Starting Afterschool Enrichment Programs for Neighborhood Kids

Why should a community have to 'bother' worrying about afterschool enrichment programs? It would be wonderful if kids could come home from school to cookies and milk everyday, then march into the den and sit down to finish their homework. After the school work is done, they might go outside to toss a basketball around with their buddies, or maybe discover the contents of an owl pellet(regurgitated bones and fur) through a microscope, then learn how to prepare a five course meal for the family. Unfortunately, around 15 million children in the United States alone, go home to an empty house, grab a handful of sugary cereal or other not nutritionally sound snack, and then disappear into the streets until their parents get home from work, or later. And, for some of these kids, their unsupervised time leads to participation in unwise choices, even dangerous situations. An enrichment program can be a resource for harried parents, but more importantly, it can be a safe haven for children of all ages! Benefits for the community can include supervised children that don't run wild, employment opportunities for teenagers, cleaner un-graffittied neighborhoods, and a multitude of other benefits to parents, children and the community itself.

A lot of parents have no choice but to work full time. That is just the way it is for many parents and children. I was startled the other day, by two little brothers ages 6 and 8, appearing on my patio as I was watering the plants. The elder brother was trying to comfort his younger sibling, saying, "Its ok, Joey, mommy will be home before dark and anyways, it isn't cold and we won't die or anything." I wondered where they came from, and Big Brother told me that they lived in the apartment upstairs across the driveway, but, he continued, "Those 'teem(sp)agers are being mean at us with hitting and my mom forgot to leave the key for me to let Joey and me in so I brung Joey over here cuz you aren't so mean." Now, in my own defense, I am not just not SO mean, I am not mean at all, but Jason (Big Brother) nearly broke my heart. I asked him where mom and dad were and he told me they 'hafta work so we can eat food and have clothes'.

So, Jason and Joey got me to thinking. And wondering. I mean, I guess I am oblivious or something, but it never occurred to me before, that children might not have someone that could watch over them all the time. I started talking to friends with little ones, because maybe my 26 year old son isn't exactly the model I needed to consider. I started researching afterschool enrichment care on the internet and after writing up a proposal, presented it to the apartment management where my husband and I have lived for five years. They seem interested. The management team thinks maybe an afterschool enrichment(babysitting) program might curb the graffiti, and bullying, and give the kids something to do that is beneficial to the community and to themselves. Our apartment complex has an indoor, full size basketball court that would make a great gathering place for kids and caregivers. It has bathrooms and an exercise room, and even has a well-equipped computer room. The recreation complex is right smack in the middle f the large sprawling complex. Parents could even pick their kids up when they stopped to pick up their mail! They could know that their children were safe and comfortable, and even learning and socializing in positive ways. For a very nominal weekly fee, to cover insurance, food, supplies and licensing, etc. Older kids could act as mentors and guides, and if we work with the middle and senior high schools, maybe even earn credits. Sure, there are many pitfalls and concerns about starting an afterschool enrichment programs. But there are huge benefits to the community as well! Here's the scary part: In the complex where we live, there are 43 children that have NO afterschool supervision! And what happens when school is on break or dismissed early for weather?

Problem is, there is no one to run the program. Believe me, I am tempted. So I am restraining myself. It's a difficult job, restraining myself, that is. But what I can do is learn more about afterschool enrichment programs, maybe find an advisory group or get one together, and start with just one (or two) children. Jason and Joey came to mind right off, and they will be here in 15 minutes! Their parents were thrilled that Jason doesn't have to be in charge and can finally 'just be a kid' and do kid things. There are snickerdoodles and milk waiting for them, and we are taking a little walk to the local library to pick out their 'new' books!

I think I will continue to talk to people and research other successful afterschool enrichment programs. I just know it will poke at the back of my brain until we get a great program going, here at the apartments. Today my complex, tomorrow - oh, the boys are here! Gotta go!