Peek into Creator's Corner and the Henley Youth Center
On the beautiful Salvation Orange County headquarters on Pioneer Road in Tustin, the sounds of children laughing and playing fills my heart with happiness. So, I spoke with Neveen Armendarez, the program director, about the successful preschool (Creator's Corner) and after school program (Henley Youth Center) and found out that children there are starting new programs that will increase music and art exposure for all the children.
Both of these programs strife to provide education in a safe environment and:
- Enhance self-esteem,
- Develop friendship skills, and
- Minister the love of Jesus Christ.
Creator's Corner Preschool
The preschool offers childcare services to children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old. Joy Yi, with 2 years of experience, is responsible for teaching music to the children. Her lessons include teaching Bible songs and encouraging the children to praise the Lord through songs that are easy to learn and enjoy. The children often perform their music in the Chapel on special occasions. They also engage in art projects and receive compassionate care from their teachers.
Henley Youth Center
The Henley Youth Center is responsible for picking up children between the ages of 4.5 to 14 from school and transporting them to the Center. The Center offers homework assistance and fosters a conducive environment for learning, growth, and inspiration. Joy Yi is also involved in teaching choral music to all age groups, with each group receiving 30 minutes of instruction per week. The upbeat songs they learn are related to the Bible.
Exciting things to come
So, I spoke with Neveen Armendarez, the program director, about the successful preschool (Creator’s Corner) and after school program (Henley Youth Center). I found out that children there are starting new programs that will increase music and art exposure. Next year, the children will be able to participate in new programs that will increase music their experiences in music and art.
Music is a key to success in school as well as mental well-being. Under Neveen’s guidance, these programs will grow to offer more avenues to lift their hearts with music.
Let’s meet Neveen
For the past 25 years, Neveen has worked in children’s programs at various churches and nonprofit organizations. Her goal is always to bring the love of Jesus to the children and empower them with the Holy Spirit.
She and her husband Miguel have 7 children and 7 grandchildren. The Salvation Army Orange County is in their blood, as Miguel is the manager of Social Services at the Salvation Army Orange County.
We are blessed to have Neveen overseeing the child care programs at the Salvation Army Orange County.