A local after-school program for at-risk children provides fun and personal development to students who are most in need.

TeenREACH, 1400 Reynolds Drive, is a nonprofit organization open to all students ages 10 to 17 in the Charleston school district. Program coordinator Cullen Porter said an emphasis is placed on providing help to students with behavioral, developmental and economic challenges.

During the fall and spring semesters, TeenREACH is open from 3- to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in the summer.

Porter said the organization provides students with a wide range of activities and resources to encourage their personal development and community involvement.

Such activities include fundraisers and food drives for local charities and organizations, along with volunteer opportunities for students to improve their community.

“They are pretty ingrained in the community,” Porter said. “We try to get them involved in anything that’s going on in town and in organizations.”

TeenREACH also seeks to improve the academic performance of students.

“Our No. 1 purpose is to help them with homework,” Porter said.

The organization welcomes Eastern students to volunteer their time to work with younger students on their homework.

“Whatever subject they are good at, we let them work with children in that subject,” Porter said.

Porter said tutoring not only improves students’ grades, but also improves their whole academic experience.

“We have kids who are doing so well that they can actually get into sports programs in their schools now,” he said.

TeenREACH is also concentrated on providing students with a fun and welcoming environment where they can feel comfortable and have a good time with friends after school.

Porter said the organization offers many different games and activities at the center. Members also take students to Eastern football and basketball games to get them into the community to enjoy themselves and the university environment.

Several Eastern organizations provide volunteers and host activities to benefit TeenREACH, including the Student Senate’s External Relations Committee.

The committee members will spend time with students 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at TeenREACH, making snacks and playing games with them.

Shari Upton, a junior psychology major and member of the committee, said she is excited to spend time with the students and make a difference in the community.

“It’s a great way to reach out,” Upton said. “It’s a great way to reflect EIU through our community and through these kids and to make a difference, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Local businesses are also involved in supporting TeenREACH.

All day Tuesday, Monical’s Pizza, 909 18th St., will donate 20 percent of the bills from all customers who turn in fliers that were handed out for the event to TeenREACH.

Tim Deters can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].