Getting academic assistance and enrichment outside the classroom

About 1,000 Elmont children signed up for Gateway Youth Outreach’s after school program

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Parents waited outside Dutch Broadway Elementary School, in Elmont, at 5:30 a.m. on a cool Saturday morning, sitting comfortably in folding chairs. A few had arrived at 3 a.m. And a couple of people had begun their wait at 11:30 p.m. the night before.

Gateway Youth Outreach held its annual after-school program registration on Sept. 9, and long lines wrapped around the corner of the building. The program planned to accept a capped limit of 1,000 children this year, authorities said. 

The popular program is affordable for many parents who seek after-school assistance for their children, said Natalie Santiago, a counselor for the Clara H. Carlson Elementary School's program.

"It's very put together," Santiago said. "Every year it continues, it becomes more organized, and we're also able to admit more parents and children. They need the program because of their work and responsibilities."

The cost, $270 per child per year, covers after-school enrollment. Parents pay this one-time fee and the GYO program matches the contribution. It offers everything from homework assistance to arts and crafts to recreational activities such as basketball, and an occasional field trip. For three hours after school, the children do their homework, take part in activities and enjoy a healthy snack.

Beverley Hardy, whose granddaughter Maddison Swainbank is a participant, said the program is ideal for anyone who needs help, whether parent or guardian, as well as the children. "This is great for those parents who get home from work late," Hardy said. "They can feel relieved, knowing their children are getting the homework help if they need it or have questions. The children get to participate in the other things offered, like the arts and crafts. They offer so much to the children, where they get to work with and interact with the other children."

Maddison said she liked the arts and crafts, and seeing her friends. "If I didn't have this program, I'd have to find somewhere else to go," she said. "I'd have to stay home with a sitter. Here they can help me with my homework when I have questions, and I never have a problem getting it done."

Gateway Youth Outreach began serving students after school in 1986, when it was still considered part of the YMCA. It branched out on its own in 1989. Dutch Broadway, Clara H. Carlson, Gotham Road and Covert Avenue are the elementary schools in the Elmont district that host the program. 

Over the years, the number of young people offered counseling, educational and recreational programs has grown from 365 the first year to over 2,000. 

"The after-school program goal of GYO is to provide quality after-school programs in safe and sufficient space for all children, regardless of physical or mental challenge or social status," the program's website states. "The program is an education-focused group that meets five times a week during the school year to assist area youth age 12 and under. Its work is aimed at providing remedial support to the youngsters in elementary school. Learning tool include arts & crafts, field trips, guest speakers and discussion groups."

The program's executive director, Patrick Boyle, said that he works with his board, parents and children each year to ensure a quality program. And because of GYO's nonprofit status, he also works to make sure the program is adequately funded every year. 

"With NIFA, I'm always concerned about losing funding, as programs like ours are usually the first to get cut," Boyle said, referring to the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, which oversees the county's finances. "I wish lawmakers would understand the necessity of a program like ours, how it helps the community and the children."

NIFA also has the authority to issue bonds and notes for various purposes, including the restructuring of a portion of the county's outstanding debt. The GYO falls under this funding umbrella.

Despite the financial concerns, the program will be able to accommodate all the enrollees this year. In some years past, caps kept some parents from enrolling their children, but this year, Santiago said, that's not the case.  "This year, everyone's very satisfied," she said. "Everyone's been able to get into the school of their choice."