Expanding Afterschool Programming Services to Victor Elementary School – Awarded $5,000
The Community Foundation of Teton Valley was honored to award $5,000 to ABC – Above and Beyond the Classroom in Teton Valley that allows ABC to expand its afterschool program to Victor Elementary School. The new center will reduce barriers to participation and thus provide a supportive environment for those children who need help the most. The Community Foundation Grants Committee is proud to support this need for students in Victor.
COVID-19 has negatively impacted local families. ABC knows the local economy is disrupted and families are out of work. That disruption harms families as they navigate the new “normal.” Teton Valley experiences adversity daily as our schools and counselors work with children going through trauma, changing family dynamics, job loss, poverty, and abuse. The number of children who are at-risk has increased dramatically this past year. There is a greater need for affordable afterschool programs to keep children in a safe environment. ABC will fill this need by opening an additional center at the Victor Elementary School. This will increase capacity while providing a center that allows more Victor-based working families to participate.
The requested funds will be used to increase ABC’s organizational capacity with this initiative. They plan to secure and align quality resources to meet the needs. The executive director will work closely with the principal in the hiring of new staff members. ABC anticipates hiring three new staff members. Their goal is to hire paraprofessionals from Victor Elementary School that already know the children and have established relationships. New staff will bring their talent of leading ABC’s program focus areas of academics, enrichment (art and STEM) and wellness.
The Community Foundation commends the important work of ABC. The expansion of the an afterschool program to Victor Elementary School will support more families in Teton Valley and provide children with a safe place.
