Budget Ax Falls on After School Programs

Planning ahead to ensure the safety net does not unravel

Aug 27, 2009
bubble 2 comments
Submitted by: Paula Schwed

 The recession is squeezing after school programs along with everything else. The Afterschool Alliance reports that 10% of the officials they surveyed were planning to close or shrink programs, and that number is growing, according to the Wall Street Journal, as the budget ax falls.

“A critical safety net for working parents is unraveling, and many are bracing to pay a hefty price,” the Wall Street Journal article said.

 Too many children are depending on these programs to leave their safety and well-being to the vagaries of funding swings. (One out of every six children in the U.S. attend after school programs.)

 At WINGS, we believe our commitment to the families we serve is ironclad. We bank six months of operating reserves, rely on a balance of federal, state and private funding and search constantly for new ways to pay for our programs. We’re grateful that we can continue to keep our commitments, thanks to wise investors who see the need and answer the call.

 Related topics: after school programs, teaching life lessons

Amazing

On September 4th, 2009 Nicole Lovecchio says:
It's amazing that WINGS hasn't really suffered from the changing economy. I can't believe that school #3 is up and running. This shows that we are making responsible choices and thinking ahead within the organization to avoid huge budget crunches and shrinking programs. Social skills are priceless and WINGS has found a way to make sure kids are getting these daily at no cost to their parents. Many of the new families at North Charleston Elementary have expressed how grateful they are to have their children receive scholarships to WINGS. Everyone is cutting corners these days and having a free of charge after school program is helpful to all. Having one that is actually helping children further develop their social and emotional skills is an added bonus! Nicole Lovecchio Program Director WINGS @ Chicora Elementary

Tough times

On September 3rd, 2009 Bridget Laird says:

It's shame to see afterschool programs getting cut. I am so glad WINGS is ahead of the game and able to not only continue our program but start a third program. I was at North Charleston Elementary yesterday and it is clear we made the right choice to expand. The kids LOVE it and are engaged, happy and learning social and emotional skills already! Some kids can even recite the entire creed---after just 7 days of programming! Go WINGS!

 

Bridget Laird