The Crucial Role of After School Programs
Nurturing our Children, Empowering our Community
Balancing work and family life can be a challenge, after school programs have become an indispensable support system for working families. In Greater Gallatin, United Way's kidsLINK programs provide enrichment and safety for over 700 children each and every day across 11 programs within the Bozeman and Belgrade school districts. These programs offer more than just care; they create a nurturing environment where kids can learn, grow, and thrive.
For 25 years, GGUW kidsLINK Afterschool Programs have been a cornerstone of support for children and families throughout our region. Their mission: to ensure that no child has to stay home alone after school. These programs not only offer a safe haven but the comprehensive inquiry-based curriculum fuels curiosity. From learning how circuits work to gaming and community building, our carefully curated curriculum is tailored to foster a love for learning, creativity, and personal growth, ensuring that children are not only safe but also engaged in meaningful activities.
GGUW kidsLINK collaborates with local organizations to offer a diverse range of activities, including coding classes, tech projects, theater and music experiences, robotics, art classes, and more. GGUW's kidsLINK programs also extend beyond traditional school hours to provide childcare during PIR days, winter and spring breaks, and host all-day summer camps, bridging the gap all year long. This multifaceted approach leads to improved academic achievements and, more importantly, allows for increased quality family time.
Our community knows the value of unity, especially when it comes to ensuring that every child has access to enriching after school care. It's inspiring to see businesses like American Bank taking the lead, understanding the profound importance of after school programs. They wholeheartedly acknowledge the need to give back and support these vital programs, ensuring that no child is left home alone while their parents complete their workday. This unwavering commitment to community and children lies at the heart of the success of programs like kidsLINK.
While parent fees are a crucial part of supporting our program, they only cover a fraction of the total cost. Our commitment to breaking down barriers for families and ensuring affordable, safe after school care for all children has led to our programs being priced at just $12 per day, significantly lower than comparable programs. Additionally, in the previous year, we provided $415,000 in tuition assistance to ensure that no child is left without access to care. The kidsLINK programs greatly depend on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations within the Greater Gallatin area to bridge this financial gap. This collaborative effort is what enables us to continue offering this invaluable resource to our children, empowering them to realize their full potential.
Supporting after school programs goes beyond understanding their importance; it's about taking concrete steps to ensure their continued success. Sponsorship is a powerful means of contributing to these programs and making a tangible difference.
We invite you to become a part of this incredible journey, one that seeks to empower the future leaders of our community.
Your support can be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change for our children:
Sponsor a Child | $20/month
For less than the cost of lunch out, you can provide after school care for one child for a month. Your monthly gift ensures that a child has a safe and enriching environment to spend their afternoon, where they can learn, play, and grow.
Sponsor a Program | $5,000
If you're looking to make a broader impact, sponsoring an entire after school program can be the way to go. Your support will not only benefit one child but an entire group, creating a lasting legacy of learning and community support
Your contribution, regardless of its size, will help ensure that the lights stay on for our community's children. It will provide them with a secure and enriching environment to thrive, explore their potential, and build essential skills that will shape their future.
American Bank is a shining example of this commitment to community and children. When presented with a variety of options to support our community through GGUW, they chose to invest in kidsLINK. Their sponsorship of two after school sites (Whittier and Longfellow) exemplifies their understanding of the importance of these programs. It's support like this that helps keep the lights on for our community's children, ensuring they have a safe and enriching environment to thrive.
As we celebrate the efforts of businesses like American Bank and the pivotal role of after school programs, it's a call to action for all of us. It's a reminder that our community's strength lies in our ability to support one another, especially our children. Let's continue to sponsor, support, and uplift the after school programs that illuminate the path for our kids, families, and our shared future.
After school programs don't merely cater to the present; they are investments in our future. By supporting these programs, we empower working families to pursue their careers while nurturing the potential of the next generation.
