MdC Launches "Super Saturday" Program

A few weeks ago we shared a blog about Rosita, one of our beloved staff members, who runs our brand new program - Super Saturday!

Over the past few years we have learned that it is virtually impossible for families to break free of the cycle of poverty without additional resources.

To change this paradigm, MdC is focusing on building deeper relationship with 90 families. MdC is providing families many different opportunities to improve their situations and their responsibility is to participate and be engaged.

Super Saturday was launched in February to bring opportunities for families to improve their lives.

Every Saturday, families are invited to attend an afternoon of activities, aimed at supporting their journey to better physical, mental, and relational wellness. This “all-in-one” program provides an opportunity for the whole family to participate together.

By working with these families in a more intentional way, we will be able to develop deeper relationships with them and better understand their needs. Our goal with this approach is to encourage families to become more holistically engaged and provide them hope for a better future.

Two families team up for a game of Jenga at MdC’s Super Saturday launch.

Playing games helps to strengthen problem-solving skills and social interaction among children.

Play is a powerful medium for creativity, relaxation, and bonding between family members.

A family collects groceries at MdC’s Super Saturday launch.

Families are served healthy snacks when they come for Super Saturday.

The Format

While Super Saturday is a weekly event, due to space limitations, parts of our program is divided into two groups of 45 families.

Our program begins each week with a grocery gift card drawing, which encourages families to arrive on time. Everyone then gathers for a snack before splitting into two groups: adults and children.

The children have a program that focuses on a different topic every week, such as nutrition, hydration, dental hygiene, etc. Their program includes interactive games and silly songs to encourage learning.

Children eagerly wait to receive new toothbrushes from Ivanna, our education specialist who has been conducting bi-weekly dental classes.

A young girl demonstrates how to brush teeth correctly as Ivanna looks on.

The women have multiple programs they can participate in, while their children are also attending their own program.

1) A work out class, facilitated by Angelica, winner of our weight loss challenge in 2021.

2) Project workshops, taught by MdC Besito’s community member Aurora who is teaching embroidery and Aylin (featured on our women’s work program blog) who is teaching bag making. The items women are learning to make are for our work program which will pay women for the items they create as a way to help address their economic poverty.

In addition to the above, families are given the chance to enjoy:

Weekly family game time
Monthly family dinners
Monthly health seminars on various topics
Monthly healthy grocery distribution
Opportunities to win gift cards and other prizes
A walking program is also available 2-days per week

A young mother and her child smile for a photo at our Super Saturday launch.

MdC staff Eunice leads families in a song with the help of a visiting team from the USA.

Our goal is not to just give handouts but to transform an entire community by helping families improve their health together.

Our program is about engagement and empowerment. Families that take an active role in their wellbeing by showing up, get to take advantage of all the opportunities we are providing in the areas of health - physical, emotional, relational, educational and spiritual. We hope you will continue to support us in this mission!

Stay tuned for updates on our Super Saturday program and visit our new webpage here!