PROGRAMS + FEATURES

PROGRAMS + FEATURES

01. mentoring:

A one-on-one formal mentoring relationship between our caring adult staff and our ZONE youth is the backbone of our program. We require each ZONE youth to choose a mentor from our trained staff, who will meet with each youth several times per month. These formal mentoring sessions include goal setting, grade checking, and character development, as well as helping youth navigate the challenges of school and relationships, to help our youth to grow as students and healthy young adults.

02. education:

Education is one of our core values. As a result, we employ a tutor on-staff to be available in the Homework Room during our regular ZONE hours. We encourage (with incentives) students who have homework to visit our HW room during a 30 minute extended learning time. Technology and other supplies are available to support the educational path of Zone youth. We also have relationships and communication between the schools and our mentors/tutors to best help the students reach their educational goals.

03. HEALTH + WELLNESS:

Our health and wellness programs includes opportunities to participate in physical activities in our gym (Fit4Life), craft activities, yoga sessions, healthy snacks and lessons on nutrition. Teaching and dialogue about healthy relationships, drugs and alcohol abuse, bullying and other relevant topics our youth are encountering in their day-to-day lives.

04. evening programming:

Our current Evening Programming consists of a financial literacy class called Money Matters, a social and emotional well-being class called Restorative Practices, and our Leadership group. These all take place on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Students gather to eat family style and discuss important topics relating to growing into caring and generous adults. The latter part of the evening consists of learning selfcare skills, homecare skills, how to manage money, how to save money, and learning practices of being beneficial adults in the community.

05. food program:

The Zone Food Program operates underneath the Nebraska Child and Adult Care Food Program. When youth first arrive at The Zone, they are provided with a healthy snack, which is always free and offered every day. Zone youth are also offered a family style dinner on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

06. Community service:

Our ZONE youth are presented with many opportunities for community service during the school year. Youth learn about the community and ways they can give of their time, talents, and treasures.

07. special activities + incentives:

Special activities will include Friday night fun once a month at The Zone during the school year, Thanksgiving dinner with family, and our “End of the Year” celebration where we honor our youth participants! We also have special activities (ie: Haunted Corn Maze, Roller Skating, etc.) for reaching Mentoring Goals.

08. leadership PROGRAM:

Zone programming for at least year. Youth who consistently exemplify the values of The Zone is nominated and interviewed by staff and Executive Team members. Youth strengthen their leadership skills by helping plan and carry out activities with other Zone youth and community service projects.

09. SUMMER PROGRAM:

This 7-week program includes small groups, team building, games and a weekly major outdoors event, including kayaking the Elkhorn, Maskenthine Lake day, and Ponca Campout. Gardening and vocational prep & direction are available during programming hours.