CCJJD offers after-school program

By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com

The Cameron County Juvenile Justice Department [CCJJD] has an after-school program tailored to children and their needs as students. The services are free for ages six-13, as long as they are not pending a juvenile charge.

Neftale Esparza, who helps run the program alongside coworkers, said the program features a variety of free services.

The program starts with homework assistance from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Esparza emphasized the importance of ensuring the students have their academics secured before anything else. The program offers one-on-one tutoring sessions with students to help support them through assignments and encourage good study habits.

“Before we reward them with games, our focus is on their homework. We always make sure they bring their report card so we can pinpoint what they need help with,” said Esparza.

Creative arts also have a place in the program. This provides the students with outlets for self-expression through drama, music and art. The arts portion of the day runs from 4:30-5:30 p.m. The students are then allowed to enjoy recreational activities from 5-6:30 p.m. This portion of the day is focused on physically engaging sports and games to “promote teamwork and physical health.”

The program initially began as a way to help students who come from troubled backgrounds or give family members in the system a safe place to nurture their passions and academics. “Any career they want to pursue, we help them find it here. Any interests, we help them out as much as we can, so they can achieve it,” said Esparza.

So far, the program has helped over 40 students.

Esparza shared that the program does not offer transportation services but is open to anyone within the age range, and snacks are provided. The CCJJD encourages parents and guardians to enroll their children in the program so that they may access the “free enriching activities” and develop “lasting connections with peers and mentors.”

Alissa Sledge, Administrator and Field Supervisor for the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program, added that while there is no program for students over 13, they are welcome to return as mentors for the summer programs.

“Participants have come back as adults to tell us how much they appreciated our program and the fun activities we could offer. During the summer we had one participant come back as a summer part-time worker,” said Sledge.

According to the CCJJD official website, they are committed to “providing safety and security through prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation services for the youth and families of Cameron County.” The CCJJD works with school districts across Texas, including the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District. The CCJJD offers programs for special needs students, re-entry programs for juveniles ages 10-16, a diversion offender program for first-time offenders, and much more.

The program runs from Monday-Thursday, 3:30-6:30 p.m. For more information on the program, a tour, or to enroll a child, call (956) 361-8237. To learn more about the CCJJD and its programs, visit cameroncountytx.gov or call their San Benito office at (956) 399-3075.