Project Transformation

547 E. Jefferson Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75023
www.projecttransformation.org
214.946.3600

Executive Director: Eric Lindh, lindh@projecttransformation.org

Volunteer Coordinator: Janalee Shadburn, shadburn@projecttransformation.org

Hours
After School Program: Monday-Thursday, 3 - 6 p.m.
Summer Program: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mission
To connect the energy of young adults, the strength of church-supported institutions, and the untapped resources of urban neighborhoods to meet the evolving needs of children and youth.  Project Transformation provides two main services:

1. Socially-conscious leadership training, spiritual development, and ministry exploration for college-aged interns.
2. Academic, health, spiritual, and recreational programming for children and youth in low-income, underserved neighborhoods in the Dallas area.

Programs

• Young Adult Service Program: Provides leadership training and career exploration internships for young adults. Interns, in turn, implement academic and health  programming for children and youth.
• Elementary Programs (entering grades 1-5):
  • Summer: The children's summer day camp offers programming M-Th led by college interns. The primary component is reading. Each child is paired with a volunteer to read one-to-one each day. Other activities include fitness, visual arts and crafts, music, and theater.
  • After-school: Project Transformation's after-school program is focused on academic education and health & nutrition education. Each child receives tutoring specific to his/her needs. The SMARTBody Obesity Prevention and Nutrition model developed by researchers at Texas A&M University provides fitness curriculum and evaluation. Nutrition lessons and healthy meals are provided by the North Texas Food Bank. Family participation is highly encouraged throughout the year. They are invited to attend monthly Family Fun Nights that include fellowship, food, games, and typically a performance by the children.
• Youth Programs (entering grades 6-9):
  • Summer: The Project Transformation summer youth program is comprised of an 8-week day camp and one week overnight skills development camp, called Urban Camp. The mountain biking program sponsored by Trips for Kids and the Youth Service Fund will also provide weekly excursions for all sites.
  • Year-Round: Five Methodist Churches in and around Dallas conduct after school programming. The youth program includes tutoring, reading, Bible study fellowship, and leadership development.
• High School (grades 11-12):
  • Seeking & Serving: A one week mission opportunity for students completing junior or senior year of high school. Students can live and work along side college interns and participate in leading children's programs. Participants experience urban ministry hands-on.

Volunteer Opportunities

After-School Program

• Homework tutoring
• Help lead an Arts afternoon
• Be a recreation mentor once a week during sports time
• Teach a computer activity
• Special afternoon activity [from 4-5 p.m., Monday-Thursday]
• Help prepare the afternoon snack and share it with our kids, family-style

Summer Program

• One-on-one reading with children
• Host dinner for interns
• Sponsor/ chaperone a field trip, including transportation
• Do a special activity one afternoon with the kids [career exposure, a fun game, a special lesson, etc. This would be from 1-3 in the afternoon, Monday-Thursday]
• Coach a group in basketball, baseball, soccer, cheerleading, etc. [With elementary aged kids, the time would be 1-3 pm. For youth this activity time would be in the evenings.]

In-Kind Donations

• Computer/Technology Materials
• Art Materials
• Sport/Athletic Equipment
• Healthy Snacks
• Children’s Books