Seeing a difference: How one mother has watched her children grow through Corners Outreach

*Name has been changed for privacy

As a mother, it was hard for Teresa* to watch her children struggle in school. But the disrupting effects the Covid pandemic had on education and socialization had taken their toll on her twins who were just entering public school when it hit.

“We were looking for something for them to do and to make some friends and keep learning over the summer,” she said.

What Teresa and her husband found was an announcement on a city website for Corners Outreach’s summer programming through its Academy. The summer program combines tutoring with exercise, play and other enriching activities five days a week. 

“The kids aren’t just sitting in a classroom and bored,” she said. “They really try to mix it up for them and make it more exciting and enriching.”

A day at Corners summer camp includes meals, indoor and outdoor time and engaging, fun activities like soccer, music, crafts, STEM, SEL. Middle school students also enjoy dance, exploring nature and activities focused on building leadership and communication skills.

Teresa said that the first summer made a difference in her daughters’ progress — socially and in their self-confidence, not to mention educationally.

Her daughters’ elementary school teacher who had them for two years in a row noticed a significant change in their math and social skills after that first summer. 

“It was really exciting to know that it was really helping!” Teresa said.

Four years later, her children have continued to be involved in Corners Academy offerings, including its after-school tutoring and its soccer program.

In 2024, Corners Academy worked with more than 400 students and their families. Of those, 75% showed an improvement in math and 65% showed improvement in reading. 

Teresa said she appreciates how what her daughters go over at Corners ties into what they’re learning in school.

“It’s such a great resource for parents, especially if their kids are struggling or need an extra boost,” Teresa said. “It’s great reinforcement. I can really see the wheels turning for them; they really are starting to grasp it better, because at school, they have to keep moving on, right? They don’t get to go over stuff over and over and over again. 

“But with Corners, it’s helped to reinforce what they’re learning and helps it stick better.”

The soccer program, which Corners families can participate in at no additional cost, has also been a welcomed activity for one of her daughters.

“The sporty one is just loving it, and the coaches are awesome,” Teresa said. “It’s so much fun to watch.”

For Teresa, Corners goes beyond the skills her children are developing. There’s a deep sense of community that’s formed and nurtured by a dedicated staff.

“There’s so many great people,” she said. “They work so hard for the kids — from the directors to teachers to the founder to the senior volunteers.”

Reflecting on the past several years, she’s grateful for finding a program that has made such a difference in her daughters’ lives.

“We’ve been so lucky to have been a part of it and benefited from it,” Teresa said. “This has just been a godsend.”