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#PRNSBEST: R.O.C.K. Afterschool Program Helps Mother Achieve Her Academic Goals
San José mother of three earns master and doctorate degrees with help from Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Program
“I’m very thankful for the program. It takes a village to raise our kids, and the R.O.C.K. After School Program was there when we really needed it,” says Anna Heredia, R.O.C.K. Program participant.
Between her responsibilities as a wife, a teacher, and a mother of three young children, Heredia also had dreams of pursuing a higher education. Ever since she learned about the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services‘ (PRNS) Recreation of City Kids After School Program (R.O.C.K.) at her local library, she has been able to meet her goals while providing her children with a supportive space to grow.
Heredia’s children grew up with the R.O.C.K. programs at Mayfair, Welch, Leyva, and Eastridge sites for over seven years.
“Throughout the seven years with the support of the R.O.C.K. Program, I was able to go back to school to complete my master's and doctorate degrees,” said Heredia. “I really don’t think I could’ve done it without the programs help.”
Knowing her kids were in the safety of the afterschool program; Heredia was able to contribute more of her time to studying while balancing work and family life.
Students gather around for a game of jeopardy at R.O.C.K. at Bret Harte Middle School.
She wasn’t the only one who loved the program, her children enjoyed it too. With the staff providing engaging activities, homework help, reading sessions, games, and even teaching sports like archery; her children learned new skills, found new hobbies, and made lifelong connections.
Students play an exciting game on the blacktop at R.O.C.K. with Steindorf STEAM School
Another thing Heredia valued at the R.O.C.K. Program was the staff’s kindness, generosity, and ability to bond with her children. The Heredia family enjoys giving back in any way they can to show their appreciation.
“Receiving positive feedback gives staff a sense of joy knowing that all the effort we put into making this an enjoyable and safe space for students is appreciated,” said Melina Garcia, Evergreen Community Center Supervisor. “Receiving a simple ‘thank you’ from parents daily is what motivates us to go above and beyond and give back to the community.”
Heredia’s advice to working parents is to ask for help, do research, and find support within the community.
If you're inspired by Anna Heredia’s story and are searching for an afterschool program for your children, we encourage you to consider registering for the PRNS R.O.C.K After School Program. Whether you're pursuing a higher education, career, or simply need to balance your time, the
R.O.C.K. Program is a safe and nurturing environment for children available at several San José schools.
To learn more about the San Jose parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services’ R.O.C.K. After School Program, visit bit.ly/ROCKAfterschoolProgram.
If you would like to learn more about PRNS, please visit sanjoseca.gov/prns. The ActivateSJ Strategic Plan is the City of San José's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) plan to maintain, improve and expand our facilities, programs, and services. The plan guides how we care for and develop a diverse park system and an abundance of recreation programs and services for all in San José.
ActivateSJ’s mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. To learn more about our department’s plan and vision to move forward, visit activatesj.org.