Helen Tufts Tutorial Friendship Program

The Helen Tufts Tutorial Friendship Program is an all-volunteer community outreach program, which offers academic help and companionship to children from disadvantaged Kingston families. It was started in 1968 as a joint endeavour of First Baptist Church and Sydenham Street United Church.

The program involves 50 - 60 children, aged 6 to 12, most of whom have difficulties in school, often related to learning disabilities or problematic home circumstances. Each child is matched with a volunteer Queen’s student for an evening of fun and learning Monday or Thursday evening in the halls of First Baptist and Sydenham Street United churches. The children spend most of their time one-on-one with their student “tutors,” but the evening also includes a group activity, such as a game, and a healthful snack.

The congregation of Sydenham Street United Church has generously supported this program over the years, by phoning families, contributing goodies to the annual Christmas parties, and driving children to and from the church.

In addition, our congregation, in cooperation with First Baptist Church in Kingston, started and remains deeply involved with the Helen Tufts Nursery School Program for underprivileged children. More information.

The Helen Tufts Tutorial Friendship Program is an all-volunteer community
outreach program, which offers academic help and companionship to children
from disadvantaged Kingston families. It was started in 1968 as a joint endeavour
of First Baptist Church and Sydenham Street United Church.
The program involves 50 - 60 children, aged 6 to 12, most of whom have difficulties
in school, often related to learning disabilities or problematic home circumstances.
Each child is matched with a volunteer Queen’s student for an
evening of fun and learning Monday or Thursday evening in the halls of First
Baptist and Sydenham Street United churches. The children spend most of
their time one-on-one with their student “tutors,” but the evening also includes
a group activity, such as a game, and a healthful snack.
The congregation of Sydenham Street United Church has generously supported
this program over the years, by phoning families, contributing goodies
to the annual Christmas parties, and driving children to and from the church.