THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025 Page 3 For Kids Only Afterschool Director Updates City Council By Barbara Taormina D eborah Kneeland Keegan, director of For Kids Only Afterschool (FKO), met with the City Council this week to off er an overview of what her organization brings to Revere. Keegan, a former special education teacher, was one of the original cofounders of For Kids Only Afterschool back in 1984 in Winthrop. The nonprofi t afterschool program off ered kids a place to go after school where they could participate in enrichment programs, get help with homework, spend time with friends and be safe and warm until 5:00 p.m. when their parents came home from work. Keegan said that during the 80s FKO was transporting kids from Revere. Former Revere Public Schools Supt. Carol Tye told the organization that Rethrough the program. There are also programs in Winthrop, Chelsea, Everett, and Peabody which collectively, provide an afterschool programs for about 1,600 kids. Keegan said kids can choose Deborah Kneeland Keegan FKO Executive Director vere needed an afterschool program and FKO moved in with a contract in 1998. Today, the organization’s local program, Youth in Motion on Broadway, serves 105 Revere kids, kindergarten through grade 5, a day. Many of those children receive counselling an enrichment activity, such as sports, art, music or dance, while at FKO. They can also participate in group projects. Homework help is available and a library and computer room off er spaces for kids who just want some quiet time. The FKO director said enrichment courses are taught by members of the community, and she was pleased to announce that FKO was recently awarded a state grant to pay enrichment instructors. Enrichment classes are bulked up by a behavioral health coordinator and an inclusion specialist. Keegan stressed that the main goal of For Kids Only Afterschool is to provide a safe and steady place for vulnerable kids who would otherwise be home alone or out on the street after school. She said the program has provided assistance for families in which both parents need to work. “We are truly supporting working families,” Keegan told councillors. “We are a path to economic mobility. It’s part of our mission.” FOR KIDS | SEE Page 7 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
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