Western Foothills Kids Association provides quality afterschool programming for students at four schools: Rumford Elementary, Meroby Elementary, Dirigo and Buckfield Middle schools. They focus on academic support and enrichment, health and wellness and cultural enrichment. WFKA uses extended learning opportunities to connect students to authentic experiences within their schools and communities.
What does all this mean to the students? They are in a safe, nurturing environment in which they can learn and build relationship with adults and peers. Also, they have a whole lot of fun!
Activities are created at each site that focus on the needs and interests of the youth at that school to be sure they are meaningful and rewarding. The range of activities is tremendous. Offerings include robotics, karate, winter ecology, cooperative games, drama, MythBuster science and so much more.
There is a middle school program that works with local historical societies and Maine Memory Network to examine and record local documents and pictures. Every day starts with homework support or tutoring and a healthy snack. Elementary school sites also have a daily physical activity, either inside or outdoors. Programming is varied and changes as needs and interests change.
Western Foothills Kids Association has many close community partners who work to support the goals and activities of the program. Healthy Community Coalition provides cooking/nutrition classes, Fred Bailey of Chisholm Ski Club provides Nordic skiing, Maine College Circle provides college scholarship essay contest for third to sixth graders, to name a few.
WFKA also works hard to support and expand community initiatives. WFKA was instrumental in bringing Big Brother/Big Sisters back to area schools, is a founding member of Teaberry Arts Council, member of Active Community Environment Team and Youth Substance Abuse Task Force. They were the recipients of Non-Profit of the Year and Gold site of Distinction for 5210 Let’s Go.
Western Foothills Kids Association is funded by a grant from 21st Century Community Learning Centers. The grant began in 2009 and ends this June. While they may be able to apply for another grant, currently the future of the entire program is unknown.
For further information, contact Program Director Barb Radmore at 207-357-6987. For up-to-date information, Western Foothills Kids Association’s Facebook page is a great way to see all that is happening.
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