Did you know nearly half of children in the greater Cincinnati area live in poverty? Not only are half living in poverty, but many of these children are homeless, leaving them without the opportunity to do simple things our community often takes for granted, like a day at Mounds Beach in Brookville.

However, thanks to the region's only non-profit that exclusively serves the educational needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness, "UpSpring," students spent the day swimming and picnicking at the Mounds Beach in July as a part of its 36th annual summer program. The children could be seen smiling as they splashed in the water and built sand castles on the beach. One day a week is generally reserved for an off-site field trip like the one to Brookville. UpSpring provides students transportation and meals each day, free of charge.

"When we first arrived, we pulled up at the boat dock," one of the directors of UpSpring shared. "And as we sat there and took it in, I couldn't believe how quiet it was. It was so peaceful and beautiful; I can't believe this is so close by."

More importantly, UpSpring Summer, 360° is an educational and enrichment-based program for local children experiencing homelessness. Each morning students (ages 5 to 14) focus on literacy and math lessons delivered by licensed teachers. Students engage in enrichment, fitness, and other activities in the afternoon. The program's objectives are:

To improve students' literacy and math skills;

To boost students' social, emotional, and physical health;

To expand enrichment opportunities and important childhood events.

The results show that the program for the region's most at-risk students is successful. Upspring provided the following example, "Our pre and post-testing show that 70% of our students retained or increased their literacy and/or math skills. Furthermore, our proprietary metrics revealed significant increases in several well-being measures, including health, self-confidence, stability, belonging, hope, and comfort.

Students who are housed have more hope as their basic needs are met. When a young person is focused more on survival than aspiration, then they are far more likely to give up. UpSpring provides hope for a better future." 

UpSpring provides the consistency needed for students to achieve academic success and become well-rounded, active participants in their community, as it believes consistent education breaks the cycle of childhood homelessness and elevates kids, families, and communities. 

Each year UpSpring serves over 3,000 children experiencing homelessness in the region. Since its founding in 1998, it has helped more than 45,000 children experiencing homelessness.

For more information, contact [email protected] or visit upspring.org