To the Readers' Forum:
A lovely article appeared in The Post-Journal recently about the "Lights On" celebration for the Project LINC (Learning Is Never Complete) after school program sponsored by Jamestown Community Learning Council. The article was well written and offered JCLC some great publicity and community awareness. I was especially appreciative of the positive remarks made by parents. The Project LINC mission is to offer a fun and safe after school environment that parents are confident in having their children attend. Their comments reassured us that we are meeting that goal!
We are appreciative for the thorough coverage of the "Lights On" event and accompanying photo as well as the broad description of Project LINC. However, I would like to clear up a misstatement in the article that the program receives no grant money and is covered entirely by parent fees. Participation fees cover only about half of the program expenses and if it were not for the generosity of the Sheldon Foundation, Project LINC would not be possible. It is very important to remember and acknowledge our funding sources whenever we have an opportunity. It is especially incumbent upon us that our program participants and community members have this awareness as we gratefully recognize and appreciate the philanthropy of our local funding organizations.
In addition to Project LINC, Jamestown Community Learning Council initiatives include PAT (Parents As Teachers) home visiting programs and PACT (Parents And Children Together) family literacy prekindergarten. These programs also rely on grants from Jamestown and Frewsburg school districts, Erie 2-CC BOCES, Chautauqua County TAPESTRY, First Presbyterian Church, Jamestown Savings Bank, Darrah, Holmberg, Johnson, Lenna, Sheldon, Southwestern Education, Carnahan-Jackson and Chautauqua Region Community Foundations. Without them, JCLC would be unable to advance our vision "To strengthen the capacity of families to nurture, support and provide for their child's academic development, emotional growth and physical well-being by establishing effective relationships between home and school."
On behalf of the families we serve, our heartfelt appreciation from the JCLC board of directors, for supporting this vision as we approach the season for expressions of thanks and gratitude!
Rosary Kolivas
executive director
Jamestown Community Learning Council