The Foundry is a new, fun youth program right here on the GEMS(Glen Edwards Middle School) campus. Much more freeform than Panther Pride, it has a wide variety of volunteers.
Here at GEMS, some kids may have some parents/guardians that work late, and they may be too far to walk home. The Foundry, Open until 6 PM Pacific Time, Monday through Wednesday, is a youth program in which children can stay under the watchful and kind eyes of the supervisors while having fun with their friends. If it is too late to cook dinner by the time the parents get home, the Foundry has microwavable sandwiches beginning at 4 PM Pacific Time.
The GEMS Foundry has a billiards table, Foosball table, and plenty of board games. If you prefer computer games, the GEMS students’ internet functions just as well here as in classrooms- though it can still be a bit slow at times. The Foundry often organizes activities, such as cooking, trick shots on the asphalt, and art. The staff are kind and can always make sure a student’s voice is heard.
The Foundry is a non-profit organization, directed by Natasha Butler. Ms. Butler is mother of three children, with over twenty years of experience. Ms. Butler worked with a Cambodian organization to help prevent human trafficking, as well as being tutored with helping dyslexic children.
Children also love the Foundry. Games, friends, and personalized mentoring allow children to build confidence and character. An interview with Daniel Vasquez, a student here at Glen Edwards Middle, showed that, In students’ opinion, “The best benefit is having a calm environment.”
The Foundry moved on to GEMS, and LHS campuses in August 2023. Since then students, parents, and administrators alike have enjoyed the Foundry’s multiple benefits. If you want to make a new friend, the Foundry can give you an opportunity to meet someone fun and new. In an interview with one of the staff, Emily Owens, she said the reason why the kids love the Youth Center is, “Because they enjoy it! I think they see this as a fun, safe space with caring adults here to dedicate time to get to know them & build them up.” If you would like to be a Foundry Staff as an adult, you can learn patience and potential parenting skills, if that is the path you wish to choose. Ms. Owens also stated in her interview, “The Foundry has a very niche purpose, matching the needs of individual families.
“For some, the Foundry is a safe space to be until their parents get home from work, for others its a place where kids know they will be seen and heard, & others a place to find refuge from a chaotic day. I think if you asked students & parents this question, they would all have unique answers. A benefit I feel is very valuable is the opportunities we provide through our education and recreation programs, that are led by some really great community members/role models,” She claims those are the most prominent benefits of the Foundry.
