Citizens For Citizens, Inc.: Spire (Ezine) -- Gallery Archive

Parents and grandparents of children enrolled in Citizens for Citizens After School Day Care program took part in the Lights on After School program at the Robeson Street Annex.

They shared in the national observance that celebrates after school programs that provide youngsters a safe, fun-filled learning environment. The event was sponsored nationwide by JC Penney and the Afterschool Alliance.

The hours after school present a greater risk to unsupervised children including crime, substance abuse and pregnancy.

Ninety percent of Americans support after school programs but two-thirds report there are not enough programs in their communities. Currently in the U.S., 15 million "latchkey" children are left unattended after school.

CFC's After School Day Care program provides a safe, friendly educational program for youngsters whose parents may be working or attending school. CFC runs one of the most efficient After School Programs in the nation, providing children with the opportunity to learn and develop.

Children of the children and adults had high praise for the CFC service that is marking its 20th anniversary.

Eloise Carrier, program director, attended to the adult visitors. When one little boy was throwing a temper tantrum, Ms. Carrier offered kind words to the boy who had crawled under a table. With kind words and orange juice, she skillfully helped the child out of his mood and back to his regular personality.

She said a study by the U.S. departments of Education and Justice revealed that students in quality after school programs demonstrate better academic performance, improved behavior, better school attendance and greater expectations for the future.

Ivelisse Martinez said her two sons, Jesse, 11, and Tomas, 9, have been in the CFC After School Day Care Program for years and that they benefited in a number of ways including better language skills, their positive and friendly attitudes towards family and friends and their learning abilities.

Ms. Martinez added: "My children have learned to appreciate other people of different backgrounds. As a working single mother, I really appreciate the quality day care my children get here at CFC. I am very grateful for this program and what it has meant to my family."

Those sentiments were echoed by Lesley Guertin. She expressed her gratitude that her four year old daughter, Brennah, has a safe and friendly place to go after school. "Working families can't afford most private day care but here we know the children are in a good environment. Brennah is learning many new things and just loves coming here to be with her friends."

George Lastra joined in one of the games his child and the other youngsters, sitting down on the floor and passing a big, soft ball in a circle. The ball was passed from player to player in a fast and furious way, changing directions in the blink of an eye. The classroom echoed with the sound of children's laughter.

Here are some of the comments by the adults who have children and grandchildren in the program:

Jodi Hutchins: "As a working parent it is very comforting to know that my child has a save and supervised place to go after school. Not having to worry about what my child is doing helps me to have a stress free and good day at work. Every child should have a safe place to go after school and no parent should have to spend their day at work worrying about their child. Everybody benefits from After School Day Care."

Kareen Harris: "After School means child care so I can work…a (for children) to play and interact with their peers."

Mikaela Mills: "After School is a fun, safe place I know my children will enjoy."

Maria Furtado: "After School means a lot to me. I found it very helpful for working parents. Children can be safe and away from trouble."

Morissa Mills: "It is a fun, stimulating safe place (where) my children love to be when they are not home."

David Shawn Salonis: "I agree on keeping kids safe and having activities to do there. At times, they have said they (staff) help them with homework."

Susanne St. Pierre: "It is a reliable place that picks up my child from school on the bus without worrying. They take good care of her and Sandra Kaylyn (staff) helps with her homework. She is the best."

Lois Wilding: "It means that my grandchild is safe and involved in group activities. CFC is a wonderful program where children interact and other children from all walks of life are part of one big family."

Justyne Kreiner: "A safe place where I know my child is being taken care of and supervised by adults while I work with peace of mind."

Richard and Kelsey Aguiar: "After school project is good (for children) because there is so much for them to learn and they play well together."

Phyllis Rego: "Having After School Day Care for my granddaughter means a lot to me because I work. After School Day Care is so much safer for the children today."

Ray Mello: "It gives the kids a chance to interact together outside of a school environment while being supervised. They also get to go on trips that a lot of parents are not able to take their children. Keep up the good work."

George Lastra: "It gives me a chance to work until 5 p.m. and gives Alex a chance to make friends and learn how to get along with others."