In June, an estimated one hundred and fifty families in the Russian River area will be without childcare when schools close for summer vacation. You have the opportunity to make a difference for one child or family who needs it by becoming a Summer Program sponsor.
During these challenging financial times, programs on federal, state and county levels are experiencing devastating cut backs and our children’s programs are not the least of these. Last year the Russian River After School Program (Mon-Fri 2:30-6pm) was able to extend operations for five 
weeks during the summer, but this year there is no funding for the program.
An estimated 85% of the students our programs serve live in homes where adults work (or go to school) full-time. “There is no way I would be able to finish my education and take care of my family without this program,” said one young mother whose two daughters attend kindergarten and fifth grade at Guerneville School.
Throughout the school year, the Russian River After School Programs in Guerneville and Monte Rio provide:
- No-cost daily after school care for over two hundred students.
- Daily homework assistance and tutoring
- Recreational and special interest activities such as sports, computers, arts and crafts
- Healthy snacks
- Committed, caring, positive staff
Your contribution will allow our programs to continue through the summer and serve the students and families who rely on our services all year long.
Without a local summer program, working families will be forced to search out childcare outside the area, often at prices they cannot afford (The Boys & Girls Club of Central Sonoma County: $365.00 per 4 weeks of summer program; Sonoma County YMCA: nearly $600.00 per 4 weeks.) Other options for working families are to recruit help from relatives and neighbors or to leave kids fending for themselves during the working hours of the day. Some families will have more choices than others.
Here is how you can help!
We are asking you to partner with us to fund a summer program that will ensure a safe, healthy and fun place for students to be during the working day (9am-5pm) and allow our Russian River families to keep working.
- A scholarship of $266 would cover the cost for one child to attend four weeks of Summer Program.
- A half-scholarship of $133, would cover the cost of two weeks of programming or assist a family who is unable to pay for the full 4 weeks.
- Your donation of $550 would cover utilities and janitorial costs for the school facility.
- Any other amount you are able to give will go toward helping with costs of meals, materials and staff and is greatly appreciated.
For your convenience, you can also make a donation through Paypal -- it's fast, free and secure! Just click on the button below and you'll be directed to the secure Paypal website to complete your transaction.
During this time when everyone is feeling the effects of our current economic climate, I want to express our deepest gratitude to those who choose this opportunity to support our Russian River families.
Warmest Regards,
Katrina Thurman
Executive Director
