Barksdale Youth Center now on Combined Federal Campaign list

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sarah E. Kusek
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Airmen who contribute to the Combined Federal Campaign this year now have the option to see the benefits first hand with the addition of a local organization to the list. 

Barksdale's Youth Center has been approved to receive funds donated through the CFC for the first time in two years. 

"By donating to the Youth Center, we will be able to continue to run program without having to seek federal grants," said Victor Santana, director of youth programs. "These programs are important to the development of our children because it keeps them off the streets and in a safe, military-friendly environment." 

One of the programs the center provides includes a before and after school program, where children can work on homework and socialize with other children of military parents. 

"Here at the center, we like to provide a comfortable, supportive atmosphere, for the children, which is especially important when a parent is deployed," Mr. Santana said. 
"We have an activity called Stay Connected, which is specifically designed to ease the transition and separation of kids with their deployed family member." 

Another activity during the after-school program is Power Hour, where children can have one-on-one tutoring in subjects, such as reading and math. The center plans to buy new educational games, school supplies and recreational toys to supplement the children's learning. 

"The best part of this job is when one of the kids brings in their progress report and can't wait to tell me how much they're improving in their classes because of the tutoring," said Janet Peppers, a school-age-program assistant. "The look on their faces is priceless, and if the kids are happy, so are the parents." 

Mrs. Peppers' family has also directly been affected by youth center programs. 

"Both of my children were part of the youth center programs growing up when our family was stationed at Kadena (Air Base, Japan)," Mrs. Peppers said, whose husband, John, is a retired senior master sergeant. "Now, they're both attending college full time in Texas." 

Contributing to the youth center is a great way for Airmen to directly help their Air Force family, Mr. Santana said. 

To contribute to the youth center, donations can be made to organization 53950 on the CFC donor form.