For 12 years, the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services (CHFS) Arts and Literacy Afterschool Program has been an integral part of the Juan Morel Campos community, fostering creativity, student success, and community spirit. Our program has built trusted relationships with students and families, offering a diverse range of enriching opportunities and engaging arts-focused after-school programming. It has provided consistency, creative expression, and emotional support for our middle schoolers, many of whom rely on the after-school program as a safe space to remain at school after hours.

We are now faced with the devastating news that our program was not awarded a contract to continue serving JMC for the next school year.

Due to an administrative decision by the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), made through an RFP contract renewal process, this program is now at risk of being removed from this and three other schools as of September 2026. This is despite our own principal ranking us first. We are filing an appeal, and that appeal is due May 26th.

This devastating decision has a big impact on the Campos student body and the surrounding community. It affects students’ safety by removing a structured, supervised environment. It limits opportunities for middle school students to grow, learn, and develop life skills. For many of the families we serve, our services are not a convenience but a necessity.

We recognize that administrative procedures are necessary and must be followed. Our intention is not to dismiss them, but to ensure that when a decision could affect so many children and families, it is made with a complete understanding of its impact.

This is where we need you. We need your support to advocate for this decision to be reconsidered. Your voice can make a difference!

By signing this petition, you are standing in support of keeping the CHFS Arts and Literacy afterschool program at Juan Morel Campos, and telling DYCD to reconsider its decision, recognizing that middle school arts afterschool programs are essential to children’s safety, growth, and success.

We, the Arts and Literacy Afterschool program students, families, alumni, and staff at Juan Morel Campos, appreciate all the support!