Salvation Army After-school Program Director gives back

Chaya Jugenheimer may only be 23 years old, but she has already made an impact serving her community.

As the Salvation Army’s Spring Valley Corps’ Afterschool Program Director, Jugenheimer oversees children in grades first through sixth both during the school year and in the organization’s Summer Fun Program, which runs four weeks throughout the summer. As director, she is responsible for training staff to work effectively with the elementary school students, as well as stepping in herself to help kids with everything from homework to regulating big emotions.

“I went to college for inclusive childhood education,” Jugenheimer explained. “So I’m a general and special education certified teacher, and am working on my Master’s. So I love working with kids and have a heart for the Salvation Army as well.”

Jugenheimer’s affinity for the Salvation Army began when she herself attended several of the Salvation Army’s programs as a child. She particularly credits one teacher for inspiring her to give back to the organization that served her own needs when she was a student.

“Some of my core memories as a child include getting to After School and having snack,” recalled Jugenheimer. “I had a specific teacher, Mr. Nelson—he would just sit with me, help me with my difficult homework, and listen to my day; whatever was going on in my life. That really impacted me as a child—just having that one on one time with a teacher who really cared about me. I hope to do the same for my students here.”

As director, Jugenheimer now serves 40 children in the Salvation Army’s Spring Valley Corps’ Afterschool Program. The number of students enrolled was once higher, but the program had to rebuild after temporarily shutting down due to the pandemic.

Many of these Spring Valley children are also receiving additional Salvation Army services, such as food pantry access, Thanksgiving meals, Christmas Angel Tree gifts, music lessons, and Sunday morning church. However, Jugenheimer emphasizes that academic help is particularly necessary.

“A big need right now is academic support, especially after COVID,” Jugenheimer explained. “The students are bused from mainly East Ramapo school district to our building, and we provide a safe space for them to spend their after-school hours. We read as much as we can with them and practice math skills, things like that. And then I also plan different activities for after they’re done with their homework to really boost creativity and problem solving…We try and get the kids to be active, have fun, and just socialize and enjoy their safe after-school program.”

Jugenheimer emphasized that her job to enrich the lives of Spring Valley children in this way is a responsibility she does not take lightly.

“I think it’s a big privilege,” reflected Jugenheimer. “I loved After-School and the different Salvation Army programs that I went to as a kid. So I think it’s amazing to be in this position. I dreamed one day as a kid of being an after school director, and I’m here now. It’s definitely a great opportunity to take what I was given from my after-school teachers and be able to be a light for others.”

For more information on the Salvation Army’s After-school program, visit salvationarmyny.org