Masonic Lodge in Sidney reviewing contract to host program

SIDNEY -- Banisters Leadership Academy will be opening an after school program in Sidney in early September.

Tiffany Hernandez, Greater Nebraska Coordinator for Banisters Leadership Academy, and Cari Persino, EASLA (Extended Academic Success Leadership Academy), were at the July 29 Cheyenne County Non-Profit Fair promoting the Banisters program. 

"Banisters Leadership Academy is a non-profit and our mission is to strengthen youth and families through leadership. We do that through various different programs and projects that teach leadership, life, social and job readiness skills at no cost to families," Hernandez said.

She explained what the program is and what is offers to the Sidney community.

"So our EASLA program will be launching here in Sidney. It's our Extended Academic Success Leadership Academy," she said.

In the Monday Cheyenne County Commissioners meeting, PlainsWest CASA Director Krista Bruns updated the commissioners on Banisters plan to be in Cheyenne County.

"They are offering a free back-to-school program for anybody. There's not an income requirement. So, they will be able to serve 20 kids that can come to them after school, and in the summer that is free. So with that was a big challenge of trying to find a building," Bruns said.

The Masonic Lodge in Sidney is negotiating a contract to host the program.

Sparky England, a member of the Masonic Lodge, said Persino, his daughter, struggled to find a home for the program.

"She looked all over the city of Sidney trying to get some place to have it, and nobody would do it. Schools wouldn't do it. Nobody would do it. She asked me about it and I talked to the brothers at the Lodge and, 'yeah, we'll help out the community. It's, it's going to be a nice deal," England said.

She said they learned that families with a $70,000 or $80,000 household income may struggle with the mortgage, car payments, and the cost of children in daycare.

Banisters EASLA program is scheduled to begin September 2. Bruns said there are 12 children enrolled and the capacity for 20.

Banisters Leadership Academy is a youth leadership development organization. The organization has been building youth leaders since 2007. Banisters Leadership Academy works with local school districts and communities to help prepare students for the next chapter in their lives. Students participating in our programs emerge as leaders in their schools, communities, and families.