Helen Tufts Child Outreach Program Celebrates over 55 Years of Supporting Kingston Kids
For over 55, the Helen Tufts Child Outreach Program at Sydenham Street United Church has been helping children in Kingston gain confidence, strengthen their literacy skills, and build community through one-on-one mentorship and care.
“We are in our 56th year,” said Michelle LaMarche, Volunteer & Development Coordinator. “It’s one of the longest running programs in Kingston.” The initiative began as a volunteer-driven effort supported by Sydenham Street United and First Baptist Church after recognizing that children graduating from the nearby Helen Tufts Nursery School needed continued support.
Today, the program serves children between the ages of six and thirteen, offering weekly sessions built around tutoring, friendship, and life skills. “We call them buddies instead of tutors,” LaMarche explained. “Our volunteers are mostly undergraduate students from Queen’s University who give academic help while providing social support too.”
Each child is paired one-on-one with a volunteer, ensuring personalized attention. “We provide dinner, academic help, and a safe space to socialize,” said LaMarche. “It’s not just about homework. It’s about connection.”
The program’s strength lies in its wraparound support for families. “We provide transportation to ensure kids can get here,” she said. “And there’s weekly communication with families to check in. That connection is what’s kept the program so successful all these years.”
Though demand is high, and there is often a waiting list. “We actually turn away volunteers every year,” LaMarche said. “We’re lucky to get incredible students who want to be engaged.”
Over the years, diversity and inclusion have become central to the program’s approach. “We’ve been very intentional about bringing in volunteers from different backgrounds and experiences because our kids are diverse too,” said LaMarche. “Representation matters.”
For LaMarche, the program’s impact is deeply personal. “It’s about creating a sense of belonging,” she said. “When kids feel seen and supported, learning follows naturally.”
Through a simple formula of care, consistency, and community, the Helen Tufts Child Outreach Program continues to shape brighter futures, one child at a time.
