An after school program in St. Petersburg that helps at risk children is in danger of shutting down.

The Micah Center offers after-school help to at risk children

Director say donations are dwindling

The Micah Center wants to raise $12,000 to keep the program going

The Micah Center has been open since 2013, but just started providing one-on-one, after-school help to children who need the extra boost.

“It helps me learn. It’s pretty fun and helps me to remember to be smart and it helps me out with math problems,” said 6-year-old Luis Rivera.

According to Executive Director Phil Miller-Evans, donations are dwindling. The Micah Center will have enough money to operate its summer program, but not the after-school program that has already helped several students pass their grades.

Chelsea Peacock, 11, was told she wasn’t going to pass. Throughout the year, one-on-one help completely turned her year around.

“This is why I’ve passed because of the Micah Center,” said Peacock.

Miller-Evans says it’s about more than just letter grades. The mission is to break the cycle of poverty by giving students the tools they need to pass high school.

“By third grade, if they are behind in their reading, the statistics are just astronomical about the dropout rate that follows that,” said Miller Evans.

The Micah Center has started a GoFundMe page with a $12,000 goal. But without reaching it, the after-school program will cease to operate come January.

If can learn more about the program and see the donation page, click here.

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