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Funding doubles for after school program

Federal funding has been doubled to help cover the costs of a before and after school program at the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County.

Flite Freimann, director of Washington County Job and Family Services, said his department has spearheaded an effort to increase funding provided by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to $20,000. The funding began in July with a $10,000 agreement from TANF before this year’s increase.

Rebecca Johnson, executive director at the Boys and Girls Club said the money helps the majority of parents who participate in the program by giving scholarships to the children who can’t afford the $6 a day program.

“About 55 percent of our families use the funding to offset the cost of the program,” she said.

Johnson said the program gives working parents an opportunity to make sure their children are in good hands while they’re at work, even before school starts.

“We have a 7 a.m. drop-in time,” she said.

Johnson said children who are dropped off at the club before school can partake in breakfast, relax or enjoy themselves in the play area. She said some buses actually pick up the children at the club to take them to school, but they still take care of those more out of the way.

“We help them meet their buses or even transport them,” she said.

Johnson said the after school portion of the program is more structured and geared toward education. Daily activities change through the week and include high yield academic studies, healthy science, reading, anti-bullying and STEM training. Johnson also said the staff tries to mentor children who require extra help.

“The staff tries to identify and work with families at risk,” she said.

Johnson said her staff will determine if a child needs more help with grades and attendance or has anti-social behaviors, and work with the family to help correct those behaviors.

Jenna Stewart, 21, of Marietta is a youth development professional at the club and said it’s the little things that can change everything for a child.

“We offer things they may not get at home, like structure, support and praise,” she said. “It may not seem like a lot, but it can completely change their day.”

Braxton Conant, 5, of Marietta said he loves the staff at the club but there is one thing that he loves the most about the program.

“I like the snacks,” he said.

His sister, Lilly, 9, said she likes the chance the program gives her to get things done.

“I like doing my homework here, so I don’t have to do it at home,” she said.

Freimann said the success of the program in the last six months since TANF money has been in place is what drove JFS to increase the funding.

“People who originally signed up for the program have re-signed,” he said. “They have brought friends and family to sign up, too.”

Even if funding for the program ends up being stretched, Johnson said parents in need should still contact the Boys and Girls Club.

“We don’t turn anyone away,” she said.

For more information about the program or the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County visit bgcwcmarietta.com or call 740-373-4123.

At a glance

•What: Washington County Boys and Girls Club before and after school program.

•When: Drop off at 7 a.m., pick up as late as 7 p.m. Club is still open on holidays and snow days.

•Where: Washington County Boys and Girls Club, 307 Lancaster St.

•For information: bgcwcmarietta.com or 740-373-4123.

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