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The Vine was the brainchild of the children of Humboldt Park. When the original computer lab launched in 2006, it soon began over-flowing with children looking for a safe space during their out of school time. Their mantra: “What are we going to do in the summer?” The Vine was our answer! It has grown in popularity among both children and parents since that time. Since the launch of that original summer program, The Vine has grown to serve 150 children ages 4-18 with holistic educational activities, both in summer and after-school. Based on a nationally-utilized curriculum and taught by certified educators, The Vine mixes best practices in education with a healthy dose of fun and a wealth of love. Each day, Monday through Friday, after-school or summer, children are welcomed by their devoted instructors and eager volunteers. Children receive healthy snacks, nutrition training, technology access, recreational activities, faith-based mentoring, and, of course, lots of homework help and tutoring. Specials such as dance, music, cooking, and culture club add extra excitement. As we have grown, we also offer leadership development by empowering youth who have grown up and graduated from The Vine. They are given the opportunity to invest back into the program they grew up in by learning how to assist and teach classes. They are given an educational stipend to do so in order for New Life Centers to invest back into the community that loves us so deeply.