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Neighborhood Youth Read, Write and...Bake with Oakdale Neighbors

This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.

Neighborhood youth grow into future leaders in Oakdale Neighbors' On Our Block youth club.
neighborhood youth learn new skills in Oakdale Neighbors' baking class.

neighborhood youth learn new skills in Oakdale Neighbors' baking class. /Becky Ajuonuma

Learn More

Oakdale Neighbor On Our Block youth club needs adult mentors. To learn more about this opportunity to serve visit our website. Oakdale Neighbors' youth club creates rich settings for neighborhood children to grow and develop. Adult mentors guide club experiences to promote academic, social, personal, and spiritual development.

Reading with college mentors in Reading Cafe'.

Reading with college mentors in Reading Cafe'. /Becky Ajuonuma

Future leaders are rising in Oakdale Neighbors’ On Our Block youth club. Meet Natalie, an outgoing veterinarian in-the-making. At 10 years old, Natalie has big dreams of treating sick animals. Her love for animals grew as she learned about horses from her grandfather who owns a ranch in Mexico. 
 
Natalie joined On Our Block a year ago after seeing how much her sister loved it. Last week Natalie and her youth club served neighbors by baking brownies and cookies. The baking experience is teaching youth entrepreneurial skills and the importance of hard work and service.
 
When she’s not busy dreaming about her career, Natalie enjoys reading books and playing interactive games on the computer. Through her youth club Natalie indulges and explores her love of reading and learning. She improves her skills by reading aloud during ”reading café” with tutors from Calvin College. Neighborhood youth strengthen their writing skills with journaling exercises that articulate their thoughts and put them to paper.
 
Oakdale Neighbors' youth club is helping Natalie develop her talents and reach her goals. At youth club she enjoys doing the activities she loves with friends and adults that help her grow.

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