By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – More than 7,000 children in foster care across Arizona face cost barriers to extracurricular activities. A Tucson organization is working to change that.
Read more Former youth softball coach enters plea for child sex crimes
More Than a Bed is building an enrichment center to offer free activities to foster and adoptive children. Angie Contreras’ four adopted children take taekwondo classes every week through the program.
“You find that you’re not the only one going through it, and it makes it a lot easier to have someone new that can relate to what you’re going through,” Contreras said.
Families can enroll children as young as two in story time, chess, music, dance, jewelry making and cooking. Life-skills classes, financial and budget classes, and job preparation classes are available for teens aging out of the foster care system. Programs will include martial arts, drama and robotics classes, as well as continued education, parenting classes and support groups.
As it waits for permit approval from the city, the organization is partnering with local businesses to offer classes around Tucson.
Program Manager Deb Szelewski said the center will allow children to connect and explore while reducing incarceration, teen pregnancy rates, and other negative outcomes that foster children are often at high risk for.
“If you can get the kids to the classes, if you can give them somewhere to connect and explore and just express themselves, then we can help reduce the amount of incarceration rates, teen pregnancy rates, all of that stuff,” Szelewski said.
Read more Motorcycle rider, teen passenger killed in Yuma crash
Contreras said the classes keep her daughters on the same schedule while building their confidence.
“We get in a group and work together, and we learn how to be safe,” said Natalie, Contreras’ daughter.
“I wanted them to have the ability to protect themselves, unfortunately we’re in a time where self-defense is more of a necessity as you get older,” Contreras said.
The organization is seeking volunteers to teach classes and provide resources. The goal is to be fully operational later this year with hours Tuesday through Saturday after school and all day Saturday.
====================================================
Are you streaming 13 News?
Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live.
Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app which you can find on Apple and Google.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.
Read more Bystander in serious condition after gunman opened fire on White House checkpoint
You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.