What We Do
At A Peer Place, we are honored to partner with the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and their mission to nurture children and empower families. The CDF Freedom Schools® program provides our scholars with enriching academic and character development through a research-backed, multicultural model. This program supports students and families through:
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High-quality academic and character enrichment
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Parent and family involvement
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Civic engagement and social action
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Leadership development
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Nutrition, health, and wellness
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By incorporating CDF's holistic mission, we foster an environment where scholars gain hope, education, and tools for action. Our scholars develop self-confidence and a belief in their ability to positively impact themselves, their families, schools, communities, country, and world.
The culturally relevant books and activities deepen our scholars' understanding of themselves and their commonalities with others in our diverse society. The CDF Freedom Schools program further empowers our youth to embrace their potential to create change. It also helps avoid summer learning loss through a love of reading.
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At A Peer Place, we are proud to nurture the next generation of leaders.
Our Programs
About Us
At A Peer Place, we're dedicated to empowering under-resourced communities through education. By providing vital resources, transformative programs, and innovative activities, we believe that knowledge and opportunities can catalyze positive change. Our approach focuses on teaching learners to teach, nurturing essential literacy skills, including reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking, and application.
Mission
To serve as a resource center for underprivileged children and families.
Vision
A bright future driven by curiosity and critical thinking developed by enhancing literacy skills
Meet Our Founder
Krisann Clark is the visionary behind A Peer Place's mission and has been instrumental in shaping our mission. Her dedication and tireless efforts have already begun to inspire lives and ignite a passion for learning and community engagement.
Krisann Clark
Founder & Director
The seeds of A Peer Place were planted in my childhood when I began noticing inequality and a lack of resources around me. I began reading by the time I was 3 years old, and by age 12, I understood inequality and wanted to make a difference. So, I started by reading to children and families and working at a teen center.
Years later, after spending three summers teaching grades 6-12 at Freedom Schools, I saw firsthand the power of education, connection, and peer support in uplifting youth. Drawing on these experiences, from reading to children at 12 to teaching teens at Freedom Schools, I founded A Peer Place.
The Bill Clark Music Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Bill Clark Music Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the extraordinary musical legacy of Mr. Bill Clark, a phenomenal musician whose talent and passion for music left an indelible mark. From his soulful vocals to his electrifying keyboard playing, Mr. Clark wowed audiences.
His musical journey began at Buchtel High School in Akron, Ohio, where he flourished, achieving remarkable milestones like performing before Pope John Paul II in Rome as First Chair Saxophonist. With the support of his school and friends, Mr. Clark honed his exceptional musical skills across diverse instruments, dedicating himself to mastering the saxophone and later teaching himself keyboard in high school. His respect as an artist is matched only by his enthusiasm, and creative spirit to not only inspire his peers, but instill a want and desire to do well in school, the community, and life.
Scholarship
Created in a spirit of love by Bill's wife and others who share an affinity for music, the fund will supplement music and arts education.
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With an initial goal of awarding two $ 1,000 scholarships, this fund provides high school students with financial assistance to pursue their passions in music and the performing arts.
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In addition to supporting future musicians, the scholarship fund will also provide two instruments and music lessons to talented high school students. By investing in the music education of the next generation, we honor Mr. Bill Clark's legacy and keep the momentum alive in the school's music program, inspiring students to excel and embrace the world of music.
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Please contact us for more information about the Bill Clark Music Memorial Scholarship Fund, upcoming events, and how you can contribute.
Fundraiser
Join A Peer Place for an unforgettable night of jazz, celebration, and remembrance at the Bill Clark Music Memorial Scholarship Fund Jamboree Fundraiser. This special event, dedicated to honoring the remarkable legacy of Mr. Bill Clark, will immerse attendees in the music and creative arts Bill loved while raising money to help students follow in his footsteps.
Your presence and contributions will empower aspiring musicians to follow their dreams, just as Mr. Bill Clark did throughout his illustrious career.
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Date: Saturday, October 28th, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Encore Film And Music Studio - 3938 Shirley Dr. SW
Help Support Our Mission
At A Peer Place, we firmly believe that every individual has the power to create a positive impact. While one dollar may seem small on its own, when combined with the support of a community, it becomes a catalyst for change. Your contribution, no matter the amount, is vital in transforming the lives of children and families in under-resourced communities.
Your Donation at Work
Your donation goes a long way in creating transformative experiences for children and families. It supports:
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Educational Resources
Providing access to high-quality educational materials and tools that empower young minds.
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Community Engagement
Fostering a sense of belonging and connection through community projects and involvement.
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Enrichment Programs
Offering engaging workshops and mentorship that promote personal growth and development.
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Scholarship Opportunities
Empowering aspiring musicians through the Bill Clark Music Memorial Scholarship Fund.
How To Donate
Use PayPal to donate to A Peer Place.
By donating, you become a partner in our mission to uplift, empower, and inspire. Your generosity directly supports our efforts to provide essential resources, high-quality programs, and creative activities that foster growth and learning. With your help, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.
