Across our state non-profit agencies that provide our children with a safe place to be after school, enrichment activities, academic assistance, expanded learning opportunities and so much more are struggling to keep their doors open and their staff employed.

The extended down turn in the economy has severely impacted the general operating revenue that these organizations have been able to raise.

Engaging children in supplemental education services, creating meaningful social development programs, and providing youth an outlet through recreation and sport programming are key components to the growth and maturation of all children.

As noted in a September 14th News Journal article many programs are losing children from their programs due to program cost and the loss of family income.  High quality afterschool programs are not inexpensive and many parents are cutting back and leaving children at home with older siblings or on their own.   While parents pay a large percentage of the cost of these programs and services and there are subsidy programs that provide support to parents and non-profit agencies the cost of conducting significantly relevant programs that are outcome based and have a positive impact on children and their families do require additional income streams to maintain them.    So the question remains, how can you help? Some of the ways you can assist are:

• volunteer to assist at fund raising events
• volunteers to work in the administrative office
• volunteered to work with a staff person conducting a program at an afterschool site
• organize and conduct a bake sale, car wash, or other local fundraising event to the benefit of your favorite after school program
• sponsor the cost of a child’s attendance at a program for a day, a week, a month, or a year
• make a in-kind donation of useable materials or a contribution of cash or stock to the United Way of Delaware or directly to the organization of your choice

How ever you decide to help follow the links to the right for more way Where You Can Help!