Fox Valley Park District Secures $330K Grant for After-School Program

BREAKING: The Fox Valley Park District has just secured a $330,000 grant from the Dunham Foundation to fund its newly launched after-school program, known as EPIC, in West Aurora School District 129. This vital funding ensures that local families have access to essential child care services amidst increasing demands for affordable programs.

The EPIC program, which began at the start of the current school year, provides a safe and engaging environment for children in grades K-5 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily. With activities ranging from sports to homework assistance, the program is designed to support working parents like Selena Flores, who highlighted its transformative impact on her family. “My life did a full 180,” Flores said, emphasizing how the program has made it possible for her to balance work and family time effectively.

Previously reliant on federal funding, the park district faced uncertainty as the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant expired in June. However, with the urgent need for after-school care, officials pivoted to secure alternative funding sources. “The grant world can be kind of fluid at times,” noted Becky Harling, Recreation Superintendent at the Fox Valley Park District.

The EPIC program closely mirrors the previous MyTime initiative, which operated for over a decade, but now comes with a fee structure. Monthly rates are set at $240, with reduced fees available for qualifying families. Thanks to the recent Dunham Foundation grant, scholarships are being offered that cover all costs for those who qualify, alleviating financial burdens for many families.

Flores, whose children participated in the program for free due to the grant, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I was over the moon… I cried like a baby at work.” The impact of this funding cannot be overstated; it allows parents to work with peace of mind knowing their children are engaged in meaningful activities after school.

The park district currently has room for 250 students and is actively enrolling participants for the EPIC program. The Dunham Foundation grant is specifically supporting 60 scholarship recipients, ensuring that families in need have access to these crucial services.

As families navigate the challenges of modern life, the EPIC program stands out as a beacon of support. “Parents really rely on after-school programs,” said Harling. For many, including Flores, the program is not just a service but a lifeline that provides crucial care in a time when many families find themselves without traditional support networks.

The positive response from families highlights the program’s success and the profound difference it is making in the community. Flores remarked, “It’s an amazing thing that they’re doing, and they are genuinely changing people’s lives.”

As the school year progresses, families are encouraged to enroll their children in the EPIC program, which promises to continue enhancing the after-school experience in West Aurora. With the backing of the Dunham Foundation, the future of this initiative looks brighter than ever.