Odyssey after‑school program reports 106 children served, low tuition rates and two new vans funded by donors

Tiffany Cawley, executive director of the Odyssey after‑school program, presented the program’s annual report at the Oct. 16 Rockport‑Fulton ISD board meeting and emphasized affordability, community support and program growth.

Odyssey serves children from pre‑K 4 through sixth grade and offers volunteer opportunities for seventh through 12th graders. Cawley reported 106 children currently enrolled. The program runs on school days and on early‑release and professional‑development days; extended‑day options are available and the program operates a two‑week full‑day summer camp before school starts.

Cawley said tuition is intentionally low compared with similar programs: 40% of participants pay a reduced rate of $50 per month; full‑pay tuition is $170 per month. She said the “true cost” to operate the program is about $370 per child and that community donations and annual fundraisers help cover the gap so families are not charged the full cost. Donors also funded a second passenger van; Odyssey now has two 15‑passenger vans, giving the program more flexibility for field trips.

Fundraising events include the Coastal Bend Day of Giving in November—where donations are matched—and a February purse‑bingo fundraiser. Cawley said these events and local donors are critical to keeping tuition affordable.

The presentation did not require board action.