Daily Routine

Upon entering El Centro, the children are provided with an after-school snack and then precede directly to their assigned homework rooms where they meet their mentor for the day. Until 4:15 p.m., the students are supposed to participate in something academically oriented. The students are expected to complete all homework and read for at least 15 minutes from a book of their choice.

The students are split up into rooms based on their grades, and there are several students in each room. Here the children interact with their peers and mentors.

Mentors help their students with math problems, reading skills, and more. However, the mentors are role models as well. Several students form close bonds with their mentors often confiding in them and looking up to them.

After 4:15 p.m., the students have free-time. During this time, there is a vast array of activities in which they can participate. Some students choose to play outside on the basketball court, jump rope, or play organized group games. Others participate in arts and crafts. Some students play board games, cards, and more. There is also a computer room available to complete papers and play educational games.

However, just like in any home, life at El Centro is not all fun and games. The students are expected to participate in various tasks ranging from cooking, cleaning, gardening, and setting the table. These tasks teach them responsibilities for their own actions.

In addition, fifth through eighth graders participate in The Across Ages program. This program is an intergenerational approach to mentoring where caring adults (ages 55+) and youths spend time together participating in recreational, educational, and social activities. These same students complete community service at a nearby nursing home and receive regular instruction concerning the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.

The children at El Centro are very appreciative of the services their mentors provide. To remind us of their thanks, they posed outside of El Centro holding a colorful "thank you" sign.

As mentors at El Centro, we have learned just as much from the kids as they have learned from us. We are thankful to have had the opportunity to help our community and the world around us.

Axa Jones, Director, is the center piece of El Centro. She not only donated the building but founded this monumental program in 1997. Without her incessant drive, dedication, and determination, several children would not have this safe haven each night. She is not just a leader but a second mother to all of the children.

As a part of our course, we were required to write weekly journal entries about our experiences at El Centro. In our journals, we have discussed our emotions and thoughts and evaluated how we have grown since the start of the course. For a glimpse of our weekly experiences that have led to life journeys, please click here:

If you would like more information about El Centro, please contact:

137 South Washington Street

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 337-9059

fax (717) 338-3488

abjones@1main.com