Manchester, NH Kids Cafe
by Robert Mitchell
photography by Michael Cirelli Photography
After school
The Salvation Army Kids’ Café began at the Manchester, N.H., Citadel in 1994 as a place where 80–100 children and teens could find a warm meal each evening. The program has grown over the years to an attendance of around 130, four nights a week. After the meal, everyone takes part in structured recreational activities, from video games to art to hands–on games. Kids’ Club also gives children and teens a chance to interact with caring adults, who provide a place for them to learn and grow with the support of others.
Dodgeball is a favorite at The Salvation Army’s Kids Café in Manchester, N.H. Some 55-60 kids now show up from 5-7 p.m. four nights a week to take advantage of a game room (complete with X-Box, Play Stations, etc.), arts and crafts, and a computer lab with 24 computers. There also is a teen program on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The children coming to The Salvation Army’s Kids Club in Manchester, N.H., not only get to play games and have fun in the gym, but once a week they attend Club 3:16 to learn about Jesus Christ.
Foosball is another attraction in the game room at The Salvation Army’s Kids Club in Manchester, N.H., says Robert Champagne, who has been the community center director for 28 years.
Everyone eats a meal, prepared by committed volunteers, at The Salvation Army’s Kids Café in Manchester, N.H. Many of the kids who live in the neighborhood and walk to the program are underprivileged.
Children color pictures in the arts and crafts program at The Salvation Army’s Kids Café in Manchester, N.H. The Kids Café began in 1994.
Many of the children who come to The Salvation Army’s Kids Café in Manchester, N.H., are from immigrant families. Many come from other religions, but take part in the Club 3:16 program, which teaches about Jesus Christ.
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