Some of you may already be aware, but through the school year, the Amherst Leisure Services and Supplemental Education Department (LSSE) is offering bigger fee reductions for qualifying Amherst families. We are also expanding the income level guidelines to include families that may not have qualified earlier (you would be surprised how many families now qualify). Under new procedures, LSSE is now offering 75%, 50% or 25% fee reduction for youth programs based on new, less restrictive guidelines for families. Subsidies will apply to LSSE youth sports programs, day camps, the after school program, aquatics, education, recreation classes and more.
How did these beneficial changes come about? For years the Town of Amherst has offered fee reduction support for LSSE programs, but in the recent difficult budget year the tax support has been reduced. Fortunately, thanks to a new Community Development Block Grant and additional fundraising, support from organizations and individual donors, we have been able to move forward on this program.
We understand that in this tough economy many families are struggling. It is our hope that the deeper discounts will help make a difference so that your students may participate. To find out if a family that you are servicing qualifies, please have them review and complete the attached guidelines. Provisions of our grant require more proof of eligibility and you will find a longer subsidy application. We are happy to help families in completing the forms. If they need assistance, please have them call an LSSE registration staff member at 259-3065 or stop by our office.
Submitted by LSSE
