Students in Niagara University’s College of Education combined creativity with classwork in coming up with a project that supported mothers with young children who live at Carolyn’s House of the YWCA of Niagara Falls.
As part of their fieldwork, the students surveyed the mothers to determine their children’s interests and learning goals. Based in that information, the students developed "Learning with a Pal" packets, which were individually designed for each child to offer ideas for developmentally appropriate activities, games, and books. Niagara students then worked with the mothers through a virtual platform to discuss how to use the packet
Carolyn’s House is a 19-apartment supportive housing program for homeless women and children operated by the YWCA of Niagara. Named after the late Carolyn Van Schaik of Niagara Falls, who was dedicated to improving the lives of women and children, the residence offers a variety of programs to help women gain stability in their lives while preparing for economic self-sufficiency.