The Ark shelter programs offer youngsters and families hope

A recent article was published in the Kalamazoo Gazette about the Ark's programs for youngsters and teens.

The Ark is a program of Catholic Family Services but is not restricted to children of any particular religious belief. The facility is open to any troubled child, and it provides a safe shelter for runaway children in danger of becoming homeless.

The program assists youths through periods of transition and difficulty, perhaps when families are separated. It helps them develop independent-living skills and eventually become integrated into the community as productive participants.

Some snippets:

“I’ve been at The Ark for 14 days, and it has really helped me already,” said Ronee CQ Lee, 12, who credits the shelter’s counseling services for helping her to control anger and “not get an attitude so fast.”

“I get in fights with my mom, and I’m learning how to quit doing that so much. We get in big fights, and The Ark is helping me not to run away or to think I can’t fix the problem.”

“It’s a chance for kids to share positive thoughts about The Ark,” said Theresa Krieger, supervisor of the shelter. “We want them to have a good time, but this also is a chance for some exposure, to let other kids who may need our services or know kids who might need our services know that we are available and what kind of impact The Ark can make.”

“It is all about reunification of the families,” said Fran Denny, Catholic Family Services executive director. “It is so important for families and children going through tough times that there are options that can help them.

“Sometimes families feel as if there’s no place to turn. But there is a place. The Ark is that place.”

“Catholic Family Services is the only reason I’m where I am today,” said PepaCQ Smith, 20, who was on the streets at 14 and was pregnant with her second child before she was 18. “My caseworker still checks on me to this day, and I remember all the programs and counseling that helped me so much. ...

“I’m 17 credits short of an associate’s degree in psychology at KVCC, I have a clerical certificate and a business administrative certificate,” she said. “Things seemed so hopeless when I was a teenager, but now my mom and I have come to understand each other better. I have kids to raise, and I’m getting better-equipped to raise them.”

The Ark is one of the organizations featured in this year's Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. They will be providing a tour of their shelter on Friday, November 20th from 12pm - 3pm. To see PDF featuring a full calendar of events, click here.

Read the full article from the Kalamazoo Gazette here.