Fox Valley Park District Secures $330K Grant for After-School Program

UPDATE: The Fox Valley Park District has just secured a $330,000 grant from the Dunham Foundation to fund its new after-school program, EPIC, in West Aurora District 129. This urgent financial boost means hundreds of children can now access essential after-school care amid rising demands for affordable childcare.

The EPIC program, which stands for Explore, Play, Imagine, and Connect, kicked off at the beginning of the current school year. It operates at four elementary schools—Smith, Schneider, Nicholson, and Hall—and is open to students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Families can enroll their children at any time throughout the school year, with a capacity of 250 students.

Parents like Selena Flores, a 27-year-old mother of three, say the program has transformed their lives. “My life did a full 180,” Flores shared, having recently transitioned to a daytime job in Naperville. With her children enrolled in the EPIC program, she now has the peace of mind to balance work and family life effectively.

The program includes a range of activities like nature and art projects, sports, and homework assistance, running from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Unlike its predecessor, MyTime, which was referral-based, EPIC is open to all students, including kindergarteners. This change marks a significant improvement in accessibility for families in the area.

Previously funded through a federal grant, the MyTime program faced uncertainties as funding sources dried up. “The grant world can be fluid,” said Becky Harling, Recreation Superintendent of the Fox Valley Park District. With the federal grant cycle expiring, the park district proactively sought new funding avenues and has now implemented a fee structure for the EPIC program. General fees are set at $240 per month, with reduced rates available based on family income.

Thanks to the recent grant from the Dunham Foundation, many families, including Flores’, can now access the program for free. “I was over the moon,” Flores said, recalling her emotional reaction upon learning her children would receive full scholarships. “That can easily go towards extra shopping or groceries for the week.”

According to Vicki Morcos, President and CEO of the Dunham Foundation, the organization saw an “opportunity to make a real difference” in families’ access to after-school programming. “By funding full scholarships for families who need them most, we’re not just supporting a program — we’re investing in educational equity,” Morcos stated.

The EPIC program not only serves as a vital resource for children but also as a lifeline for working parents like Flores, whose extended family lives abroad. “We don’t have that usual support system,” she explained. “It’s amazing what they’re doing; they are genuinely changing people’s lives.”

As families continue to face challenges in finding affordable childcare, the success of the EPIC program underscores the importance of community support and funding. With the backing of the Dunham Foundation, the Fox Valley Park District is committed to providing quality after-school care, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in the EPIC program, which is now more accessible than ever. With the recent grant, the program is on track to provide invaluable services to the West Aurora community, making a significant impact on families’ lives.