The Starke County Youth Club’s after-school programs offered at sites around the county benefit more than just the students who take part in them. Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says they serve as a bridge between school and home for youngsters, for whom the most critical hours of the day are between 3 and 6 p.m. School is out, but parents aren’t home from work yet. Szakonyi says that’s the most common time for a child to be the victim of or the perpetrator of a violent crime.
“Club steps into that void, provides a safe, structured and positive environment for kids. It keeps grownups working and helps kids do better in school,” Szakonyi said. As a result, grownups are able to focus on work without worrying about where their child is or if they are safe at home alone.
The Starke County Youth Club’s after-school programs are open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade and meet at Knox, North Judson-San Pierre and Oregon-Davis Schools. You’ll hear more about them all week on the news leading up to Friday’s Starke County Youth Club/WKVI Radiothon. Szakonyi says they hope to raise $50,000 in donations and pledges this year. Visit their website, www.thescyc.org to learn more.
