Skill Development
Central City Community Outreach provides the training necessary to succeed in working with the Skid Row community. Training includes:
- An after-school and community orientation to help volunteers gain an understanding of the issues facing the children we serve
- Time spent with homeless men and women living in the community
- Outreach to local residential hotels and missions
- Race and culture discussions
Training also highlights our mission and goals, and the role volunteers play in achieving our objectives. Topics covered include the "ins and outs" of working with children, social and emotional issues you may encounter, dealing with child anger, recognizing when a situation needs increased attention, and general organizational policies.
Tutors work closely with teachers and the program director to learn the curriculum and teaching format. Central City volunteers use the same teaching methods as the Los Angeles Unified School District to teach phonics and reading.
As a Central City volunteer, you’ll gain important skills in:
- Education on issues of homelessness and poverty
- Cultural and ethnic sensitivity
- Child development
- Leadership
- Nonprofit management
- Child disciplinary standards
- Mentoring and communication
- Self-care and personal safety
- Community partnerships and advocacy
- Family crisis management
- Administration and program operation
D.R.E.A.M. Developing Relationships, Educating and Mentoring