At its township committee meeting on Oct. 22, Hillsborough Mayor Frank DelCore issued a proclamation acknowledging Oct. 24, as”Lights On Afterschool Day.” DelCore encouraged continued innovative afterschool programming and activities that ensure the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after school.
More than 28 million children in the United States have parents who work outside the home, and 109.4 million children have no place to go after school. Launched in October 2000 by the Afterschool Alliance, “Lights On Afterschool” is the only nationwide event celebrating after school programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities.
After school programs in the district are operated by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. On hand to receive the proclamation were Service Area Director of Child Care Krista Glynn, Assistant Program Director of Child Care Dawn Rannie-White and several child care staff members. The proclamation recognized Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen as a leader in the area of community involvement in the education and well-being of youth, grounded in the principle that quality afterschool programs are key to helping our children become successful adults.
“Catholic Charities Child Care Programs are proud to participate in the 20th year celebration of “Lights On Afterschool.” Our programs make it a point every year to celebrate this day and get the word out to our families, school districts and the local community about the need for high quality after school programming in New Jersey,” said Glynn. “We are indebted to the Hillsborough School District and its supportive personnel for helping us to raise awareness about this important issue.”
In honor of this year’s event, Catholic Charities’ staff members planned a variety of activities to bring families together, minimize social media and television viewing and highlight how children benefit from afterschool programming. All events were designed to include family members and school personnel.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen currently operates afterschool programs in Warren, Morris and Somerset Counties. Overall, 1,594 children were enrolled in Catholic Charities’ child care programs, including children enrolled in early learning centers, school-age child care and summer camp programs last year. If you are a parent wishing to enroll your child or a school administrator wishing to partner with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, visit www.ccdom.org/child-care.
