By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – When the YMCA left St. John the Baptist Parish in August, it left behind an after school care program where neighborhood children could come do homework and play games while they waited for their parents to pick them up.

The program, which was moderately successful, is now being revived with the help of New Wine Christian Fellowship. The church operates buildings adjacent to the now-vacant property where the YMCA operated, and New Wine Pastor Neil Bernard said the after care program was filling a vital need for some parents.

“There are quite a few children in the parish who are getting off school between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. while their parents are still at work,” Bernard said. “We wanted to be able to step in and assist those parents who may not be able to afford an after school care program elsewhere.”

Bernard said the after care program, dubbed “Kids on the Move,” is modeled after the church’s summer camp program of the same name. He said the new program includes the same offerings the YMCA provided.

“We have tutors to help with homework and studying, plus other activities to keep children occupied until their parents come,” Bernard said. “It gives parents assurances that their children have a safe place to relax and do homework while they are at work.”

Program coordinator Anthony Smith, who also ran the YMCA after care program, said when the YMCA moved out earlier this year, more than 40 students were scheduled to be enrolled in the program. He said there was a real push to get something going as soon as possible. The first week of operations began on Oct. 24.

“We started late in the year, so we were not able to get the enrollment back right away,” Smith said. “There are about nine enrolled now, but we are hoping to get the word out and attract those parents who were involved in the YMCA program.”

Bernard said the enrolled students come from LaPlace Elementary, Emily C. Watkins Elementary, East St. John Elementary and John L. Ory Magnet.

Smith said the program serves ages 5 to 13 and operates Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The registration fee is $20, and there is a weekly $35 tuition rate, but Bernard said parents are eligible for some financial assistance if needed. For more information on the program, contact the church at 985-287-2475.