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

The Fox Valley Park District has received a significant boost with a $330,000 grant from the Dunham Foundation to fund its new after-school program, EPIC, in West Aurora School District 129. This initiative aims to provide essential childcare services for working families, particularly those with children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Selena Flores, a mother of three and a recent day shift worker, expressed her gratitude for the program. Transitioning to daytime hours from a night shift posed challenges, especially regarding childcare for her children aged 3, 5, and 7. “My life did a full 180,” Flores remarked, highlighting the positive impact the EPIC program has had on her family’s routine.

EPIC Program Launches Amid Funding Changes

The EPIC program operates at four elementary schools in the district: Smith, Schneider, Nicholson, and Hall. It replaces the previous MyTime program, which provided free after-school care funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers federal grant. Rachel Shields, the West Aurora 21st Century Project Director, emphasized that while MyTime was successful, the uncertainty surrounding federal funding necessitated a new approach.

Becky Harling, Recreation Superintendent of the Fox Valley Park District, explained the challenges of relying on grant funding, stating, “The grant world can be kind of fluid at times.” With the expiration of the federal grant in June, the park district developed the EPIC program, which requires fees but offers reduced rates based on family income.

The program includes various activities such as sports, art, nature exploration, and homework assistance, running from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Unlike its predecessor, EPIC is open to all students, including kindergarteners, and operates on Fridays.

Community Impact and Financial Support

The implementation of the EPIC program involved a general fee of $240 per month, with discounted rates of $120 and $60 for qualifying families. However, with the support of the Dunham Foundation grant, full scholarships are now available for families who meet the requirements, including Flores’ children.

Flores reflected on the financial strain of finding affordable childcare options. “It’s not a lot of money that we were paying, but, you know, that can easily go towards extra shopping for the kiddos,” she said, expressing her relief upon learning about the scholarship opportunity. “I was over the moon,” she added, recalling her emotional response.

Vicki Morcos, President and CEO of the Dunham Foundation, noted the foundation’s commitment to educational equity. “By funding full scholarships for families who need them most, we’re investing in educational equity and making sure every student has the chance to explore, play, imagine, and connect alongside their peers,” Morcos stated.

The EPIC program has the capacity to accommodate 250 students across the four participating elementary schools. Currently, the Dunham Foundation grant supports 60 scholarship recipients, ensuring that essential after-school care is accessible.

For families like Flores’, the EPIC program has provided a crucial support system, especially as they navigate the challenges of being a working family without nearby relatives for assistance. “It’s been a weight off our shoulders,” she said, noting that her children enjoy the program. “There are times when my husband picks them up, and they’re like, ‘We want to stay a little longer.’”

Harling emphasized the importance of after-school programs for working parents. “I think being able to provide an after-school program with certified and quality instructors is a real highlight for these parents,” she remarked.

As the school year progresses, families can continue to enroll in the EPIC program, which aims to support working parents and provide enriching experiences for children in the West Aurora community.