Goal of the Program: To facilitate childrens' social development and their relationships with adults and peers, develop self-confidence, and improve academic achievement.

Objectives of the Program: To help low income children ages 8-12 to develop social skills, improve social behavior, develop problem-solving skills, improve reading scores, and improve self-esteem.

Problem Statement: Today, more than 28 million school-aged children have parents who work outside the home. A Matter of Time: Risk and Opportunity in the No school Hours, brought to light the need to address the growing crisis in youth development. The report revealed that 42 percent of an adolescent's waking hours are discretionary, most of which are unstructured, unsupervised, and unproductive (Task Force on Youth Development and Community Programs, 1992). In addition, after-school programs not only keep children safe and out of trouble, but they also provide a prime opportunity to increase learning. The benefits of after-school programs include reducing juvenile crime, improving academic achievement, supporting children's social development and their relationships with adults and peers, and strengthening, school families and communities (U.S. Dept. of Education & U.S. Dept. of Justice, 2000).

Target clients and communities serviced: Youth ages 8-12 living in low income communities of Florida.

Benefits of the Program: Youth who participate in H.U.G. can behave appropriately in various settings through an improved understanding of inappropriate behavior. They have been exposed to various activities and have acquired new interests to keep self-motivated and occupied so they are redirected away from at-risk behaviors like drugs and violence. They can make clearer and healthier choices for themselves because of increased knowledge, and improved creative problem-solving abilities. Lastly, youth develop enhanced social skills, through a combination of interactive group games/activities, and art enrichment projects.