First Steps
There are three barriers that often prevent families from registering their children for recreational programs, lessons, or camps: financial hurdles, transportation difficulties, and cultural differences. Some families face all three barriers, while others just one.
We first connect a family with their own family liaison who conducts a needs assessment.
What are the child’s interests?
Can the family afford program fees?
Can the family afford program fees?
Does the family have dependable transportation after school and on the weekends?
Does the family need translation services?
The answers to these and other questions help City Youth Matrix and the family shape an action plan for registration, payment, and transportation.
The liaisons also discuss the requirements to qualify for our program: necessary paperwork, a signed parent agreement, and a commitment to attend four Parent Empowerment Dinners. City Youth Matrix believes that for youth to thrive, it takes a strong network of individuals—a matrix within the community—working together. Actively engaged parents are central to success!
Our liaisons connect with families every other week and form a trusted relationship. It is not only the children who are exposed to new experiences: parents and guardians set timelines to meet registration deadlines, budget for fees, research what a martial arts or cooking class involves, and meet other parents in a new community. It can often be overwhelming and intimidating. Our liaisons play a pivotal role by providing both the technical and emotional support needed for a successful experience for both the child and the family.
Scholarships
Budget constraints often stand in the way of children being exposed to the arts and music, sports programs, and other recreational and growth opportunities. We know that families often struggle to make ends meet. City Youth Matrix helps bridge the gap when needed.
Enrichment
City Youth Matrix partners with over 20 public and private organizations across the City of Frederick to provide a diverse range of enrichment programs.
Children have taken cooking classes and joined Girl Scouts, played on sports teams, learned karate and dance, and taken musical instrument lessons.
City Youth Matrix was awarded a Leaders on Loan grant by Leadership Frederick to identify and catalogue a dynamic index of enrichment programs and partners in Frederick County. This index will be an extensive resource to help families and children choose enrichment programs.
Transportation
We have found that something as simple as reliable transportation often prevents children from playing on a team or joining an after-school club. Our vetted and insured drivers complete a training session and then drive our families to and from programs.
They also play a key role by offering encouragement and positive support to our families and children.
Interested in Joining Our Family?
If you’re not a member but are interested in joining City Youth Matrix and becoming a Parent Partner, we’d love to hear from you! Learn more about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply. Test edit.
