Structured Day Program

Cynthia McLean, Structured Day Program Director

"Some are called students, kids, delinquents, children, and even juveniles. I call them our future. When it comes to the work I do at The Care Group, I absolutely love it Working with the at-risk population makes it even more special to my heart Giving these babies a chance at a brighter future with support and guidance is the happiest part of my job Our Structured Day Program is driven by employees who teach, mentor, care and provide structure for each student we come in contact with. Making a difference and allowing our kids to see that no matter what walk of life they may come from, they are all destined for greatness We provide them the opportunities to be exposed to new things and give them a chance to discover hidden hobbies and talents It's the smiles on their faces when participating in group activities and the attentiveness in their eyes when you are speaking positive affirmations on their lives. These are just a few reasons why I love what I do and who I do it for"

Chris O'Dell, Structured Day Program Leader

I do what I do at Moore Buddies because I was once a troubled and lost kid I never really had anyone to talk to about life or to show me how to become a successful young man. I was involved in the juvenile court system for many, many years. If only I had someone in my corner to redirect my thinking, maybe my actions would have been different Working with adolescents brings me back to where I was, so hopefully, I can show someone something different than the way they are headed If I can save someone from juvenile detention, Adolescent Treatment centers, probation, training schools, and prison, then my job has been fulfilled. I know I can't save everyone, but if I can get that light to turn on in just one, then I have made a difference. That's what GOD wants me to do I have a passion to give back what I have so freely been given

While having a snack after school, right before working on homework and group activities, sisters Lanajah (9th grade) and Latalyah (7th grade) share why they enjoy participating in the Structured Day Program. “I really like the people here They are so nice and giving They really show us that they care and make us feel special. They make us feel like we are at home, they feed us and we even get to meet new friends here” says Lanajah “We go places, they feed us and help us with our schoolwork. Ms. Cynthia acts like she is our mama but we love her so much I love the nice things here that we do like cooking classes and art classes” says Latalyah.

Students Anthony and Zara are asked why they enjoy group sessions with the Structured Day Program during a group session. They both laughed and replied, "you make us feel heard, you listen to us, and you encourage us to do better in school " "This is the only time we actually talk to each other in school. We see one another, but we don't talk. We are so different when we are in our group session and talking we realize we really aren't that different," Anthony says. "Yeah, like I really would've never thought we had so much in common, and I definitely never thought to just speak or talk to Anthony until after we started this group together Now we talk and speak in the hallways during school," says Zara.

During a back-to-school event at The Care Group, Fedrick says, “I really enjoyed listening to him It felt like he was someone who I can relate to, someone who I can look up to. I am so happy that I came to this event” Fedrick then goes on to say, "I enjoy this program It's like school but not like school, if that makes any sense. The people here really make you feel cared about, and they make you feel like you can do anything in life I love the fact that they gave me so many school supplies, and they fed us too Even after I am off probation, I would love to stay in this program if that’s ok.”