SOAR offers safe place to leave kids

Parents in Sisters can feel secure in leaving their children at the SOAR (Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation) Clubhouse while they work -- or just for an evening out.

"Basically, the Clubhouse is a latch key program for kids three years old through sixth grade whose parents work and want a place for their kids to go," said Tom Coffield, Managing Director of SOAR.

The Clubhouse is open on school days from 3 to 9 p.m. and on non-school days from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The kids have opportunity to participate in arts and crafts as well as indoor and outdoor games. High school students and adults are on hand to assist students who choose to work on homework projects and assignments.

Many parents don't realize that SOAR is also available to them in the evenings.

"The Clubhouse is also open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at a minimal charge of $2 an hour," said evening program director Darcey Ling-Scott.

"This is a safe choice and a place where children can stay while parents work late, want an evening out for dinner, or even some time to Christmas shop," Coffield said. "It also provides a safe place for children involved in extra-curricular activities, who might need a place to stay until their parents get off work.

"We've also created a teen center, which is located at the end of the SOAR building. Middle school students can go there to socialize, and movies and music are available."

The teen center is open every school day from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on non-school days. There is a supervisor on duty.

Special after-school tutoring is available from 3 to 5:30 p.m. for students in fifth through eighth grade.

"Three tutors come in on a daily basis," said Coffield. "We always have one tutor for the fifth graders and two for the middle schoolers. They receive specific help in reading and math, but also in other areas of academics."

Call 549-4177.