After School Program Budget Approved For Homeless Youth

DANVERS, MA – An amendment was approved as part of the House of Representatives budget for $200,000 to establish a Home Works Program. Rep. Ted Speliotis sponsored the amendment, which will provide after school and summer programs for children living in homeless shelters.

The program, called Home Works, also provides the children with breakfast and/or lunch.

"I am thrilled to see this approval for Home Works funding," said Len Mercier, CEO of the Danvers Community YMCA, in a statement. "This will greatly help the children living in homeless shelters with services needed to improve their well-being. The Danvers Community YMCA is a member of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs and we are proud to partner with the Commonwealth on this. Children are our future and deserve the opportunities funded through this program."

"Through our efforts in Danvers I learned the importance of providing activities outside of school for children living in hotels and motels," said Speliotis. "Danvers was able to secure state and private funding over the years to allow these children to participate in the Danvers Recreational Program. I am proud to have joined with the Danvers Community YMCA and the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs to secure House approval to create these services for the children living in Massachusetts shelters."

Image via Shutterstock