Working parents have difficult decisions.
Think about the single mom who is working multiple jobs just to stay ahead. She has three young children–two struggling in school, and a preschooler not school-ready. She works full time. How does she make sure they can succeed in school, go on to post-high learning and have rewarding careers? Access to a quality after-school program could be a life-changing for her and her kids.
We believe parents and children should have access to after-school programs that provide educational support with safe and structured activities. Your support makes it possible for United Way of Jackson County to fund an after-school program where children not only get help with their school work but have caring mentors. Parents have peace of mind that their children are safe and are getting the structure they need.
The single mom mentioned isn’t fiction; it’s a real-life story.
Maria came to the Lily Missions Center in January, right after Christmas break. She had previously called United Way’s 2-1-1 and was referred to this United Way funded after-school Program. She called because her 2nd grade son was failing. Not only did they enroll her son in the program, they also enrolled her 4th grade daughter and her 4-year-old son. The youngest of the three couldn’t count to 3 nor could he recognize letters–not even the ones in his name. The oldest was distant, didn’t socialize and didn’t have many friends.
What a difference a few months of mentoring, tutoring and structure makes.
By May, Maria’s children were flourishing. The youngest could write his name and was counting past 25. Her middle child was making great strides and was improving everyday with his reading, math and computer skills. And Maria’s daughter was able to join the Girl Scouts through this afterschool program. She had increased self-esteem, she had new friends. This young girl who was somewhat disconnected was now selling Girl Scout cookies.
91% of 4th grade students in this program increased their reading level per semester, 80% increased their math level per semester. Your support of this United Way funded After School Program is preparing young students for academic success.