (256) 536-8052 or click here.
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