COVID-19: Boys & Girls Club of Mid Central Coast increases staffing to help kids during pandemic
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - As the pandemic continues, the demands at the Boys & Girls Club of Mid Central Coast continue to rise.
Managers with the organization say they are seeing more kids in need of help as many are now doing distance learning.
It used to be just an after school program for kids.
"Due to the Pandemic and community need we’ve actually opened our doors all day for kids," said Area Director Jessica Byrne of the Boys & Girls Club of Mid Central Coast.
Managers say most of the kids are in virtual schooling while their parents are at work.
So the organization has tripled its staff to ensure the kids get the help they need all day.
"Now we’re open since 7:30 in the morning and we invite all the kids to come and they get ready for their classes and we’re here to support them all the way through," said Youth Development Professional Edrick Rodriguez with the Boys & Girls Club of Mid Central Coast.
Managers say each pod is at full capacity with a total of 80 kids enrolled.
"We help them get on the zooms we help them with their homework and their class work is challenging to help every single student everyone is different but we get it done," said Youth Development Professional Andrea Alonzo with the Boys & Girls Club of Mid Central Coast.
Managers say working parents can have a peace of mind knowing that their kids have a safe place to go.
They hope to be able to maintain funding for the increased staff as the pandemic continues.
"Our hope is that maybe the community would like to help ... and donate now if it’s on your heart to help ... during these hard times," said Byrne.
If you would like to help or make a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Mid Central Coast log onto their website at: boysandgirlsclubmidcentralcoast.com.
