BREAKING: The Fox Valley Park District has just announced a significant $330,000 grant from the Dunham Foundation to support its new after-school program, EPIC, in West Aurora School District 129. This urgent funding will enable the program to provide free scholarships to eligible families, directly impacting working parents in the community.
Selena Flores, a mother of three, shared her relief over this development. After switching to daytime hours at her job in Naperville, Flores struggled to find affordable childcare until she discovered the EPIC program, which operates from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. “My life did a full 180,” she said, expressing gratitude for the program that allows her to spend quality time with her children after work.
The EPIC program serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade at four elementary schools: Smith, Schneider, Nicholson, and Hall. It includes sports, arts, homework assistance, and field trips, offering critical support to working families. This initiative is a transformation from the previous MyTime program, which relied on federal funding that has now expired.
“Parents really rely on after-school programs,” said Becky Harling, Recreation Superintendent at the park district. The need for stability in childcare has never been more pressing, especially as many families face economic challenges.
The grant from the Dunham Foundation enables the park district to offer full scholarships for families who qualify, lifting financial burdens and allowing children like Flores’ to participate for free. “I was over the moon,” Flores recalled, emphasizing how this support could be redirected towards essential expenses like groceries and school supplies.
Currently, the EPIC program has the capacity for 250 students, and families can continue to enroll as the school year progresses. “By funding full scholarships for families who need them most, we’re not just supporting a program — we’re investing in educational equity,” stated Dunham Foundation President and CEO Vicki Morcos.
This new funding comes at a critical time when many parents, including Flores, are navigating the complexities of work and childcare. “We don’t have that usual … somebody to depend on,” she explained, highlighting the importance of community support. The EPIC program not only offers childcare but also fosters a safe and engaging environment for children.
With the first week of the EPIC program already underway, the positive feedback from parents and children alike is palpable. “There are times when my husband picks them up, and they’re like, ‘We want to stay a little longer,’” Flores said, underscoring the program’s success in creating a welcoming atmosphere.
As the demands of working parents continue to grow, the Fox Valley Park District’s EPIC program stands as a beacon of hope and support in the community, making a transformative impact on families’ lives.
Stay tuned for more updates as the program unfolds and continues to evolve in response to community needs.