By Talia Sampson | Daily Republic | April 22, 2009
Malik Wilbon, 9, works on his math homework with Parkway Leaven Tutoring Center volunteer tutor Angela Kirk. The free tutoring and activity program will have its grand opening and open house on April 27. Photo by Chris Jordan
FAIRFIELD - Ten-year-old Kam'ryn Duhon proudly pointed out framed photos of other children on the wall of The Leaven tutoring center Tuesday afternoon.
'This is our family,' the fifth-grader said.
The center, located at 951 Alaska Avenue next to Parkway Community Church, is one of two locations of a 501(c)3 nonprofit that offers free after school programs and tutoring for 25-35 children from nearby low-income neighborhoods, said Mark Lillis, director of The Leaven.
On Monday, The Leaven will hold a public grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Alaska Ave. location, which has been serving students since last fall.
A representative for Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Davis, is expected to present The Leaven with a proclamation at the event, Lillis said.
The center is run by former Anna Kyle Elementary School teacher Paulina Polk, who said tutoring is just part of what The Leaven offers.
'It's not just homework, it's also about self-esteem,' Polk said. 'Sometimes, students come in and say, 'I don't like homework' or 'I don't like to read' and really it's that they don't like themselves.'
After finishing homework, students can play tetherball, jump rope or basketball in the backyard or paint or draw at an arts and crafts table inside. There is also a small gameroom with foosball and an area with couches and books.
See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.
