March 22, 2010 By Christian Murray
In yet another blow to the children of Sunnyside, The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) has taken the step to stop funding the after-school program at P.S. 150.
The decision comes at a time when the city is likely to cut the hours that many libraries across Queens will be open – including the Sunnyside and Woodside branches. This, too, will hurt children who use the library resource for learning.
The Sunnyside Community Services after-school program at PS 150 serves 200 children, providing homework assistance, academic enhancement, arts, recreational, and leadership development activities. The program helps parents who work full time that cannot afford childcare.
This program is one of 33 around the city that DYCD plans to defund. DYCD has explained that P.S. 150 falls in a “low priority zip code.” DYCD assigns each zip code in the city a priority level based on calculations of a variety of demographics.
Sunnyside residents should attend a meeting this Tuesday, March 23rd (6:30 pm), to protest yet another setback for the children of the neighborhood. Those wishing to speak out against DYCD’s decision may also call 311.
The meeting will be held at P.S. 150, 40-01 43rd Ave.
