The Importance of Pomona Hope Kids in the Students’ Words…
Erik, Grade 7
I kept coming to Pomona Hope because it’s just a very fun place to come to. I mean like it’s so fun that Emily had to make a waiting list because so many kids want to come. I feel bad for the kids that are on the waiting list. I just love Pomona Hope Kids. It’s a place to chill out and make friends and do homework. And the volunteers are cool. I talk about Pomona Hope Kids 24/7, that’s how much I like this program. Pomona Hope Kids means a lot to me.
Omar, Grade 5
If Pomona Hope Kids didn’t exist, I would’ve been in serious trouble. This place totally changed me. Who doesn’t like this place?! Pomona Hope Kids gave me a purpose to why I’m alive. It’s a safe place to be. Without this place I wouldn’t have done my homework. Pomona Hope Kids is like home. The volunteers make you happy. You can also get treats for bringing academic awards. Without this place my life would be horrible.
Pablo, Grade 4
I like coming to Pomona Hope. I can’t do my homework by myself. Plus, if I didn’t come I would be bored at home, doing nothing except just needing help on my homework . Even my mom can’t help with my homework so that’s why I come to Pomona Hope Kids, so that’s why my mom is going to English classes.
Jesus, Grade 3
I’m the most thankful for Emily. She watches out for us. I am also thankful for the volunteers because they help us. I am also thankful for Miss Marge, because she is kind.
Brenda, Grade 5
When I think about Pomona Hope, I am most thankful for Emily because she made this program. She keeps us safe. The way Emily keeps us safe is she has rules for us. She teaches us lots of stuff. She lets us play in the gym. She gives us treats.
Luis, Grade 5
I like coming to Pomona Hope without it my life would never be fun. Since I started to come I started to feel more responsible for everything. When I go I feel the future.
From Erica, October 2009
We have been involved with Pomona Hope Kids for the last two years. Our commitment to the program is so strong that, after planning to move to a different city, we changed our mind and decided to stay in Pomona so that our kids could attend the After School Program. Luis, our fourth grader, especially didn’t want us to leave Pomona, because Pomona Hope Kids meant that much to him.
Also, we have stayed committed to the program because we see that our kids are doing very well in school. Their statewide tests show that they are keeping their ability in school at-or-above grade level: Jessica, our second grader, is reading at the fourth grade level. When she began attending the program last year, she could barely read.
If Pomona Hope didn’t exist, our children would have a more difficult time doing their homework because sometimes my husband and I don’t understand it and can’t help them. Also, our son Luis would probably be on the streets or doing nothing after school every day, like many other boys his age.
In our neighborhood, what Pomona Hope is doing for kids is really needed. I am thankful for God and the volunteers who make time and sport our kids. I want Pomona Hope to continue helping the kids and showing them the right steps to take to succeed in life. Like all mothers, my dream is that, with the help of Pomona Hope, my kids become somebody and become volunteers to make a difference.
