ProYouth Expanded Learning

ProYouth would like to give a big THANK YOU!! to Family HealthCare Network for coming out to Strathmore Elementary and giving a presentation on Dental Hygiene to the students. Here at ProYouth, we strive every day to not only support student learning, but also student health. We are excited to have partners like FHCN in our mission to support all students and communities.

Last week, third grade students from the ProYouth HEART Expanded Learning Program at Goshen Elementary School had the opportunity to participate in a new program partnership with Read for Life and the Visalia Animal Care Center.

The 'Shelter Buddies' program promotes literacy development and empathy recognition in our students through partnered reading sessions with dogs at the shelter who have demonstrated anxiety and fear of potential adopters. After receiving training from the animal shelter staff, students visit the shelter twice a month to read to the dogs in 40 minute sessions. Our hope is that not only will our student's literacy skills develop further, but these wonderful animals will become comfortable with human interaction, increasing their opportunity for adoption!