Morristown Neighborhood House afterschool program gets back some funding to stay afloat–maybe

0

The after school program of Morristown’s Neighborhood House, on the verge of being shut down when federal funding dried up this spring,  has gotten a $100,000 pledge from New Jersey After 3 that will keep the program going for a sixth year–if the Nabe can come up with a $100,000 match, said David Walker, executive director of the Neighborhood House.

neighborhood house
Morristown's Neighborhood House

“It’s a challenge,” David said. “But the restoration of NJ After 3 funds is a major accomplishment.”

NJ After 3, a private, nonprofit agency, had been the primary funding source for the local STARS after school program, which served 150 youths last semester at the Frelinghuysen Middle School.

But the state cut two-thirds of NJ After 3’s funding, throwing the future of STARS into jeopardy.  STARS stands for Smart Talented Athletic Responsible Students.

Foundations and individuals contributed $57,000 to STARS over the summer, which can be applied toward the match.

David said he is hopeful that area charities and individual donors can close the gap.

The Neighborhood House has started charging students $40 a month to attend the program, which provides tutoring, sports, musical and cultural activities to keep kids occupied after school until parents come home from work.  STARS is geared to help low-income working families.

VIDEO: MORRISTOWN’S NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE FIGHTS TO SAVE POPULAR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

LEAVE A REPLY