The BUDDY Program, exclusively for MICAH House clients, is designed to engage the children we serve each year. The BUDDY Program uses play, trauma-informed methods of care, and fantastic volunteers, or BUDDYs, so we can truly Build Upon Dreams and Develop our Youngsters!
Let's Play!
Children are routinely denied daily opportunities to play while living in emergency shelters. Lack of play time increases stress and continues to the trauma of homelessness.
Play is a major component of the BUDDY Program because it can be a healing force that helps children at our shelter cope and restore normalcy to their lives.
Playing with other children (and BUDDYs) also helps children learn social skills, critical thinking skills, self-control, and creativity.
The BUDDY Program provides spaces for children ages one to seven. BUDDY Serenity plays with a one-year old in the designated toddler space. Local businesses and individuals generously donated the equipment needed to make the toddler area a safe and fun space for our children.
Why Play?
When children are stressed or experience trauma, the stress hormone, cortisol, floods the brain and affects the hippocampus, which is the center of emotion and memory.
The antidote to cortisol is serotonin, which is released through physical activity, laughter, affection, mastering new skills and rest. By building the opportunity for positive experiences into our programming, the cortisol block is removed, and children can learn and grow!
Therefore, PLAY is the answer!
Angela, who volunteers as a BUDDY in our program, plays with a three-year old child who currently lives at MICAH House with her family. The BUDDY Program is one of the many services offered to families during their stay.
A Creighton University student donated her artistic abilities and hand-painted our Children's Library, a project that took more than 200 hours to complete. This space is utilized by children ages 3-7 during the BUDDY Program.
VOLUNTEER TODAY!
The BUDDY Program is currently offered every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm to provide care for children ages one to seven while parents or guardians attend classes at MICAH House. The MICAH House is in need of wonderful and caring individuals that are willing to dedicate their time each week to play, read, and do crafts with the children staying at the shelter. Volunteers must be ages 16 and older, with no criminal background. If you are interested in becoming a BUDDY and would like to make a difference in the lives of homeless children, apply today at the link below.
BUDDY Program Application Form
For questions regarding the BUDDY Program, please fill out the form below and a MICAH House representative will contact you at their earliest convenience.