Salvation Army Kroc Center Offers Comprehensive After-School Program for Local Youth
The Salvation Army's Kroc Center in Norfolk is running the Heartstrings and Valves After School Program, providing local children in first through sixth grade with nutritious evening meals, homework help, socialization, and music instrument learning.

Norfolk Portsmouth Newport News, VA, November 11, 2026 — The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in Norfolk has launched the Heartstrings and Valves After School Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to support local children from first through sixth grade. The program aims to provide a nurturing environment where young students can receive essential resources and enrichment activities after the regular school day concludes.
The Heartstrings and Valves program offers a range of services tailored to meet the developmental and educational needs of its participants. Central to the program’s offerings are nutritious evening meals, intended to ensure that children have access to healthy food to support their well-being and concentration.
In addition to nutritional support, the program places a strong emphasis on academic assistance. Children receive dedicated homework help, providing them with the guidance and resources necessary to succeed in their schoolwork. This academic support component is designed to reinforce learning and build confidence in students.
Beyond academics and nutrition, the Heartstrings and Valves program fosters social development. It provides opportunities for children to interact with their peers in a structured and supervised setting, promoting positive social skills and community building. A unique aspect of the program is its inclusion of music instrument learning. This musical education component aims to expose children to the arts, enhance creativity, and potentially introduce them to new talents and interests.
The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in Norfolk is committed to serving the community by offering programs like Heartstrings and Valves that contribute to the holistic development of children. The initiative targets elementary school-aged children, seeking to make a positive impact on their educational journey, social integration, and personal growth.
Story summarized from the original created by Gabrielle Harmon on www.wtkr.com, see more information here.

