Villa Maria College has announced the opening of the new Villa Maria After School Homework Program, which aims to support children from low-income families who are in need of academic assistance. Sponsored by the Felician Sisters, the Town of Cheektowaga, and Villa, the program will initially provide after school services to second graders from the Cheektowaga Union East Elementary School and Mary Queen of Angels School.
Located on the third floor of Felician Hall, on Villa Maria College’s campus, the after school program will run through May on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, from 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Program enrollment is projected between 20 to 25 students and will hopefully grow in following years.
Sister Paul Marie Baczkowski and Sister Mary Fredrica Polanski developed the program with a grant from Felician Services Inc., and with close collaboration with stakeholders in Cheektowaga and Villa Maria College. They will now direct the program as students arrive on October 6.
“We wanted to have a positive impact on students’ learning,” said Sister Fredrica.
A ribbon cutting ceremony and reception will be held Thursday, October 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm. at Felician Hall on the Villa Maria College campus. Local politicians, representatives of the college, the Felician Sisters, and the Cheektowaga community will be on hand as Bishop Edward Grosz, Auxiliary Bishop of Buffalo blesses the remodeled facility.
A private, co-educational, Catholic college, Villa Maria provides the premiere student-centered experience in Western New York. Students learn and grow with a culturally diverse population and a culture that lives its values of truth, charity, and unity. For more information call 716.896.0700 or visit www.villa.edu.
