Rio Linda, CA – Joanna’s Kids “R” It, a local gymnastics and dance program serving the communities of Rio Linda, Elverta, and Antelope for 40 years, is facing an urgent financial crisis that could lead to its permanent closure. This program has been a long-standing fixture in the community, providing a space where children and adults have developed skills and engaged in movement-based activities.
The core of the challenge lies with a new mandate from the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation & Park District, which contracts with Joanna’s Kids “R” It. The district now requires a substantial new insurance premium for sexual assault and molestation (SAM) coverage, an unexpected cost ranging from $4,000 to $5,500. This sudden financial burden has placed the program in a precarious position.
Joanna, the program’s founder, highlights that her classes are held in public facilities, with parents encouraged to observe, and do not typically involve the kind of one-on-one vulnerable situations often associated with “at-risk” youth programs. In its four decades of operation, Joanna’s Kids “R” It has maintained a record of no liability claims of any kind, including SAM. Despite this, the district is applying a broad new requirement to all child-related programming, without, according to Joanna, assessing the specific risks of individual programs. According to Joanna, their request for an extension to the now-passed July 1st deadline for this coverage went unanswered until June 20th.
The Recreation and Park District’s Stance
The Rio Linda Elverta Recreation & Park District (RLERPD) maintains that it desires for Joanna’s Kids “R” It to continue offering classes at the community center. The district states its actions stem from following the guidance of the California Association for Park and Recreation Indemnity (CAPRI), the insurance provider for the RLERPD. According to CAPRI, as of 2024 they are adhering to the State of California’s recommendation that agencies working with vulnerable populations should carry SAM coverage, and the RLERPD has chosen to implement this recommendation.
However, the RLERPD acknowledges that not all CAPRI Recreation and Park districts are uniformly following these guidelines, as it is ultimately left to the discretion of each individual Recreation and Park District’s Board of Directors. While Joanna’s Kids “R” It believes their 40-year record of no reported incidents should exempt them from the SAM coverage requirement, the Recreation and Park District holds a different view. They are requiring all vendors and contractors to have SAM coverage, arguing that selectively exempting certain vendors would be unfair to others, and emphasizing that “it only takes one incident.”
Potential Impact on the Community
The potential closure of Joanna’s Kids “R” It would significantly impact the community. It is currently the only dance and gymnastics program offered in Rio Linda, Elverta, and Antelope. Its closure would mean families would need to seek programs in other cities, potentially incurring additional financial and time burdens for travel.
The program’s participants are often seen in their red shirts, performing at local events such as the RLE Fair, Celebrate North Highlands at Freedom Park, and the California State Fair. Their performances contribute to community events in the area.
Call for Support
To potentially ensure the program’s continuation, Joanna’s Kids “R” It is urgently seeking to raise $5,500 by the end of July. These funds are intended to cover the year’s insurance premium, which would provide time for the organization to reorganize and plan for future costs or potentially find a new location. Without immediate community support, the program’s future is uncertain, which could affect children and families who rely on its services. Any financial contribution, regardless of size, is being sought, as is sharing this appeal with others. The program hopes the community will rally to support its continued operation.
