A host
family is needed immediately for a 9th Grade ABC House Scholar. Please
consider this unique opportunity and
contact Wendy Kohler for details. Wendy can be reached at wendykohler@comcast.net
A Better Chance (ABC) House HOST FAMILY PROGRAM
The families who provide each ABC student with his own home
experience are families who reside in the Amherst area. The Host Family Program
establishes a link between ABC and community members. Students are provided with
an alternative place to relax, socialize and study. They are also given the opportunity
to forge positive personal relationships with members of the community they
might not have met otherwise. Reciprocally, host families derive the
satisfaction of interacting with talented young men who have both a lot to
offer and to learn from in these broadened social contacts.
The student/host family relationship is intended to be as informal
as possible. Host families should not feel obligated to constantly shower the
student with gifts, entertainment, or out-of-the-ordinary privileges. On most
occasions, it is sufficient to have the students participate in normal family
activities. A quiet evening at home is often a welcome change from everyday
life in the ABC house. ABC students have varying needs just as host families
have varying interest; therefore, the key is to work out a mutually rewarding,
amiable relationship. The host family weekend offers an opportunity to share
everything from a quiet evening at home, to attendance at concerts, movies, and
other activities that may interest students and families.
The Board has established a schedule of monthly host family
weekends. These begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday (usually the first Friday of each
month except September and June). Students are expected to return between the
hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. Students must return no later than
9:00 p.m. Also, host family weekends are a must, because they offer the
students an alternative community experience, and because they also offer the
Resident Directors a much-needed break.
All rules ordinarily governing ABC students are applicable while
the students are with their host families. Specifically, this applies to curfew
and as well as the prohibition toward the use of alcoholic beverages and
controlled drugs, as well as the prohibition against operating any motor
vehicles. It is expected that students will comply with the wishes of their
host families in matters generally related to their behavior. It is also part
of the host families' responsibility to be sure an adult is present during the
student's visit.
Host families are not limited to the designated weekend for
contact with students and are encouraged, with the approval of the Resident
Directors, to make other arrangements depending on the desires and needs of the
students and the host family. A successful host family program is a necessary
and enriching component of the total ABC program. Lasting friendships have been
established through this program, and it is our wish that such a proven benefit
will continue to be an integral part of the Amherst ABC program.
