UPDATE: The Fox Valley Park District has just secured a substantial $330,000 grant from the Dunham Foundation to support its newly launched after-school program, EPIC, in West Aurora School District 129. This urgent funding arrives as parents like Selena Flores seek reliable childcare options for their children after school.
The EPIC program, which stands for Explore, Play, Imagine, and Connect, began at the start of the school year and operates at four elementary schools: Smith, Schneider, Nicholson, and Hall. It runs from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, serving students from kindergarten to fifth grade. “My life did a full 180,” Flores shared, expressing her gratitude for a program that allows her to balance work and family life.
Previously, the park district relied on federal funding from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, which expired in June. With the uncertainty of future federal support, officials sought alternative funding to ensure the continuity of after-school services. “The grant world can be kind of fluid at times,” said Becky Harling, Recreation Superintendent at the Fox Valley Park District.
The revamped EPIC program now charges a fee of $240 per month, with reduced rates available for qualifying families. Thanks to the Dunham Foundation’s grant, the program is able to offer full scholarships to 60 children, alleviating financial burdens for families like Flores’. “I was over the moon,” Flores exclaimed when she learned her children would attend the program for free due to the scholarship.
The initiative not only supports working parents but also aims to provide equitable access to educational activities. Vicki Morcos, President and CEO of the Dunham Foundation, stated, “By funding full scholarships for families who need them most, we’re not just supporting a program — we’re investing in educational equity.”
Parents can still enroll their children as the school year progresses. The program has a capacity for 250 students across the four participating schools, aiming to create a safe and enriching environment for all. “Parents really rely on after-school programs,” Harling emphasized, noting the importance of certified instructors in providing quality care.
Flores articulated the profound impact of the program for her family, especially as many relatives live abroad. “We don’t have that usual support system,” she explained, highlighting the critical need for dependable childcare. The EPIC program has become a lifeline, allowing her to work while ensuring her children are engaged and safe after school.
As the program continues to develop, families are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable resource. The Fox Valley Park District is committed to fostering a supportive community for working parents, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore, play, imagine, and connect.
