The mission of Fall Frolic is to create a family-friendly 10K, 5K Walk/Run, 2K Fun Run, and Kids Obstacle Course, while raising funds for the most vulnerable citizens in our community: homeless children receiving education through the Montessori classroom at the Center for the Homeless.

All proceeds from Fall Frolic will benefit the Center for the Homeless Montessori classroom, the only Montessori classroom in the nation to serve homeless children. For many children, the Center provides a first experience in their young lives of meeting their own needs with a measure of order in a secure, creative environment. Within the limits of self-discipline, they experience the respect and dignity of being a contributing member in this classroom community.

Fall Frolic proceeds ensure the ongoing ability to provide a certified Montessori teacher, classroom assistant and all classroom materials and expenses. Funds raised in excess of the classroom’s yearly expenses will be added to the Community Foundation endowment fund created for the Montessori classroom at the Center for the Homeless. Our goal is to build the endowment to where the classroom thrives independent of yearly fundraising!

You will enjoy the Helman-designed race course. Both the 5K and 10K courses are flat and fast. These beautiful, mostly shaded courses wind through two attractive neighborhoods, as well as Edison Lakes Corporate Park. Runners will pass over creeks, by bubbling brooks and past small fountains. The Kids Obstacle Course stays entirely on the grassy, tree-lined, seven-acre campus of The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes. All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Co-hosted by The Center for the Homeless and The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes, Fall Frolic is an annual event that has generated momentum and formed beneficial partnerships among community-focused businesses, the Center for the Homeless, The Montessori Academy, and the extended community.

Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness, one step at a time.

In 1994, a unique partnership was formed between the Center for the Homeless and The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes. This partnership began the only Montessori preschool serving homeless children in the nation. It provides a complete Montessori classroom for children ages 3-6 living at the Center for the Homeless. A certified Montessori Director and Assistant lead the classroom along with dedicated volunteers from the community. Children who come into the classroom have often been exposed to extremes of human existence: hunger, poverty, abuse, neglect and homelessness.

The classroom is open year-round to provide a consistent and structured environment for the children. This unique preschool offers a therapeutic environment where children are able to heal, grow and learn. Through the exceptional Montessori approach, children gain confidence, independence, respect for others and a joy for learning. The curriculum of the classroom is built on the Montessori philosophy of “following the child.” Each child has in them the potential for greatness. The goal of this important classroom is to nurture and guide the child’s innate desire for growth and learning.

Did you know?
• 85% of CFH funding comes from private donors
• 87% of CFH residents are from St. Joseph County
• 22 families are housed at CFH
• 54 children are housed at CFH
• 7 is the average age of a homeless individual
• $37 to house one person per day
• 27, 000 individuals served since 1988
• 550+ meals are served each day

The Center for the Homeless is so thankful for your support. By participating in the 11th annual Fall Frolic, you will offer hope and opportunity to those we serve! The funds generated from this event will provide the resources that afford guests of the Center the ability to transform their lives while living in a community-oriented environment.

Our on-site Montessori Center is the only one in the nation that serves homeless children. The Montessori method's child-centered focus allows the Center's children to experience control of their own learning in a safe, nurturing atmosphere. If you are interested in learning more about the Center for the Homeless, please contact us at (574) 282-8700 or to visit our website. If you would like to contribute directly to the South Bend Center for the Homeless, please .
Thank you for your support!