WESTFORD — Low-income families will see some reprieve with subsidized summer camp programs and after-school care available in the coming weeks.
The temporary program was funded through a $30,000 American Rescue Plan Act request from the Health Department, Council on Aging and Recreation Department. The Select Board unanimously approved the funding in an April 26 meeting.
“It’s an after-school program and a camp program for folks that are not able to afford to send their kids to camp,” said Health Director Rae Dick in a May 9 meeting.
The program provides a free week of camp per-child or a $400 cap on one week of after-school care per-child for families at 300% of the federal income poverty level. Applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.
“We don’t know how many applications we’re going to receive, we are not sure what the need will be,” Dick told WestfordCAT. “But right now, this is related to COVID-19 assistance, to provide a little help to those in need.”
She continued, “We hope this can help in some way.”
Dick clarified that since funding for the program comes through ARPA, it is unknown if the program will continue beyond its initial funding.
Kids Club Summer Camp is slated to begin on June 27, with after-school care set to begin on Aug. 31. Parents can apply here. Questions can be directed to Brittany Nash at 978-399-2564.
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