Forging better futures for children, families and communities in Alabama through student retention programs and after-school enrichment.
At VOA Southeast, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of youth from under-resourced communities through strong partnerships with churches, schools, and local government. With support from donors like you, we step in to provide summer camps and after-school programs that create safe and nurturing environments for children in communities where essential programs may be lacking. We actively support students who face challenges such as truancy or disruptive behavior, guiding them toward building productive futures while fostering a safer and more inclusive learning environment for all.
Facts about School Attendance
60% – Missing more than 10 days of school in 9th grade reduces a student’s chance of graduating by 60%.
25% – Children living in poverty are 25% more likely to miss three or more days of school per month.
x2 – Between the 2018-19 and 2021-22 school years, the percentage of K-12 students who missed 10% or more days of school (i.e. 18 days+) more than doubled.
25% of K-12 students nationwide miss a month or more of classes during the school year.
Facts about After-School Programs
90% of parents agree after-school programs help their children catch up academically and socially.
91% of parents say after-school programs help their children interact with peers and build social skills.
9 in 10 voters say that after-school and summer programs help parents work and strengthen the economy.
How VOA Southeast Serves Children and Their Families
In 2024, we estimated VOA Southeast services reached 43,449 children, youth, and families.
That includes:
14,201 Children assisted through HFI
138 Students attending free summer camp
44 Children in our supervised afterschool recreation program
41 Children in our afterschool tutoring program
Light of the City in Baldwin County
Since 2008, VOA Southeast’s “Light of the City” program has transformed the Douglasville neighborhood into a hub of hope and growth for Baldwin County youth. Our free, year-round after-school and summer programs have reached hundreds of at-risk kids through a combination of tutoring, Bible study, arts, and recreation. With a high adult-to-child ratio, each child receives individual attention and support, and older children have the opportunity to return as teen leaders, giving back to the next generation and serving as role models for their peers.
The Helping Families Initiative
Originally a school-community partnership under the Mobile District Attorney’s Office, the Helping Families Initiative (HFI) joined VOA Southeast in 2016 and now reaches 42 Alabama school systems. The program addresses the root causes of at-risk behavior through interventions like food distribution, clothing drives, and partnerships with local organizations to combat truancy. Through a robust network of community partners, HFI supports families with addiction recovery, mental health care, food security, and financial assistance, emphasizing early collaboration with families to prevent future legal issues and foster healthier, safer communities.
How the Helping Families Initiative Serves Alabama Students
VOA Southeast’s Helping Families Initiative (HFI) was built on a simple but powerful principle: intervene early, and you can change the trajectory of a child’s life—and a community’s future. By identifying and addressing the root causes behind chronic school absences in Alabama communities, HFI solves small problems before they grow into major ones.
Serving At-Risk Youth in Baldwin County, Alabama
VOA Southeast’s Light of the City program is a front-line, hands-on ministry that reaches out to at-risk youth in Baldwin County, AL, through free, year-round after-school enrichment and Bible study programs. Since 2008, the program has filled a crucial gap in the county’s lower-income communities, providing tutoring, enrichment, and an array of other services to children and families.
Support Children and Families in Your Community
At VOA Southeast, our programs, including those for children and youth in Alabama, forge healthier families and stronger communities.
But we need your help. Every dollar you give makes a lasting impact on those who need it most. Join us in making a difference.
