Fortress provides hope and resources for children and their families as they work toward long-term stability, health, and happiness. Through programs focused on academic, social-emotional, and spiritual support, our inter-generational approach utilizes existing strengths and develops new skills to help families overcome barriers rooted in systemic inequities, generational trauma, and life circumstances. FORTRESS PRESCHOOL provides programming for children ages 6 weeks through 4 years. An emphasis on achieving developmental milestones is balanced with creative play, early literacy, and social-emotional learning. FORTRESS AFTER SCHOOL provides programming for Prek3-5th grade students who attend Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary. An emphasis on literacy is supported by hands-on activities, Bible lessons, and social-emotional learning. FORTRESS SUMMER continues the work started in the school year with our preschool and after school programs. Our primary focus in summer programming is to provide enriching and engaging activities that help students deepen their faith and prevent the well-documented summer slide. FORTRESS PARENTS L.E.A.D. (Learn, Engage, Achieve, Disciple) provides classes and activities designed to encourage, empower, and equip the parents of children enrolled in Fortress programs. In lieu of student tuition, minimum parent participation is required for continued enrollment, with a leadership track available for parents who want to pursue it. Hours: More than 120 hours are scheduled each year at varying times to accommodate both working and stay-at-home parents. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT includes five free annual events, an on-site fresh pantry, and partnerships with Historic Southside Neighborhood Association and Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary School. Collaborations with neighboring churches, civic groups, volunteers and fellow service agencies are just some of the ways we work together to love our community well.