For my project link assignment, I volunteered at Teen Reach. The first time I offered to volunteer, CJ, the director of Teen Reach forgot to mention the kids where going to the community pool that day; and therefore, I was unable to go because I had no money on me or my swim suit. However, I called again, and this time I was prepared to go swimming. Teen Reach is a program that reaches out towards kids of all ages who are underprivileged. CJ, the director is very warm and welcoming and loves the children he works with. He is a great role model to the kids and makes a huge impact towards this community.  He checks each child’s grades to make sure they are working hard in school and keeping their grades up. If the child does poorly, then he/she has to take summer school and once they finish summer school they are then able to join CJ and the other kids in activities such as going to the lake, pool, or parks. Since its summer it’s important for them to hang around their friends, relax and just to have fun. These kids are able to build their social skills by interacting with one another and their counselors. In addition, CJ also wants the kids to know how to behave in public. Children may not have the privilege to do any of these activities because their parents are unable to take them or they don’t want to. I also liked that the program had their own transportation to pick up the kid’s from their homes because parents may be busy, or unable to do it themselves. This program allows kids to not be stuck at home all day and to actually enjoy their summer. It allows them to have something to look forward to everyday. Another benefit of the program is kids are probably staying out of trouble. I was surprised to hear the kid’s living conditions, which was living in sheds or sharing a room with multiple siblings. Looking at these kids and interacting with some of them, you could never tell they were living in conditions like these.  I’m glad they are able to go somewhere for the day to get away from their family and just have fun and forget about things for a while. I really enjoyed my experience at Teen Reach. I really wish I could stay here all summer so I could volunteer more and get to know everyone better.  I think it’s important for kids to have good role models. I think it’s a good idea for college students to volunteer there more because it could really motivate a child to do better in school and to dream about going to college someday. I will defiantly be volunteering in the fall, since the kids need help with homework and board games every day is not necessarily fun.