HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-13-2006 City Awards $158,000 in Grants to South Bend After School Programs d�SQU Tt;
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Office of the Mayor
NEWS RELEASE
Wednesday,September 13,2006
Contact: Pamela C. Meyer, Director Division of Community Development, 235-5845
Judy Smith, Community Development, 235-5846
City Awards $158,000 in Grants to South Bend After School
Programs
Mayor Stephen J. Luecke has announced that twenty-one grants totaling $158,000 have
been awarded to various After School programs. "The City of South Bend is committed to
supporting After School Programs that give students positive opportunities to socialize, explore
new hobbies, and get extra help with homework," said Mayor Luecke. Youth are able to work
with tutors as well as immerse themselves in arts and crafts, athletics, computers, and healthy
refreshments instead of returning to empty homes or unsupervised activities.
The After School Programs bolster the Safe City Initiative, as they provide a safe haven
for children and an alternative or diversion from inappropriate behavior including selling or
using drugs, or getting caught up in gang violence. "Many After School Programs are credited
by teachers and parents for improvement in schoolwork, behavior, attitudes, and confidence of
children attending the After School Program", said Lynn Coleman,Mayor's Assistant.
Grants for the After School Program have become progressively more competitive as
educators and parents seek safe and educational alternatives for youth during after school hours.
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis and eligible applicants include public, private and
parochial schools, as well as non-profit organizations including faith-based organizations.
Annually, the After School Program provides activities and safety for approximately
1,550 children. A sampling of the programs offered through the City of South Bend After
School Program follows:
- more-
Kennedy Academy &LaSalle Academy
Many of the children in attendance are from other countries and some of their parents do not
speak English, so a lot of time is devoted to teaching the English language, after a snack.
Pentecostal Cathedral COGIC
Children are given nutritious meals, especially important after a day at school. Homework is
required and help is available. One ten year old child, who participated in the After School
Program,was failing her classes in school. By spring, she was receiving C's and B's on her
report card and her self-esteem had improved greatly along with her attitude. This was due to the
one-on-one help she received from the program.
Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
This program was offered for the first time in 2004/2005 year. The program concentrates on
homework and giving the children nutritious food. Computers are provided to assist with
homework and children are able to type papers for classes. The response for this program has
been overwhelming and the children enjoy their time here.
Lincoln Primary Center
Children arrive and first have a snack, and then they complete homework assignments with one-
on-one attention as needed. When homework is complete, the children are able to participate in
a variety of activities, such as making a pizza, and learning about leaders in the world.
Faith Temple COGIC
Five new programs were added this year:
- Boys & Girls Club —Harrison School
- Center for the Homeless
- South Bend Housing Authority
- Living Stones Church
- Robinson Community Center
Homework is a high priority with one-on-one help for those that need special attention. Rewards
are given to those that work hard,help others, and are respectful, such as attending a program at
the Morris or a basketball game.
Phone calls or letters have been received from teachers and parents concerning the improved
behavior, attitudes, and confidence in the children attending the After School Program.
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