TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Dream Center is preparing for adjustments to its after-school program following the loss of pandemic-era funding.
Parents said the program is a key part of their daily routine, offering children a safe place to learn and grow after the school day ends.
“It means a lot to me because it educates our children,” one parent said. “A lot of things they get to enjoy, it’s a blessing, said Orenetta Lucas, a grandparent.
“I truly believe that the Dream Center is the greatest place on earth,” Thomas said.
Oklahoma Department of Human Services announced that, on April 6, 2026, the pandemic-era five-dollar-per-day add-on will end for all recipients.
The agency said the temporary enhancement was funded through time-limited federal pandemic resources that are no longer available, and the early notice is meant to give families and providers time to plan ahead.
Executive Director Tim Newton said the loss of funding amounts to about $300,000 for the Dream Center’s after-school program.
“It is a huge financial hit that we had to take with the absence of those funds,” Newton said.
In 2025, Newton said the Dream Center served about 600 children through its summer camps and after-school programs. With the cuts, that number will drop to around 125 due to staffing and funding limitations.
The reduction leaves some parents uncertain about next steps.
“It may be difficult to think about. It may seem to be bad in the beginning, but who really knows,” Thomas said.
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