After-school
kids' program at risk for lack of funding
HAPPY TO BE
HERE: Schoolkids served by the program show their
enthusiasm. / Photo by Nick Peterson
By Nick
Peterson
November 25, 2008 | The long-running After
School Club program of Cache Valley is in jeopardy
of being shut down.
The program, which is run by Logan Parks and Recreation,
provides and education and skill building place for
children K-5 in Cache Valley to attend. Leaders and
other associates of the program are asking community
members in Logan to help keep ASC alive. The program
is funded entirely by grants provided by various companies
and the state itself.
"Without the support of Logan city the program will
definitely be finished." Community Youth Coordinator
Tara Alder said,"This includes everyone involved with
the community in any way. We need help from principles,
teachers, parents, and even long time Logan residents."
Alder, who is the head of the program, said help from
residents could include anything such as writing letters
to
Logan council members , promoting the program to
other residents, and even personal donations. Alder
also said a fund raising event for ASC called "Lights
On Afterschool" is currently in the works. She said
this event would be around the Christmas holidays and
would involve particpation from all staff and children
in the program.
ASC leader Ashlee harvey expressed her concern for
the program and it's reputation. She said the program
is not given the respect and admiration it deserves.
Harvey explained that the program is vital for young
students and their future.
"I don't think the people of Cache Valley and the
state legislators will realize how important After School
Club is until it is actually gone, and that's sad."
Harvey said. "We're not just playing games with these
kids. We are teaching them valuable skills and life
lessons that they may not be getting at home, and if
that's not appreciated by the stae, I don't know what
should be!"
Harvey went on to explain the kids enrolled in this
program are in their for good reasons. She said help
from everyone in Cache Valley was vital to keeping the
program around.
"Nobody is going to listen to what we are fighting
for if we are not voicing our feelings to the city and
state leaders." Harvey said. "If word spreads about
our cause and the correct information gets aroudn to
everyone, I think we have a shot at saving the program."
The ASC program is provided to six elementary schools
in the valley, and it includes over 400 children. Logan
Parks and Recreation is asking for help in any way to
keep this program running.
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