Inadequate Funding Leads To Closing Of Partners After School Programs

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Aug. 12, 2010

The Partners After School (PAS) programs in Garrett County are once again facing elimination despite best efforts on the part of all community partners to sustain them. This includes all of the following PAS programs: Accident, Friendsville, Grantsville, Kitzmiller, Loch Lynn, and Southern Middle School.
For more than 10 years, the Local Management Board/Garrett County Partnership for Children and Families Inc. has supported after-school programming in schools and community sites in Garrett County. 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding from the Maryland State Department of Education supported the majority of the PAS programs for six
years, from 2004 to 2009. When the 21st Century funding was not renewed last year, the Garrett County commissioners allocated $125,000 in emergency funding for the programs.

An additional $125,000 was secured through a Community Development Block Grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The quick response of the commissioners and MDHCD allowed all six of the programs to continue operation throughout the remainder of last school year and this summer, serving approximately 250 Garrett County youth.

"This is a real tragedy for Garrett County youth and families," said Rodney Glotfelty, Garrett County health officer. "PAS programs have served the needs of hundreds of families over the past 10 years, and their absence will definitely be felt."

"The PAS programs provided a safe, supervised, and enriching environment for children during the high-risk after-school hours when many parents are still working," said another spokesperson. The programs offered comprehensive programming that focused on academic achievement and school success, and positive youth development.

Community partners worked diligently during the past year to locate alternative sources of funding to maintain the programs, according to Crystal Stewart, director of the Partnership for Children and Families. However, despite the submission of a number of grant applications, including resubmission for the 21st Century grant, adequate funding has not been secured.

"Local partners are committed to this project, and will continue to try to find funding to reopen the programs," said Stewart. "Unfortunately, for now, all programs will be closed until further notice."

For additional information, persons should contact Stewart at the Garrett County Partnership for Children and Families Inc. at 301-334-1189.

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