Lights on Afterschool

Lights On Afterschool 2007 was a success at ABLE Families in Kermit, WV. This year Kermit students recited poems, shared digital stories and preformed a dance from "High School Musical."

Mayor JoHnny Linville, County Commissioner Greg "Hootie" Smith, Mingo County Sheriff Lonnie Hannah, and former Emergency Services Director Bill Davis visted ABLE Families' rally. Smith encouraged students to set their goals high and work hard to acheive their dreams. Mayor Linville followed with a story if try-and-try again from his boyhood boatbuilding adventures. Hannah closed with a call to say "no" to drugs and distributed drug awareness coloring books, pencils and candy.

ABLE Families' director Sister Janet Peterworth said "I think afterschool is important because it helps students develop socialization skills. Our program offers opportunities for enrichment that students might not have otherwise.  It is a safe place for students to stay engaged in the hours afterschool and throughout our summer camps."

Brittany Hall and Adam Hannah, worked with Afterschool Facilitator Jenta Chapman and Americorps VISTA volunteer Tracie Blummer to create digital stories of their afterschool experiences. Brittany discussed how ABLE Families has given her something to do in Kermit where there aren't many options and how her anger management has improved. Adam talked about his dreams for the future and how afterschool will help him achieve them.

ABLE Families

ABLE Families is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering families to become more able. We provide Appalachian families an afterschool program, adult education, nutrition classes, respite for parents, computer training, and a Maternal Infant Health Outreach Program.

All programs are offered free of charge, funded by grants and private donors. If you are interested in supporting ABLE families or volunteering, please contact Americorps VISTA volunteer Tracie Blummer tblummmer@wvdreamers.org 304 393 4987 or visit our website www.ablefamilies.org.