Children in the Lakeview community, who statistically are not projected to finish high school, now talk about growing up to become doctors, lawyers and police officers.
"When they are here, they are doing their homework," said Sandra Lopez, one of the three parents who help about 30 students with their homework at the Lakeview Community Action Center. Except for an afternoon snack, the children work for a solid two hours—there are no games, no playing until homework is finished.
She loves to watch the students, third, fourth and fifth graders, work hard and help each other, but her original involvement was very personal.
A teacher at school referred Sandra's son, Rufino, to the program because he wasn't turning in his homework. Now, Rufino is in sixth grade and doing well and Sandra's twin daughters, Rebecca and Amanda, are currently in the program.
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Sandra is an involved Lakeview resident in a way many other parents can't be. Lakeview's Latino parents, whose English is limited and who are often working several jobs, want a life for their children that starts with an education, something many of the parents don't have. That's where this program makes the critical difference.
A small but powerful after school program, funded by United Way, is having a great impact on the smallest community members.
"The investment we are making today in these children is vital to their ability to succeed in the future," said Ed Conway, executive director of the Center. "With these tools, I know they can be and do whatever they dream."
Helping children learn and grow outside of school hours is just one of the ways United Way makes our community safer and stronger.
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