“Start small, focus on the kids you have, retain those kids, and grow.”

These words have been the mantra of Dan Walsh ever since the beginning of his career in Santa Monica, Calif.

A pioneer and journeyman in the world of after-school programs, Walsh has built from scratch and helped grow top-tier programs in California, Nevada, South Dakota, and Tennessee.

When his journey finally landed him in Kalamazoo, Walsh had been prepared for this moment for the last 16 years. After some discussions with YWCA Kalamazoo and the Jennings Development Interplex, the “Go! After School Program” was created. Located at 1515 N. Edwards Street in Kalamazoo, the “Go! After School Program” provides a supervised, safe space for children in the Northside neighborhood to engage in everything from basketball and soccer programs, to tutoring, arts, music, and even “heroes guild” and chess club.

The program also includes tutoring by Walsh’s wife, Dr. Meagan Walsh. “Parents have told me they have noticed a difference in their kids because of her program,” Walsh said. Dr. Walsh uses an evidence-based curricula developed from her experience with educational interventions.

“It was difficult to get kids to join at first,” Walsh said. “When we started, the weather wasn’t ideal and all the children were inside. As it started getting nicer out, I was able to start going through the neighborhood and asking them if they would like to join.” From there, the sky was the limit for the program.

“Without the Jennings Development Interplex and their space, none of this would be possible,” Walsh said appreciatively. “Everyone in the neighborhood has been so receptive to the program and the community center.”

It was through Mrs. Gwendolyn Jennings’ that Walsh learned about United Way of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region’s ARP Grants. The ARP Grants were open to nonprofit organizations located in the City of Kalamazoo whose work aligns with priorities areas of economy, housing, or youth.

“The process was very straightforward, and any questions were with a response extremely quick,” Walsh said. “I was actually just discussing them (ARP Grants) with Mrs. Jennings the other day and she mentioned ‘how heartwarming it was to work with a group of people who want programs to succeed.’ That’s exactly what United Way has been.”

After this summer, “Go! After School Program” will operate year-round.

The grant will help tremendously with our staffing,” Walsh said. “Without them we wouldn’t have the program that we do.”