Sharing Web Resources

As an individual who wants to obtain a job in the early childhood profession, I believe that every child should be given the chance at receiving a quality education as well as given the opportunity to experience things in life that will have a positive impact on them.  This is exactly why I chose the organization, Harlem Children's Zone (www.hcz.org).  The Harlem Children's Zone is a community based organization that focuses on the well-being of the children and families in Harlem, NY by providing them with resources and activities in order to promote positivity in their lives.  One of the main focuses of the organization is to end poverty and to educate the children in order to enrich the environment of Harlem, NY.  The one thing that I found interesting about this origanization and what led me to further researching the website was the agencies, "whatever it takes" attitude.  This is exactly how I feel when it comes to children and being able to provide their families with the resources and services needed for a better life for the child.  The Harlem Children's Zone is basically an organization that provides services to everyone, from the preschooler all the way up to the college student.   

While researching the organization's website I was able to determine that the main issue with families and children that Harlem Children's Zone is focusing on is poverty.  The organization feel that there are too many families living in poverty and something has to be done in order to address the issue.  They feel that something more has to be done than just the programs that only help hundreds of children a year.  Their aim is to help thousands of children a year in whcih they have been able to reach as many as 10,000 children a year by providing services such as the Baby College, preschool programs, health related resources and services such as obesity programs, and asthma initiatives, as well as the Promise Academy which is a successful public charter school.  The services and resources provided has allowed the organization to address the concerns and issues that comes along with poverty stricken parents and given them a better view of life.  The organization has a newsletter in which I have subscribed to but awaiting to receive confirmation for access.  However, I feel that the  website has valuable information that would be very useful to any early childhood professional or any individual looking to find ways to address problems within their own community. 

As far as the topics discussed this week and the information found on the website, I feel that the changes in demographics may cause the proverty numbers to rise in which more and more people will need resources or programs that will help them adapt and take control of their situation.  I feel that this website will provide families and professionals with information on how to address the issue and how to start programs or seek help from other organizations such as this one.  However, I encourage everyone to take a look at their website and read about some of the wonderful things the organization has done for the families in Harlem.