There are many in our area whose children will never set foot in the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County.

But for those families who use the club’s programs, recent news that a state grant will provide a significant boost in operating funding is outstanding news. The state is providing $350,000 a year for the next five years through the Learning and Enrichment Afterschool Program Supports grant program. It’s not just a handout for the local club. It had to first secure a license from the state to operate an afterschool childcare program, and that work made the club eligible for the state’s LEAPS program.

The funding not only helps keep the program’s doors open for the foreseeable future, but will allow the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County to expand its programs and staff. Other areas of funding that the club had relied on to operate can now be pursued for new programs or repurposed for other community needs.

Dozens of families in our area count on the Boys and Girls Club’s afterschool program to allow them to work in the late afternoon while their children take part in a structured program that can provide additional help with homework or other activities. Lack of child care can make it difficult for many to work as many hours as they need to balance their household budgets, so we shudder at the thought of the Boys and Girls Club not being here to fill its niche in the community.

We’ve often said child care is a hidden economic development issue. This is exactly what we mean. This $1.75 million won’t affect everyone in Dunkirk — but for those it helps, that help is sorely needed.