After School KAPE

Urgent: The Closing of KAPE – A Heartbreaking Loss for Our Community

Dear Neighbors and Community Members,

Over the last 7 months in addition to our regular programming, we have been able to provide

Almost two dozen youth with free math tutoring from subject matter experts

Over two dozen children with free one-to-one reading help to build literacy skills

11 families with staff support in working with their local school to better assist their child’s academic and social needs

Over 24 families with resource referrals to help them navigate various economic, housing, workforce, and medical needs

5 youth with local access to mental health services

We are on track to see 85% of our youth successfully improve their academic performance and maintain good school attendance

For 15 years, the Kids After-School Program of Education (KAPE) has been a cornerstone of hope, safety, and success for our youth in Herndon. Located at the Herndon Resource Center (1086 Elden St), Karen Pope and her dedicated team have poured their hearts into shaping the futures of our children.

Today, we face a devastating reality: Due to a critical lack of funding, KAPE is forced to close its doors in just two weeks.

This abrupt closure leaves our community deeply disappointed and our local teens and children without a safe place to go. The numbers speak to the massive void this will leave behind:

·School Year: 55 youths served, supporting approximately 35 working families.

Summer Camp: 75 youth served, providing vital enrichment for roughly 45 families.

Why KAPE Matters.

KAPE is not just an after-school program; it is a lifeline. For a decade and a half, it has kept our teens engaged, provided academic support, and given working parents peace of mind. Taking this program away leaves our families feeling stranded and without hope. Our youth deserve stability, mentorship, and a community that invests in their future.

How You Can Help

We cannot let 15 years of community impact disappear without a fight. We are urgently calling on local businesses, leaders, and citizens to step up.

·Spread the Word: Share this message with anyone who can help.

·Advocate for Funding: Reach out to local representatives and community donors who can provide emergency financial support.

·Offer Solutions: If you or your organization can provide partnerships or funding streams to keep these doors open, please come forward immediately.

Our community is stronger when we stand together. Let’s not fail the 55 youth and dozens of families who rely on KAPE every single day.

For more information on how to support or connect with the program leadership, please contact the Herndon Resource Center directly or reach out to Karen Pope.

With hope and urgency,

Fanny Salazar – Laske and the community Concerned Citizens of Herndon.