Lorton Community Action Center Announces After-School Program

This fall, underprivileged children at  will be provided after-school services at the school, courtesy of the . The LCAC has raised approximately half of the $36,400 needed for the program, which will be offered for two afternoons a week for nine-and-a-half weeks this fall and spring 2013.  

"We have 750 students, and our free and reduced lunch rate is 30 percent," said William Halley Principal Jamey Chianetta to the South County Federation at their Tuesday night meeting. "And, one thing we haven't had lately is an after-schoool program, which fell off because of funding." 

"Our schools are stretched. they don't have the support they need at after school programs," said Linda Patterson is the Executive Director of the LCAC. "This keeps kids at school, and they're able to get their homework done, they are supervised, and we see a difference in their behavior and in their grades. Once a week we'll have a program where the kids will hear from local police officers, historians, scientists, and things that will get them jazzed and excited about learning in a new way."

Dianna Izaguiire, of Hagel Circle, is from Guatemala, and has two children who attend Halley.

"A lot of mothers and fathers in my community want more than just education during the day. My son, he likes science, but sometimes we can't give them that because of our economic situation," she said. "We tried to help them with homework, but all parents are not good enough sometimes, and we can't always help them." 

The program will include: 

• Homework help and a snack
• Hobbies and games
• Clubs

If you and your business are ainterested in participating in the program, contact Linda Patterson at linda@lortonaction.org.