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

The Fox Valley Park District has received a significant boost in funding, securing a $330,000 grant from the Dunham Foundation to support its after-school EPIC program in West Aurora School District 129. This new program is designed to provide essential childcare options for families, allowing parents to work while ensuring their children have a safe and enriching environment after school.

Selena Flores, a 27-year-old mother of three, recently transitioned from night shifts to daytime hours. With young children aged 3, 5, and 7, she faced the challenge of finding suitable after-school care. Flores credits the EPIC program with transforming her routine and enabling her to spend more time with her children. “My life did a full 180,” she remarked, highlighting the positive impact of the program on her family’s dynamics.

The EPIC program, which stands for Explore, Play, Imagine, and Connect, operates at four elementary schools within West Aurora District 129: Smith, Schneider, Nicholson, and Hall. It runs from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is open to students from kindergarten through fifth grade. This initiative builds upon the previous after-school program, MyTime, which had been in operation for over a decade but faced funding uncertainties when federal grant cycles ended.

According to Rachel Shields, the 21st Century Project Director for West Aurora, the previous program was free and served families well. However, as federal funding became less reliable, the park district sought alternative sources to maintain after-school services. Shields noted, “The grant world … can be kind of fluid at times,” indicating the challenges organizations face in securing consistent funding.

In response to these challenges, the park district revised its program structure and instituted fees for the EPIC program. The general cost is set at $240 per month, with reduced fees of $120 or $60 for families qualifying based on income. The recent grant from the Dunham Foundation has enabled the park district to offer full scholarships for eligible families, alleviating financial burdens for many.

Flores expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, stating that the financial relief allows her family to allocate resources toward other necessities, such as school supplies and groceries. “I was over the moon,” she recalled of her reaction upon learning that her children could participate at no cost for the rest of the year.

The Dunham Foundation, led by President and CEO Vicki Morcos, recognized the potential of the EPIC program to enhance access to after-school activities. Morcos emphasized the foundation’s commitment to supporting educational equity, stating, “By funding full scholarships for families who need them most, we’re not just supporting a program — we’re investing in educational equity.”

As the program continues, families still have the opportunity to enroll their children, with a capacity for 250 students across the participating elementary schools. Currently, the Dunham Foundation grant supports 60 scholarship recipients, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent children from participating in vital after-school activities.

For families like Flores’, the EPIC program has significantly eased the pressures of childcare, particularly as many parents lack local support systems. “It’s an amazing thing that they’re doing, and they are very, very genuinely changing people’s lives,” she stated.

The addition of Friday programming and the inclusion of kindergarteners marks a notable expansion from the previous MyTime initiative. Staff continuity, with many employees from the earlier program remaining, also fosters a sense of familiarity and trust for the children.

As the demand for after-school care continues to grow, programs like EPIC play a crucial role in supporting working families. Becky Harling, Recreation Superintendent for the Fox Valley Park District, highlighted the value of certified instructors and quality programming, which reassures parents about the care their children receive.

In a time when many families are navigating dual-income households, the availability of reliable after-school programs is more important than ever. The EPIC initiative not only provides essential services but also fosters an environment where children can thrive and develop essential skills in a safe and nurturing setting.