Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley Restores Funding for Maspeth Town Hall’s “Lights on After School” Program

Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley visited Maspeth Town Hall’s “Lights on After School” program Thursday, to observe some of the programs that the community organization offers.

Maspeth Town Hall offers a wide array of after-school opportunities through the Out of School Time Program. Led by teachers, college students and paraprofessionals, these classes give students an opportunity to participate in activities that are both mentally and physically engaging.

Last year, when funding for Maspeth Town Hall was in jeopardy, Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley stepped in to make sure that children still had access to these critical extracurricular programs. With an allocation of $65,000, Maspeth Town Hall was able to provide over 150 students in the area with an opportunity to explore different art, athletic and study programs.

The hours after school lets out are critical to a child’s development. Unsupervised and inactive, kids are often prone to violence, drugs and dangerous situations. If not directly involved, children are at risk and often fall victim to violence in situations where there is no adult supervision. Maspeth Town Hall has been critical in helping children avoid precarious situations and continue to excel after school hours are over.

Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley said, “Maspeth Town Hall is a great after-school program that benefits hundreds of children. Kids have a safe place to go from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. where they learn new skills, exercise talents and have a good time.”