[StBernard] Program in St. Bernard Parish Giving Kids Safe Place to Go After School

[Westley Annis]

Program in St. Bernard Parish Giving Kids Safe Place to Go After School 
Written by WGNO ABC26 News | Monday, 13 September 2010 14:30 


About 77% of kids in the US go to an unsupervised, empty home after they get
out of school. They're latch key kids. A program in St. Bernard Parish is
giving these kids another option -- a safe place with supervision and a
little fun too.

Clara Dale is still getting to know Chalmette. The 13 year old moved to St.
Bernard Parish last year so her family could help rebuild. But instead of
staying home after school, she spends evenings at the Paul Noel Gym playing
video games, basketball and more with other kids. "Well, there's no kids on
our street and I don't really know. Most of the friends I have are from
here," says Clara.

"There's also a lot of opportunity to get into trouble if you're parents are
less involved or they're not just able to be around," says St. Bernard Youth
Coordinator Abbey Flaherty. She heads up the Fuel program. With so many
parents working, Fuel gives kids the opportunity to be around other kids
instead of at home alone. "There's more idle time to spend time on the
internet looking at things that maybe aren't appropriate or getting involved
with drugs or alcohol," says Abbey.

Fuel is more than just an after school program where kids can play a game of
basketball or throw a football around. It's also a safe environment where
they can talk to an adult about problems they may be having. "Whether it's
something at home or at school," Abbey says.

For Clara, Fuel is more than a place to go after school. It's where all her
friends are now.

For more information about Fuel and its programs during the school year,
call 224-1653.