Harrisonburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority
Youth Programs
Empowering the next generation in our community through literacy, financial education, and hands-on learning.
The Garden Grove of Books
HRHA’s Garden Grove of Books reading program brings children and teens together in the heart of our Kelley Street Community Garden to cultivate a lifelong love of reading. Designed for youth ages 3–17, the program hosts structured reading sessions each July and August alongside an open reading hour for the whole community. As participants grow their literacy, vocabulary, and writing skills, they become eligible for prizes recognizing the most pages read, the strongest writing prompt responses, and consistent attendance throughout the summer.
The Money Smart Club
The HRHA Money Smart Club gives youth ages 7–18 in our Family Self-Sufficiency program the tools to start building healthy financial habits through age-appropriate learning and practice. Running March through August, younger participants explore money concepts through guided videos and discussions, while teens engage with the national FDIC Money Smart Alliance curriculum through interactive online games. Monthly raffle prizes keep participants motivated throughout the program, parents are encouraged to be active partners in the learning, and top performers at year’s end are celebrated at HRHA’s annual banquet.
