After-school special

For years, they have provided children with outlets more intellectually stimulating than lounging in front of a television.

And now, after-school programs — also cited as the best way to keep youths out of trouble — are in the spotlight.

The national Lights on Afterschool! event, a project of the national nonprofit Afterschool Alliance, kicked off its fifth anniversary celebration Oct. 14.

At events and rallies across the area, community members lauded the variety of youth activities available at schools and recreation centers.

A press conference for the event was held at the Edward O’Malley Athletic Association, 144 Moore St., a setting deemed appropriate due to the success of the center’s six-year-old after-school program.

The building’s new facade, basketball court and computer lab are a testament to the area’s commitment to keeping children safe and occupied, said union chief John Dougherty, board member for the nonprofit Philadelphia Safe and Sound.

The event also united local residents and the School District of Philadelphia in justifying the continuation of after-school programs.

"The hours of 3 to 6 p.m. are the peak times when juvenile offenses are more than likely to occur if children do not have safe alternatives," said Jo Ann Lawer, president and CEO of Philadelphia Safe and Sound.

Adults unaware of after-school sites in their neighborhood can check the Safe and Sound Web site’s brand new feature — a searchable database of programs. The information also is available via phone or mail.

"We’re trying to get the word out so families know about these after-school programs," Lawer said.

Studies have proven the effectiveness of these activities, said Naomi Gubernick, director of Non-School-Hour Services for the school district.

"We still hear they are not of any value" yet juvenile crime and academic statistics prove otherwise, she noted.

Advocates must do more to convince the government of the benefits of the programs and the detriments of cutting funding, said Gubernick.

"We do not have a resounding voice for these after-school programs," she said. "There is no resounding public policy saying these programs are beneficial to kids."

At least one politician, state Rep. Bill Keller, was on hand at the EOM press conference to praise the programs and their private partnerships, which supply the additional funding the city cannot meet.

Children participating in the citywide kickoff events earlier this month took on a more adult role, quickly becoming activists for a cause.

At Wharton Square Recreation Center, 23rd and Wharton streets, more than 50 youths signed paper light bulbs that stressed the need for after-school activities, which often run into the evening hours. The light bulbs, also distributed at the other 7,269 nationwide events, will be sent to Congress.

Youngsters also tapped into their creative energies as they participated in an after-school art program conducted by the nonprofit Art Sphere. The Philadelphia-based organization is dedicated to providing art education in after-school programs.

Operating with very little funding, Art Sphere members have attempted to partner with other groups, including local fire and police departments.

"We invite other organizations to our events because they are the resources in the neighborhood," said founder Kristin Groenveld. "We want the children to develop a relationship with them and not have them feel alienated from their community."

Through word of mouth, Groenveld and her volunteers are asked to help at after-school programs across the area.

The founder said she is able to find the artist in every child, whether it is through an art project or music.

"I feel that art engages young people," she said. "It gives them a chance to feel positive about their school and their community."

Whenever possible, Groenveld said, she tries to assign art projects that encourage literacy. Some of the murals children have completed have been based on books.

The most important critics of the programs — the kids themselves — seem to validate their effectiveness.

"I am able to get involved in several different programs," said Albert Rementer, 10, a two-year member of EOM’s afterschool program.

The program includes mural arts, physical education and homework tutoring through the instruction of counselors, whom Rementer views as his "big brothers and sisters."

"When you help a child with a homework problem and the light bulb goes on, it’s a rush," said Shawn Brown, the program’s assistant director.

Parents appreciate what the site has to offer as well.

"There isn’t a bad thing I could say about [the program]," said Francis Kelly, who has two children enrolled at EOM.

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To find an after-school program in your area, go to Philadelphia Safe and Sound’s Web site at www.philasafesound.org.

To support Art Sphere, call founder Kristin Groenveld at 215-413-3955.