As state funds dry up, need grows for volunteers for kids

Help Ohio’s after-school programs

While driving through the Mahoning Valley, I see school-age youth walking around or just hanging out. I believe that we are doing a better job of supporting our youth, but there is so much more that can and must be done. Many after-school programs are not getting the support needed.

Working with area youth, I am amazed at the talent and desire that many of the young people in our communities have.

Yet, I am saddened by the lack of genuine support that is necessary to make sure quality programs continue in our Valley.

I have spent several years advocating for the After School Alliance, which is working to ensure that children have access to affordable, quality programs. The Alliance believes that programs are critical to children and families today, yet the need for programs is far from being met.

We need to be aware that in the last year of his term, former Gov. Bob Taft declared by executive order that $28.5 million of expiring Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds be allocated to support after-school programs.

However, in the 2010-2011 state budget, the funds were removed, leaving Ohio looking to local initiatives, stimulus dollars and other funding sources to maintain a strong after-school presence.

The Alliance released a survey recently that stated that many Ohioans are pleased with the after-school programs. Yet, an overwhelming number said their children do not attend after-school programming because of transportation and the cost.

As the youth director at the Trumbull County YMCA, I have spent time trying to make the Y a place that our young people feel safe, loved and supported. I am sure that there are many others that are working hard to support our youth, and I appreciate and pray for you.

But, we have more work to do, and I hope just one additional person will volunteer, become a mentor or say a prayer for our youth.

PAULETTE EDINGTON

Warren

How to reduce cyber bullying

Cyber bullying has caused numerous suicides because popularity and acceptance are important to everyone, particularly teens and preteens.

Comments and messages posted on social networking sites and targeted harassment in schools have become a national problem. It won’t be solved unless parents censor what their kids are doing online, schools provide an open place for kids to talk about their problems, and kids start to open up to people willing to help.

Parental controls are not enough with today’s technology. Social networking sites should not accept children under 16. Parents should view these sites to monitor potential problems.

Schools provide guidance counselors for the students to talk to, but students do not feel comfortable expressing their concerns to them or teachers. A program should be accessible to students to provide an anonymous way to express concerns. A teen hot line should be available to prevent disruptive behavior due to cyber bullying. With a simple phone call, a child can anonymously express concerns.

The most difficult obstacle to limiting the damage caused by cyber bullying is getting children to open up to adults or friends. Children, especially those in the pre-teen years, don’t know how to handle criticism and personal attacks, and they do not know how to approach adults with their problems.

PAULA SCHAEFER Niles