Parents often fret over what occupies their children after school before they can cruise home from work. Few of those worries are felt by those parents whose children regularly attend the Clarkston Christian Association (CCA).
With the school year started, the CCAngle middle school program once again provides kids a safe environment to hang out with friends after school, while their parents know their children are in a responsible, yet fun atmosphere.
The CCA, an outreach of Mt. Zion Church in Clarkston, offers many optional activities and tutoring including use of the skate park, cooking and craft class, boxing gym, video games, pingpong and pool and many other activities for a $4 charge, while providing direct transportation from school.
‘It’s an alternative for something to do. It’s a safe place? They could be doing so many other things and there’s a lot of alternatives that don’t benefit their lives,? said Jeremy Golem, an employee and supervisor at CCA.
Golem estimated 25 to 30 kids attend each day. A staff of five or six watch and interact with the kids, said Golem.
‘It’s enjoyable and never the same day here at all. The more you reach out, the more you get out of it,? he added. ‘It’s a chance to speak into their lives and give them attention.?
Jon Aschalew, 13, of Clarkston Junior High School, has attended the CCA nearly everyday for the past two years.
‘There’s a lot of people I know and it’s a fun place to be. It’s a place you can skate without getting yelled at,? said Aschalew, who also said he often completes homework there.
Nick Herbert, 12, of CJHS, attends three or four times a week.
‘I go here to skate with friends and I like to go to the coffeehouse afterwards,? said Herbert.
The minister on staff at the CCA, Dan Niewoit, feels the program is one way Mt. Zion meets community needs.
‘A few years ago there was a study that showed 85 percent of delinquencies happen with teenagers between three and six o’clock p.m. Our hope was to provide an answer to that,? said Niewoit.
‘Part of the vision of Mt. Zion is to be a support to the community. If we identify an area of need and can help, then we’ve done what we set out to do,? he continued.
According to Niewoit, the CCA is 90 percent subsidized by Mt. Zion Church in Clarkston. Niewoit recognized the program as part of Pastor Loren Covarrubias? leadership, but emphasized the afterschool program required no church affiliation.
‘We’re not trying to convert anyone. We’re here to meet a need,? said Niewoit. ‘We knew this was something we needed to do? A fulfillment of what God spoke to us.?
CCAngle runs from 2:45 ? 6 p.m., Monday through Friday for teenagers grades 6 ?8 according to Mt. Zion’s Web site. Students can look for the CCA bus after school for free transportation. The $4 cost does not include food sold in the concession area.
Parents must pick up their children and a waiver form must be filled out to attend. Waivers are available on-line. Kids using the skate park must wear complete gear (helmet, knee and elbow pads).
The CCA is located at 5529 Sashabaw Road. For more information call the CCA at 248-620-4900 or visit www.mtzion.org to learn about other programs.
Mt. Zion Church is located at 4900 Maybee Road. For more information call 248-391-6166.