WESTMINSTER : Latchkey Program Receives $16,500
An innovative new program that will enlist senior citizens to provide after-school care for dozens of latchkey children has received $16,500 in grants and could start as soon as April 1.
Under the Safety, Health and Understanding in Education program approved by the City Council a year ago, child-care professionals, community volunteers and seniors will supervise recreation and tutoring for about 25 children ages 6 to 9. SHUE will operate out of the Westminster Senior Center from 2 to 6 p.m. weekdays, when seniors typically do not use the facility, said senior center director Betty Goyne.
SHUE will cost about $100,000 a year.
The program has received pledges of $15,000 from the Los Angeles-based Weingart Foundation, $1,500 from the county, and two computers from IBM, according to County Board of Supervisors spokesman Mike Linares. The grants are contingent on the program directors’ ability to raise additional funds for its first year of operation.
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