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Young people represent the future for all of us. At FCA we believe that our investment of time, energy and money in the positive development of children and young people has enormous future payoffs for them, and for the communities they call home.
The After School Alliance's "America After 3pm" household survey showed that 26% of Connecticut's school-aged youth are responsible for taking care of themselves after school, and spend an average of 7 unsupervised hours per week in the afternoon after school. Additionally, according to the U.S. Department of Education, there is a chronic shortage of quality after school programs, and a study by the Norwalk Board of Education ranked after school programming as the number one issue concerning parents. Juvenile crimes peak during the hours of 3 to 6 pm each day, and youth without access to after school programs are at increased risk for involvement in negative behaviors, including substance use.
In response to this need, FCA runs an After School Program four days a week during the school year. The program serves 25 middle schools students, primarily from low-income families and high-risk environments. Participation in FCA's After School Program allows students the opportunity to receive academic assistance, learn critical life skills, and interact with peers by participating in recreational activities such as arts and sports.
Here's a testimonial from a grateful parent:
Please allow me to thank you and your entire after school program for doing a wonderful job with my son, Mark. He came into your program this last fall with poor study habits which made it very difficult for him to stay focused on his class assignments. Mark was not completing homework on time and was not scoring well on tests/quizzes. This program has been a great help to me in all aspects: my son has gained a lot of self-esteem and is very eager to learn thanks to your staff. Mark's teachers even noticed the changes he made throughout the school year after becoming involved with the FCA program. You & your staff have influenced the lives of the children in your program by showing them respect, honesty, sincerity, and by helping them set & achieve higher goals in their lives as well as their academics. I wish continued success to you & your staff.
P.S. Mark has already completed his summer reading project!!!
(name changed for confidentiality)
Funding for FCA's After School Program comes from the United Way of Norwalk & Wilton and the support of private foundations and individuals.
For more information, call FCA's After School Program at 203.855.8765 |
