For 14 years, the Arts & Literacy after-school program at I.S. 230 in Jackson Heights, Queens, has been a cornerstone of support for students and their families. Operated by the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services, it has provided students with not just academic support, but a wide range of other essential services, including arts enrichment, mentorship, emotional support, and a safe environment where they can thrive after school ends. This program is more than just an after-school activity; it is a vital and trusted part of our community.

The decision to replace this well-established program threatens to dismantle the support system that hundreds of students rely on every day. Over the years, it has helped students improve their academic skills, express themselves creatively, and develop essential life skills under the guidance and care of dedicated educators and mentors. These components are crucial for the personal and academic development of the youth in our community.

The impact of this decision will be far-reaching. Current students will lose a safe and supportive environment that aids in their overall growth. Parents, especially working families, depend heavily on the program to ensure their children are in a secure environment after school. Educators will lose a cherished partner in the holistic development of their students, and alumni who have benefitted from this program will see the foundation of their formative years dismantled.

Replacing the program not only disregards the strong legacy and proven success of the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services but also disrupts the fabric of community engagement and support that has been built over more than a decade. Rather than replacing a successful program, efforts should be focused on strengthening and expanding it to benefit even more students and families.

We urge the decision-makers to reconsider their choice and to work collaboratively with stakeholders—including parents, students, educators, and community members—to find ways to maintain and enhance the current after-school program at I.S. 230.

By signing this petition, you are supporting the voices of our community who value and depend on the Arts & Literacy after-school program for the success and well-being of our children and the strength of our community. Please help us protect and preserve this invaluable resource for generations to come.