Modesto After-School Program's Sudden Closure Upsets Parents, Students
MODESTO (CSB13) — An after-school program designed to keep kids ahead in class is abruptly forced to shut down, and parents say they were left in the dark.
For 10-year-old Maurice, the after-school program at this community center is more than just a place to get homework help after school, it's a safe haven.
"I really want this to stay open," he said. "We know we have a police officer just in case we can call if something happens and other people and gangs don't come around here."
The Stanislaus County Police Activities League received funding from the housing authority to operate the free programs at four locations countywide.
But just three days ago, organizers learned the funding was no longer available.
"We don't know that much about it," said deputy director Bret Silveria. "We are working with the housing authority as much as possible."
Without the federal funding, the nonprofit pulled the plug on the after-school program.
Parents like Sarah Johnson were left in the dark and wanted answers.
"There was no warning, no nothing, so now we have to find somewhere else for our children to go," she said.
Maria Aranda was also concerned.
"Not all parents might have the transportation to redirect them to another program," she said.
Children made signs, wrote petitions and letters to the housing authority in hopes of sparking a change of heart.
We tried contacting several people in charge at the housing authority branch to find out why the grant was pulled, but we didn't hear back from them.