Enrichment programs in need of funds

Enrichment programs like Stepping Stones teach children the fundamentals like spelling, counting and building bonds with parents, playing a vital in the role in the community but now the program is faced with setbacks due to staffing.

As minimum wage continues to climb, a certain size in staff is needed to keep the program running according to Adriana Nava, the Community Service Director.

“We need to have sufficient staff in order to direct parents and children. So it’s fully at capacity. We don’t charge the amount it takes to run the program,” Nava said.

Parents said the program is vital to their child’s development.

Patricia Ochoa who has her two daughters enrolled in the program said, “This is the beginning. This is the foundation for the education of our children. And what better than to instill good habits. You know the habits that we do encourage here of education and physical activity and comradery within our peers.”

One suggestion is to raise registration fees, but that could affect enrollment numbers.

“Raising the fees would affect who does participate and who doesn’t. It certainly cuts off those families who are economically disadvantaged,” said Ochoa.

The program has plans for seeking financial aid.

“We are a community in great need. And I think that there are many grant sources that we can go after. To continue our enrichment programs, keep them at an affordable rate and even grow them,” Nava added.

The city is backing Stepping Stones.

“They were able to be prepared. Or be better prepared for kindergarten through these types of programs. And that’s why our city knows that at the end of the day, these are the type of programs enrichment programs that we want to invest to or invest in. To prepare our kids for kindergarten and academic achievement,” said Alex Cardenas, El Centro City Council Member.

While the program continues to look for funds from outside resources, the city of El Centro says they’ll continue to support enrichment programs such as Stepping Stones that play a vital role in the community.