Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland Injury Attorney Kenneth J. Allen makes it a practice and priority to ensure all youth have safe, fun, and educational opportunities during out-of-school time. Three years ago, Mr. Allen adopted Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s Kidstop program by gifting the before and after-school childcare program $10,000 each year. Boys & Girls Clubs’ Kidstop program, provided in four different school systems in 11 different school sites, provides safe and affordable after school childcare for area families. The Kidstop program allows parents to work or attend school while knowing their children are safe in their home school, transitioning from the school day to an after-school program which provides endless learning opportunities, guidance and fun!
Engaging youth in different and fun activities immediately before and after-school Kidstop, with the help of investors like Mr. Kenneth J. Allen, supports personal development of elementary-aged children by focusing on academic success, good character and citizenship, and living healthy lifestyles. This is accomplished through targeted Club activities and caring, capable staff who forge relationships with young people and influence their ability to succeed in life.
Providing financial stability for a family often involves finding affordable childcare. And, finding affordable childcare is often an insurmountable challenge for many families throughout Northwest Indiana. Such a challenge may force parents or guardians of school-aged children to choose between paying for childcare and leaving their child home alone after school. Studies have shown that the time of day children are most at risk is immediately after school when they often are left unsupervised.
“It always amazes and humbles me when individuals of our communities, like Ken Allen, step forward to serve as leading advocates for youth. Our Kidstop program is a proven and wonderful resource for our Club families,” states Ryan Smiley, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. “This before and after-school childcare program is extremely affordable for families who need a safe place for their children as they work for their family or go back to school to further their career. Part of what makes our Kidstop program unique and successful is because of our very dedicated and caring staff who make a difference in the lives of children, and partners, like Mr. Kenneth J. Allen, who really care about our youth. Through his generous support, many parents can feel really good about their children being in a safe and fun environment during before and after-school hours,” Smiley states further.
On October 24, Mr. Allen visited Heavilin Elementary School’s Kidstop site to interact with the very children he is helping to support. Engaging with Club members in a craft project, Mr. Allen demonstrated how much he cares about the healthy development of children in a safe environment during their out-of-school-time.
“I believe it is very important to give back to our communities, especially to programs that are dedicated to taking care of children. The Boys & Girls Club and its Kidstop program is critical in helping to develop safe, healthy and happy kids. I am proud to be a sponsor of the Kidstop program and a continued partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana,” said attorney Kenneth J. Allen.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County has been opening doors to GREAT FUTURES for Porter County’s youth since 1971. Clubs are open after school and provide a great place for youth in grades K-12 to meet friends and have fun while in a safe, supervised environment. When school is out, our Clubs are in! Clubs are open during holidays and in the summer. Annual membership is only $35. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. For information on membership, volunteer opportunities, or to make a tax deductible donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, please contact your local Club, call (219) 464-7282 or visit bgcpoco.org. Great Futures Start HERE.
