“My girls learn so much here that they will take with them the rest of their lives,” said Brandy Engles, a parent with children in the KIDSTOP program.
KIDSTOP provides a safe and fun environment for children in grades K-8 and is funded in part by Sioux Empire United Way. KIDSTOP located at First United Methodist Church is open during the school year from 2:30 to 5 p.m. and in the summer from 12:30 to 4 p.m. KIDSTOP provides a stable and supervised place for children who otherwise may be home alone after school or during summer afternoons. This program allows for children to learn, grow, and succeed not only today but in the future.
“Statistics show that lack of supervision in children can lead to behavior problems, a decline in academics and safety issues, which is why our number one goal at KIDSTOP is to keep children safe, structured and supervised,” states Kassidi Smith, Executive Director of KIDSTOP.
“I have heard from other families and former kids of the impact of KIDSTOP on their lives and I know that it will do the same for my girls,” stated Brandy, “they not only are continuing their education but also learn how to be respectful of each another.”
According to an American After 3 PM study shows that 64% of parents believe their children gain workforce skills such as self-esteem, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking skills as a direct result of being enrolled in afterschool programming. Additionally, 75% of South Dakota parents feel they are able to spend more time working to provide for their family and less time worrying about their child’s care when they know they are enrolled in a quality afterschool program.
For Brandy, “KIDSTOP has allowed me to focus on opening my business and for my husband to continue to provide for our family, plus the girls love going! It offers so many activities for all kids to enjoy.”
“All the kids enjoy our field trips that are offered through the summer program such as the Outdoor Campus, Splash Park or tours of the Pettigrew House and Old Courthouse Museum, just to name a few. KIDSTOP is a free program so we rely heavily on free programs throughout the community for our field trip days and are always looking for new opportunities,” mentioned Smith.
A $500 donation to Sioux Empire United Way would provide transportation to all participating children from school to KIDSTOP for at least 12 weeks, which will ensure they are safe and supervised. To learn how to make a gift that would support KIDSTOP, along with 88 other local programs, inquire with your employer or call us at 336-2095
