ECS is sharing participant stories during Economic Mobility Month to celebrate their success and show how community members use ECS programs and resources to better their lives. This installment highlights the impact of ECS’ Out of School Time (OST) program through the experience of Samirah.
ECS’ OST program currently operates in 7 schools across the Greater Philadelphia Region and serves children in their elementary and middle school years.
Samirah has been an OST parent for more than 5 years, regularly sending her children to the ECS after-school program and summer camp. She describes the program as a place where her three children get to learn about the world, experience new ideas, and grow under the care of warm and compassionate group leaders and facilitators. Every day, they are engaged in activities that encourage creativity, problem-solving and teamwork.
I love the program and everything that it has to offer. It is good to know that my children are in a safe and welcoming learning environment when the school day ends. - Samirah
Samirah credits the program with giving her the flexibility to work and provide for her children knowing that they are in safe and capable care. Her advice to any parent new to the program is to embrace the opportunity to work alongside OST staff so that all children have access to quality and affordable after-school care.