Cape center will stay open at least another week

Families scrambled Friday to find alternative after-school arrangements for their children following news the Family Resource Center would be closing its doors. But after seeking legal counsel Friday afternoon, board members decided to continue operating the center at its 1202 S. Sprigg St. location at least for next week.

The board held an emergency meeting Thursday following the identification of potential fire hazards by a state fire marshal Tuesday.

Director Denise Lincoln said Friday morning that the board's "initial reaction was to suspend all presence of humans within the roof."

The center's after-school program serves about 15 students Monday through Thursday.

Friday afternoon, board president Kevin Sexton said that "after speaking with individuals, we don't see why we're not in a position to provide services."

He said the program was scheduled to operate on Monday as usual and that the board would meet Monday to discuss "how to address needs identified."

The center is in a 67-year-old building that was formerly a church. According to Lincoln, the fire marshal found several areas of concern, including a leaky basement and missing sprinkler heads. A report of the inspection findings will not be made public for another two weeks, a representative for the Missouri Division of Fire Safety said.

Lincoln said Friday afternoon that "we don't have a condemnation order" but after such a report it is difficult to not be "reactionary."

The inspection was a result of Lincoln discovering the center might need a day-care license to operate, something the center is appealing.

On Wednesday she said the center could continue to operate during the appeal process.

Cindy Hudson, a section administrator with the state's Department of Health and Senior Services, said the state works with providers to help them meet standards.

"If things are not in compliance, we give the provider time to get into compliance, usually set deadlines, and go back out to see if they have gotten into compliance," Hudson said.

Lincoln anticipated having until the end of August to make major repairs to the building, and children attended the after-school program on Wednesday and Thursday.

After hearing the news about the center's possible closure, organizations and families pledged their support.

"The after-school program doesn't just give kids a safe haven. It also helps with moral values and education and it brings families together. They're trying to keep our kids from running the streets," said Lynn Beckett, whose granddaughter attends the program.

Mike Uhrhan said he was "completely and totally taken aback" when he heard the news about the center and that his girlfriend was considering cutting her hours at work in order to be home with her two children after school.

"There are not many options that are financially feasible for us at this time," he said. One child's grades have "improved dramatically" since going and the other is doing better than his peers in school, he said.

Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri, said she was confident the center would be able to persevere. The center is funded in part through state grants and United Way contributions.

"I still have hope they can pull out of it," she said.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123