The “After School Adventures Program” is appropriately named ASAP, also short for “as soon as possible”.  This indicates the urgency that is needed to care for the children in our community, who are the future. 

I recently attended a governor’s workshop. The major focus was economic development, but the lack of education and the drug situation is a major factor in the unemployment of West Virginians.  Economic improvement plans must include strategies that address the needs of our youth.

ASAP “After School Adventures Program” was founded by the RSVP advisory council of volunteers who wanted to make an impact on their community.  The goal initially was to provide a safe place for children after school.  The program, however, has grown to include mental, physical and art education.  The first ASAP opened in Brooke County on April 1, 2009 and recently in Marshall County on February 28.  The program has grown to serve up to 150 students with 76 youth enrolling with a waiting list of 13 due to the shortage of volunteers. There is a need to assist 139 parents. ASAP is a FREE safe place that offers homework assistance and a hot meal, provided by local Meals on Wheels from CHANGE Inc.  Other community resources such provide physical exercise and art instruction.

Community involvement plays a big role. Thirty (30) senior volunteers give of their time.  Many of these are retired school teachers and subject matter experts who continue to sharpened their skills and create a positive environment.  Free space is provided by Senior Centers, Schools and Old Schools.  AmeriCorps VISTA, businesses, local professionals, city officials and sports teams have been instrumental in encouraging students to start early in fulfilling their life dreams.

In - kind donations have played a major role in providing many of the needed supplies.  Volunteers have held fundraising events such as yard sales and fashion shows with donations from community resources.  Training has been provided by local health departments and OES instructors.  A governor’s grant, along with local donations, provided equipment to assist with physical and mental education.  Volunteers tutor one-on-one with students who have problems with reading and math.  In - kind donations have also been provided to assist with marketing the ASAP and recruiting additional volunteers.

Youth have grown beyond themselves by taking on a Service Project to supply troops in Afghanistan with crafted cards for each holiday.  The youth have developed a respect for the seniors and seniors have also learned from the youth.  Outcomes from students, parents and volunteers have been gradually improving with the new ASAP.  For example, the recent report cards for many of the Brooke County students reflected good improvement in grades in most subjects.

ASAP is a good example of the old African adage that says “it takes a community to raise a child”. This is a concept that needs to continue to be developed in West Virginia.