The Alcove: Monroe's Hidden Treasure

Just off of Church Street, in a relatively quiet part of town, there sits an old, historic home with a potential future that could be as rich as its past.  This home has morphed over the years from residence to the much needed childrens shelter that it is today and because of the work and efforts of its staff it's hoped to continue to be an outreach for its surrounding community of Monroe.

This is a brief summary of The Alcove pulled from their website: The Alcove

Originally started as an emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth, The Alcove also serves youth that are in the custody of the state (Department of Family and Children Services or Department of Juvenile Justice).  The children they serve have Mild to Moderate and/or occasional serious emotional and/or behavioral management problems that interfere with their ability to function and the Alcove sets out to stabilize and help the children manage these abilities.  Through individual, group and family support services the Alcove strives to build self-esteem, independence, positive outlook and the ability to make responsible decisions. They are dedicated to giving children and families the chance they deserve at life.  The Alcove believes that by providing a resource for teens and families facing the stress of everyday life we will in turn help strengthen the communities we serve and stronger families equals a stronger community.

As you can see an establishment with such strong beliefs and values is something that every community needs and could certainly benefit from.  Having met the staff and interacting with them I can attest to the sincerity and belief system that The Alcove supports.  There is no denying that the Alcove is destined for great things, but we all know that these types of facilities sometimes get forgotten about and they, like all help centers need a little help.

In a phone interview with Tephra Fields she explained some of the things that the Alcove needs help with.  Below are just some of the things most needed:

     - Financial Donations

     - Facility Upgrades (Inside & Outside)

     - Volunteers (for filing, cleaning, landscaping, painting, electricians)

     - Technology Development (website, photography, videography)

     - Donations (bathroom items, school supplies, book bags)

These are just to name a few things that are needed and not just as one time donations, but as a partnership of cyclical donations.  You can find more items listed here under the wish list icon.  At first glance I can understand that the above list seems grand, but in order to effectively reach children we need to give them the essentials needed to construct of life normalcy.  The ages that most of the children enter the Alcove is a pivotal and delicate time in their lives and the easiest transition possible is so important.  Sometimes having all that they need lends a certain aspect of comfort that allows the staff to reach the children more effectively. 

To learn more about The Alcove and what they are doing and are in need of, please visit http://www.thealcoveshelter.com

As a community of believers and supporters I find it necessary to invest our time in things that benefit children and the community that they grow up in and The Alcove is trying to do just that.  Sometimes, when times a tough, it's necessary that we do more than our share to help those who need it, especially those who help ones that can't help themselves and that's why The Alcove is Monroe's Hidden Treasure...