and to the rising of a new person who will not be the victim of events,
but will have the clarity of vision to direct and shape the future of human society . . .
Any child who is self-sufficient, who can tie his shoes, dress or undress himself,
reflects in his joy and sense of achievement the image of human dignity,
which is derived from a sense of independence."
Maria Montessori
In 1994, a unique partnership was formed between South Bend
Center for the Homeless and The Montessori Academy at Edison
Lakes, one of the largest Montessori schools in the U.S. Because
of this partnership, a preschool program now serves children at
the Center by integrating Montessori philosophy, methodology,
and materials with the special needs and gifts of homeless
children ages 3-6. This is the only Montessori program
specifically serving the homeless population in the nation.
Three TMA fundraisers directly benefit the Center for the
Homeless: Fall Frolic, Dance-a-thon, and Winding Brook Holiday
Collection.
In photo at left is Lead Teacher Bobbi Lauritsen with assistant Marybeth Hoffer
on right.
The Cressy Challenge
Don and Pat Cressy created a $200,000 challenge grant with the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County in 1999. This grant required The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes and The South Bend Center for the Homeless to work together to raise $200,000 over five years. The total of $400,000 was then to be used as an endowment to generate a significant portion of the necessary operating income for the preschool classroom.
The Montessori Academy at The South Bend Center for the Homeless . . .
• Offers a full-day Montessori preschool for children ages three to six, five days per week,
47 weeks of the year is staffed by trained and certified Montessori educators
• Offers monthly Parent Education meetings and regular parent conferences
• Provides a nutritious daily lunch
• Integrates Montessori staff expertise into the Homeless Center's adult life skills classes
• Provides volunteer opportunities in the classroom for the Homeless Center guests
participating in adult job training/placement programs
• Is effectively administered by a team comprised of members from The Montessori Academy and The South Bend Center for the
Homeless
• Is sustained by private sector funds from foundations, businesses, and individuals
