The Springfield Gardens Methodist Church Community Service Agency was incorporated in 1968. Its first service to the community was a Day Care Center which operated about 15 years. In 1988 a Mentoring Program for male youth was instituted and continued for two years.

In 1990 the After School Tutorial Program was initiated with the mission to create a safe and healthy environment to help students and families from becoming alcohol and/or drug abusers. This is attempted by keeping students in school, decreasing academic failure through homework assistance, tutoring in math, English, reading and science, reducing problem behavior through group discussions, teaching self pride, confidence and communication skills to change attitudes and behavior.

We also teach the students alternate solutions to their problems including social concerns and give them a sense of purpose and a positive outlook for the future. This is done by having the students become goal oriented, motivated to achieve, and finding within themselves educational aspirations and persistence.

The Program serves students in grades 4-10 with mildly disabled students up to the 12th grade. We service up to 65 students daily. The sex orientation is evenly divided between male and female, ages 9-18. English is the basic language spoken. The students are minorities; 92% African American and 8% Hispanic.  The staff includes State Certified teachers and Program Aides with a minimum of two years of college.

The agency is located in Jamaica, Southeast Queens. Our After School Tutorial Program, operates in the Center at the church, servicing students in Jamaica, St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Queens Village, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens, Hollis, etc. The Program also services students out of this area if parents can provide transportation. The school buses deliver some students with disability to the Center.

 The Current Programs are:

1.         After School Tutorial - The return rate is 25% - 30%. Some students stayed with us from the 4^th – 10^th grade. We employed three of them to either assist with homework, do clerical, custodial or kitchen work. They were paid either a salary or a stipend. Two 6th grade students became valedictorian of their class. One Principal gives our Program credit for this accomplishment. We offered piano keyboard lessons and computer instructions. We also have a counseling component for group discussions.  The students voluntarily come to this which is offered weekly.