New Homework Club in the Village Has Kids Hitting the Books

What does the average kid want to when he gets home from school? 

Well, if he lives in Village San Juan, he may be one of 62 who meet at the community's club house to study.

Yeah, I said it. To do homework. Together.

The program is part of the , a collaboration of the Orange County Sheriff's Department, school officials, charities and the business community to do just what the name says, dissuade youngsters from a life in gangs.

Initially, GRIP initiatives were found on campuses, but lately, they've and the . And two months ago, it launched an after-school program at the Village.

Tutors from in Dove Canyon join teachers — or even Principal Doug Kramer — and parent and high school vounteers once a week to make sure the kids are on top of their grades.

"We're really happy about it," Kramer said. "We've been trying to get into the Village to provide resources. About half our kids live here."

Kramer said many of the parents work. So this gives the kids a place to go and get caught up on their homework.

Other days of the week, the kids are treated to different types of programs, including Tae Kwan Do from Sergio Cardenas.

Dep. Harold Abe, the schools resource officer for San Juan Capistrano, said Mission Hospital will soon start a few programas for the parents, including a nutrition class and Zumba fitness classes.