St. Vincent Unity Development Center and After-School Program
The St.Vincent–sponsored Unity Development Center (UDC) is located in the Citizen/King Park community, just northeast of downtown Indianapolis. Unity Development Center serves its neighborhood through Kids with a Mission (KWAM), an after-school program that provides a fun, safe learning atmosphere.
During 2009, KWAM served approximately 60 students in K-6th grades who attended a school in the service community. As part of KWAM, youth were offered programs that included:
- Homework assistance
- Character education
- Field trips
- Project SEED
- Arts with a Heart
- Indianapolis Children’s Choir/Sounds Sensation
Snacks and free transportation were provided. UDC also provides a Brother2Brother and Sister2Sister mentoring program that focuses on instilling morals and values for approximately 25 students (middle to high school age). UDC also partners with 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc. to provide, for a minimal charge, a Summer Academy to children in K-8th grades who reside in Marion County.
The Academy prides itself on offering participants educational, cultural and recreational activities to which they may not otherwise be exposed. In fiscal year 2009, approximately 160 children attended the seven-week program. UDC also serves as a referral source for neighborhood residents with needs such as food, clothing, and mental health services.
Contact Linda Bolden-Smith at (317) 415-5326 for additional information.