In June of 1961, when after-school programs were almost unheard of, Susan Duncan opened her children’s center as a free educational and recreational program for inner-city children. The idea was to provide a supportive and enriching haven where children would be cherished and nurtured: a place where children could learn.
Today the Sue Duncan Children’s Center (SDCC) is as vibrant as ever. SDCC continues to be a safe haven for children, where staff and volunteer tutors work closely to strengthen core academic skills, while also developing self-esteem, respect for others and a renewed sense of hope. SDCC has provided top-level academic tutoring and social adjustment to literally thousands of children over the past 49 years.
Programmatic overview
The Sue Duncan Children’s Center (SDCC) is housed in Jackie Robinson Elementary School on the city’s southeast side. SDCC aims to foster the academic growth and achievement of its students. SDCC further recognizes that the needs of its children are deeper than educational, that many have experienced and witnessed violence and discrimination in their neighborhoods and homes leading to deep anger and subsequent behavioral problems.
The Center, through a range of programs, aims to support the whole child, fostering academic achievement and emotional and social well being. To this end, the first part of the day is focused on academics with the children participating in small reading groups, intensive one-on-one tutoring, small group tutoring, and group discussions.
After all the children receive a warm nutritious meal, they participate in various activities focused more on social and emotional growth. SDCC provides violin lessons, a teenage girl’s discussion group, weekly meditation aimed at teaching anger management techniques and Spanish class. SDCC also provides individual and group art therapy with a licensed Art Therapist weekly. The day ends with recreational activities in the gym.
Currently, the SDCC serves approximately 80 children of all ages, Monday through Thursday from 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and Fridays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
