Latest news with #SamiyahCraddock
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dothan Housing Authority Offers Free Summer Camps
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) –Dothan Housing Authority partners with The Harbor Church to offer free summer camps for low-income residents who have children. And there is one that is on the horizon, at Jamison Village Apartments on North Lena Street- Camp Horizon. 'It's called Camp Horizon. We have partner with our great partners, The Harbor here in Dothan…' Said, camp leader Samiyah Craddock. Craddock added how they provide free breakfast and lunch for the kids. She shared how Camp Horizon was cut off from Dothan Summer Feeding Program, and no longer receive food for the summer campers. Despite of losing food benefits from the feeding program, the Dothan Housing Authority with The Harbor Church find ways to provide free meals for the youth. The children will not have to worry about not being normal kids enjoying themselves at a summer camp. They will experience an authentic summer camp, like going to field trips for free, doing fun activities, learning activities, and bible devotions. 'For the parents who can't afford to go the local camps…We have created together and collaborated to create a camp for them to enjoy as well.' added Craddock. Camp Horizon goal is to help the children socialize with one another and not just sit at home on electronic devices. And the goal has already been fulfilled. Campers and staff share the same like in one fun game… 'What is called…The octopus-yeah, the octopus game.' Said camper, Serena Ashby. Summer Program Director of The Harbor Church-Davis Bolton said, 'every time I see the kids they be like–when are we playing the octopus tag? when are we playing the octopus tag? That's a fun game for us…' Not only the goal has been fulfilled in sharing the same like in fun games between campers and staff, but the staffs bond with the campers has made an impact on one child's life. 'I am glad that I came back, and I will definitely come back here.' Said, camper Marlise Eldrich. Camp Horizon have teenagers who volunteer to watch the youth for the summer break. Teen Camp Horizon staff Amaya Springfield stated, 'when I started last year I was like, well I do wanna come back this year-cause I love the kids… I love helping out, working with them, and like towards the end of the summer, they become more like a family…' Another teen camp staff, Brooke Baker made a powerful point on why it's impactful for her volunteer at Camp Horizon. 'It's very impactful to me because, where I live is very different from all these kids live…And it's kind of important for everyone to see that-don't take what you have for granted.' Added, Baker. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
POULTRY TO PASTRIES: Dothan organization working to give back to those in need
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Many Americans face hardships for different reasons, but one local organization is looking to give back to the community. On Thursday, the Dothan housing organization partnered with the Wiregrass Food Bank and opened its doors to the public for its very first community-wide food giveaway. The Resident Services Department put together the giveaway, and from poultry to pastries, the residents had plenty of food to choose from. 'We have fresh meat, we have fresh produce, we have some sweets, we have bread, we have a lot of different items here today,' said Resident Services Director Samiyah Craddock. Craddock says that the organization ran multiple assessments, where they discovered that many people still faced food insecurities. Even with other means of assistance, like SNAP benefits. So, instead of hosting the giveaway at one of the four locations the organization oversees, they decided to give back to the entire community. 'It's the greatest mission that we cover. It's to make sure that we provide and meet their needs,' said Craddock. It didn't take long for the people to start rolling in, where they could grab what they needed and wanted on a first-come, first-served basis. And from the looks of it, guests were more than happy. 'At the end of the day, y'all are blessed to give us anything to eat; because some folks don't have nothing to eat,' said resident Elvis Lewis. Craddock says that she understands the tough times that some people may go through in life, but she wants people to know that coming to a giveaway such as this is nothing to be ashamed about if you truly need help. 'It's not always a handout. This is a helping hand. You may not have it today, but tomorrow you will…It's no limit, we're not asking any questions; we just want all the food to go to someone who needs it,' said Craddock. Craddock says that any food left over will be donated to other charities in need. For this to be the organization's first-ever community-wide food giveaway, the crowd was much larger than expected. However, the organization is planning to host another community-wide giveaway in May. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
