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About Us

Need For Us:

Per Brookings Institute, after-school programs do not have properly structured activities that challenge children in a way that is a continuation of their daily education. It is time that schools examine and modify their after-school programs.

Experts Opinion About Afterschool:

After School Alliance says

After school helps youth develop automatically but more importantly, it helps them find their passion and better themselves. Long-term programs are especially crucial in reaching young people who are most at risk.
The top benefits of participation include helping with social skills, keeping kids safe, providing opportunities to be physically active and helping their children succeed in school.

St Louis for Kids says

At risk youth not involved in an after school program are five times more likely to become repeat offenders as adults.

Mission Statement:

The mission of Catch a Falling Star is to strengthen the physical and social skills of children of all abilities while promoting inclusion in everyday living.

Description of our Organization and Programs:

Catch a Falling Star (CAFS) is an after school program for children of all abilities which promotes character building and socialization. Children who cannot respect themselves or understand the need for accountability face challenges equal to the child who cannot read. Of course the challenges are different, but the end result is that neither child succeeds in life.
Our 4 main activities are character building/role-play, tutoring/homework, dance/music, computer/newsletter and large motor skills. We know the arts provide an exciting and fulfilling way through which to achieve our goals as well as open up wonderful new avenues of expression to the children.
The unique component that sets us apart is our method of character building. Children respond very well to our concept of the character box. A character box that is full represents good character and one that is empty represents poor character. We teach the children how to be responsible and accountable to keep their character box full. There are many organizations that talk about respect and character. What makes us unique is how we give the children a tool to measure their character. One of the main ways we do this is through our design of role-play. We take everyday arguments and fights, and reenact them teaching children positive outcomes. These lessons stay with children not just when they are at school but through life even as an adult. Learning proper character and understanding it regardless of your environment!