Weiser Elks presents check to After School Program

by Philip A. Janquart

 The Weiser Elks Lodge on Thursday presented Weiser Police Chief Carl Smith and Weiser After School Program Director Ange Goodwin with a check for $3,500 that will go for supplies and other program needs

 “This grant from the Elks is something that Ange and I worked on and got approved,” said Weiser Elks Lodge representative Cale Harvey. “It was a long process, but the grant was finally approved by our national lodge. The After School Program is one of those we thought was worthy of a grant.”

 The Weiser City Police Department started the After School Program in 2001, the intent to provide kids with a safe place to do homework and hang out.

 “It’s for kids that get out after school and don’t usually have parents at home – they are still working – so it’s a place where they can be with other kids,” Smith said.

 Goodwin said the check comes at a good time when things like furniture are beginning to show age.

 “We operate off donations and grants,” she said. “We do get a little bit of money from the City, but not much. We’ve been trying to replace things like tables and chairs. Some of that stuff is very dated and broken down, and we are always in need of arts and crafts supplies.” Smith added that the building where the program is headquartered is in need of some minor repairs.

 Currently, the program serves between 25 and 30 kids between the ages of 7 and 14. Once the kids “age out,” they are given the opportunity to come back as mentors. 

 After School hours are Monday through Friday, just after school lets out, lasting to about 5:45 p.m. The program follows school schedules, so if there is no school on a given day, the program building would be closed, as well.

 “On a normal day, we’ll do homework, then have snacks, and then they can play games,” Goodwin explained.

 The facility, located across the street from the city swimming pool, offers kids a variety of after school stress relievers such as air hockey, board games, Xbox and PlayStation video games, and a foosball table, as well as basketball during the warmer months. In addition, Memorial Park is right across the street from the swimming pool.

 Goodwin said she is holding a Halloween party to take place Thursday, Oct. 28.

 “They are picking what they are going to be doing for games,” she said. “They all put down their choices for snacks and we vote on that, too. They are all so cute!”

 The kids have already voted for a coloring contest, which Weiser Police officers will vote on the day of the party.

 “The whole purpose is to let kids have a safe place to be so they can get their homework done, and get that extra one-on-one if they need it,” Goodwin said. “They have a safe place to play, nurture relationships and learn to socialize.”

 She added that a crucial aspect of the program lies within visits from police officers who spend time with the kids.

 “They are a positive role model,” Goodwin said. “The police department is key. The Chief is awesome. They’ll stop by and play pool or basketball with the kids, so they can experience a positive role model.”

 Goodwin applied for the job in March 2019. She’s a good fit for the program considering her K-6 teaching degree and experience as a mother.

 “It’s really hard not to get attached to all of these kids,” she said. “They are all really good kids.”