A new program in Algoma is already making a huge difference. The Algoma Wolf Den is a program in the Algoma School District and has only been around since January of last year. It is a mentorship program where high school students mentor elementary students.
The high schoolers are called "Wolves" and the younger kids are "Pups." The Pups meet with their Wolves twice a week during the school day and meet after school as well. Wolves help Pups with homework and developing social skills and life skills. Another part of the Wolf Den is the Weekend Backpack Program where each student gets a personalized backpack. The backpacks are filled with a breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Algoma United Methodist Church supplies the food for the kids. Teal VanLanen is the Improvement Coordinator and Community Activator for the Algoma School District and she says they would like to expand the program and help even more students.
The Wolf Den was a recipient of the Jandu Petroleum Pride Pumps for December. The Pride Pumps raised $171.08 for the mentorship program.