UPDATE: The Fox Valley Park District has just secured a $330,000 grant from the Dunham Foundation to fund its new after-school program, EPIC, benefiting families in West Aurora School District 129. This significant development comes as many parents, like Selena Flores, urgently seek reliable childcare solutions.
Flores, a mother of three, recently transitioned to daytime work after years of night shifts. With children aged 3, 5, and 7, she found herself in need of a dependable after-school option. “My life did a full 180,” Flores stated, reflecting on how the EPIC program has allowed her to balance work and family time effectively.
Starting this school year, the EPIC program operates at four elementary schools: Smith, Schneider, Nicholson, and Hall. It runs from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, providing essential services for students in grades K-5. The program features nature and art activities, sports, homework assistance, and field trips. It now also accommodates kindergarteners and operates on Fridays, expanding on the previous program, MyTime.
Previously funded by a federal grant which expired in June, the park district faced uncertainty in maintaining the after-school offerings. “The grant world can be kind of fluid at times,” said Becky Harling, Recreation Superintendent for the Fox Valley Park District. In response, the district revised its program to establish EPIC and introduced fees ranging from $60 to $240 per month, based on family income.
However, the recent grant from the Dunham Foundation means that families eligible for reduced rates can now access the program for free. “I was over the moon,” Flores exclaimed upon learning her children could participate without charge. This financial relief allows families to allocate funds towards other essential needs, such as groceries and school supplies.
The Dunham Foundation President and CEO, Vicki Morcos, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to educational equity. “By funding full scholarships for families who need them most, we’re not just supporting a program — we’re investing in educational equity,” she stated.
Currently, the program has capacity for 250 students and has already enrolled 60 scholarship recipients. Parents can continue to enroll their children throughout the school year, ensuring that access to quality after-school care remains a priority.
Families like Flores’ are particularly grateful for the EPIC program, especially as many do not have local family support. “It’s a weight off our shoulders,” she shared, noting that her children often express a desire to stay longer at the program. “It’s amazing what they’re doing, genuinely changing people’s lives,” Flores added.
As the school year progresses, the park district is poised to make a lasting impact on working families in the West Aurora area. The continuation of quality after-school programming is not just beneficial; it is essential for many parents navigating the balancing act of work and family.
For parents facing similar challenges, the Fox Valley Park District’s EPIC program stands as a beacon of hope and support, transforming the landscape of after-school care in the community. Families are encouraged to inquire and enroll as space allows, ensuring that children can explore, play, imagine, and connect in a safe environment.
