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

The Fox Valley Park District has received a substantial grant of $330,000 from the Dunham Foundation to support its EPIC after-school program in West Aurora School District 129. This funding will enhance access to educational opportunities for local children, particularly those from low-income families.

Selena Flores, a mother of three young children, recently transitioned from night shifts to daytime work to better spend time with her family. “My life did a full 180,” she said, expressing gratitude for the EPIC program, which allows her to see her children after work and engage with them in the mornings. Flores’ experience highlights the importance of accessible after-school care for families in similar situations.

EPIC Program Details

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 PM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday, catering to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The program includes a range of activities such as nature explorations, arts and crafts, sports, fitness, and homework assistance. Unlike its predecessor, the MyTime program, which operated under a federal grant and was free for parents, EPIC has instituted fees along with reduced rates based on family income.

Despite the changes, the core structure of the program remains similar to that of MyTime, which had been in place for over a decade. Rachel Shields, the 21st Century Project Director for West Aurora, noted that many staff members from the previous program continue to work with the children, fostering established relationships.

Funding Challenges and Solutions

The previous MyTime program was funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, which expired in June 2023. With uncertainty surrounding future federal funding, the Fox Valley Park District actively sought alternative funding sources. Recreation Superintendent Becky Harling explained the challenges faced in the grant landscape, stating, “The grant world can be kind of fluid at times.”

To ensure the continuation of after-school programming, the park district applied for the grant from the Dunham Foundation and revised its offerings. The funds will also allow the district to provide full scholarships to families who qualify for reduced rates, making the program accessible to more children. Currently, the program has the capacity for 250 students, with 60 scholarships already allocated.

The impact of the program has been significant for families like Flores’. She shared the financial strain of finding affordable childcare, emphasizing that the grant had alleviated some pressure from her household. “I was over the moon,” she recalled, thrilled that her children could participate without cost.

Vicki Morcos, President and CEO of the Dunham Foundation, expressed the organization’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.

As families adapt to the new school year, the Fox Valley Park District continues to encourage enrollment in the EPIC program. The initiative not only provides essential childcare but also fosters a supportive environment for children, allowing them to thrive academically and socially.

For working parents like Flores, the EPIC program represents more than just after-school care; it is a vital resource that contributes to the well-being of families in the community. She noted the joy her children find in the program, and how it allows her to balance work and family life more effectively. “It’s an amazing thing that they’re doing,” she said, reflecting on the positive changes for her family and others.