SERVICES PROVIDED

Services are provided to as many as 85 children at any one time. Along with teaching them the values, we feed them and house them if necessary. We help them with their homework, get them to school, wash their clothes, take care of them when they are sick and, when necessary, provide medical attention. We talk with their teachers, principals, counselors, and parents. We get them involved in activities and experiences outside the neighborhood, such as sports teams and events, tournaments, dance groups, educational field trips, and give them exposure to colleges and universities. The children are very much involved in volunteerism both in and out of our community. MVP puts on community events such as “Safe and Happy Halloween”, “Community Thanksgiving”, “Healthy Holidays”, “Easter Egg Hunts”, along with many “Neighborhood Cleanups”, “Anti-Drug March”, and Read-a-Thon Sleepover”. In addition, MVP operates a Home School Charter School at the house for some 55 students from 1^st through 8^th grades.

The children are taught self-respect, independence, and leadership skills. The older youth, many who have been with the program since its inception, serve as mentors to the younger children. They learn to “invest” in themselves by putting time and effort into their studies and by learning and practicing the values consistently.

MVP advocates for children, the homeless, and the poor. MVP has been involved in town hall meetings, mayoral debates, conferences, seminars, and panels in the areas of children’s rights, education, and juvenile justice.

MVP receives no funds from government, and operates on a very slim budget coming from contributions from interested individuals and groups. Frank and Monica Victorio and their assistant, Laura Caraccio, receive no pay for their work and are only provided subsistence. The volunteer Board of Directors of MVP works hard to maintain the support needed to keep this very important program going.