Programs

Central Community
Services, Inc.

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Programs

Central Child Care

In 1948, Violet Carlson had a burden for mothers of preschool children in the Midway community of St. Paul. Central Preschool was begun to give mothers a safe place to leave their children so they could have a few hours to do errands and relax.

In 1998, Central Child Care became a full time, licensed day care serving children from birth to age 5. In 2005, Central Child Care expanded its license to include school aged children through grade 6.

Under the able leadership of director, Michele Hedberg, our top-notch staff works together to give our families safe, quality care at an affordable price.

We serve an ethnically diverse population. 50% of our families receive child care assistance from the County. We are readily accessible to public transportation and Downtown St. Paul.

Spring Art Expo

Every Spring, Central Baptist Church hosts a themed, juried art expo. Artists from the community and area colleges may submit work and receive cash prizes in several categories. Children from our weekday programs also participate by submitting entries. The exhibit is open to the public for approximately ten days. Central volunteers and the Bethel University art department partner to hang, host and run the expo.

2009 Theme: TBD
Dates of Exhibit: TBD
There is NO entry fee.

After School @ Central Tutoring

In 1998, several folks at Central Baptist Church came together to develop an after-school tutoring program for neighborhood children. With funding from the Central Foundation, a director was hired and the program was launched.

Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from October to May, children from the surrounding community come to Central for homework help, reading support, and skill building. Snacks and recreation round out the child's one-on-one time with a caring adult tutor.

In 2000, a partnership was formed with Bethel University. Bethel has provided tutors and student interns through various work-study grants enabling us to achieve our desired one-to-one student/adult ratio.

After School @ Central serves 20-30 children at a time. These children come from ethnically diverse, economically challenged situations and represent 8-10 different neighborhood schools.

Director Shawna Horn is a licensed educator and is assisted by a student intern and many Central volunteers, as well as Bethel students.

Summer Youth Programs

Children and youth have many opportunities for fun and challenge each summer.

Children who have completed Kindergarten through grade 5 participate in Power Packed Day Camps. They may choose one or more fun weeks of exploration around the Twin Cities, swimming at local beaches, learning new skills and sports, and growing in character and self-discipline. Power Packed Day Camps are directed by Shawna Horn. She is assisted by Central volunteers and student interns from Bethel University and other neighboring colleges. Power Packed is funded partly by a grant from the Central Foundation and pariticipant fees. No child is turned away due to lack of funds.

Youth who have completed grades 6-12 have opportunity to travel together to nearby state parks, to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and every other summer, to Tijuana, Mexico for a cross-cultural service oriented trip. The youth programs are directed by Chuck Sorlie who is assisted by Central volunteers. Camps are funded by participant fees and available grants. No youth is turned away due to lack of funds. Youth who receive scholarships are required do volunteer service within the organization and to participate in fundraising events.