PUEBLO — A new pilot program in Pueblo will continue into January with the help of additional coronavirus relief funds.
For the past three weeks, the Fair Care Program has given essential workers a place for their children to receive help with remote learning. The program partners with the Boys and Girls Club of Pueblo to organize seven different locations, two in D70 and two in D60, and three with the Boys and Girls Club, for students to get help from substitute teachers.
Just as the Fair Care Program was set to end Thursday, city and county leaders allocating more coronavirus relief funds to extend the pilot program.
Javiera Myers has two children in the program and works as one of the substitute teachers. She says it's really helped during this time.
"When they're done with the program they go home. You don't have to get off work and sit on the computer with your kids trying to figure out what they need to do, what they haven't done, what's missing," said Myers.
Myers is excited for the program to continue, especially since kids are remote learning and aren't getting much social interaction. She says she's looking forward to getting more funding for the program.
"It was kinda learn as you go. Now when we return from break, everything will be much more set up for them, much more prepared," said Myers.
With the additional funds, the Boys and Girls Club will be able to provide more supervision, meals, and transportation to their facilities. Funding a big part of if they can expand services in both Pueblo School Districts 60 and 70.
"They'll be able to expand more services, it depends on how much money comes in to help support that. Can we expand, can we do it beyond January," said Angela Giron, President and CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Pueblo County.
The program not only helps young learners but middle and high school students as well.
"Yeah they could be home alone, but they may not have access to food, may not have access to WIFI. They need some emotional support, they need help with tutoring," said Giron.
The program is almost at capacity and in need of instructors for the growing number of students. Giron urging anyone interested in working for the program or donating to reach out to them.
