Parker Bennett Community Center's Story - Grace Pritchett Photojournalist

Daeanna Kidd (from left), Lanae Matthews and Takoryah Green play at the Parker Bennett Community Center (PBCC) which offers free after school care to children in Bowling Green, Ky.

The cost of childcare has been increasing significantly since the 1960s according to the United States Department of Agriculture's “Expenditures on Children by Families” report in 2015.

The Parker Bennett Community Center’s after school program is a free service hosted by Bowling Green Parks & Recreation in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Located near the Housing Authority, it provides free care to many families living in low-income conditions. Jkeyah Patterson, 22, is a recreation assistant for the program. Patterson says the most rewarding part of her job is helping to mold the children at the program into what they want to be while taking into consideration the fact that most of these kids are coming from low-income households. “Realizing that all kids don’t come from the same area, from the same place, that’s why I’m really grateful to work here so that I can give my love and attention to them,” Patterson said.

Takoryah Green eagerly waits to answer a question asked by PBCC's supervisor Omar Rogers. Rogers says they start the program each day by asking the children questions about school and giving them the chance to work on their homework.

Takoryah Green (front left) eagerly waits to answer a question from supervisor Omar Rogers. Rogers said he starts each program by engaging with the children, asking them about their day.

JaMarri Anderson listens to instructions by leaders at the PBCC during a Thanksgiving-themed bingo activity. Shawnetta Price, program coordinator, says working in an low-income neighborhood means giving extra care and attention. "You never know how their

JaMarri Anderson listens to instructions by leaders at the PBCC during a Thanksgiving-themed bingo activity. "You never know how their life is on the outskirts, so when they're here, I try to see that they get all the attention they need," Program Coordinator Shawnetta Price said.

Binn Pila, 6, asks Jkeyah Patterson, 22, to help tie his shoe. Patterson notices the differences between the kids at the PBCC and those who are more privileged. "Over here, it's low income, so they are going to appreciate more."

Bilal Hashi asks Jkeyah Patterson to help tie his shoe. Patterson said she noticed differences between children the PBCC and those at other community centers located in wealthier districts. "Over here, it's low income, so they are going to appreciate more," Patterson said.

Del Payne, 22, of Louisville, Ky. consoles Jasmine Davis, 5. Payne says she decided to work at PBCC because she wanted to work with kids. "It's very rewarding, just to see them grow, even if they get on my nerves." Payne says her background in a low-incom

Recreation Assistant Del Payne of Louisville, Ky. consoles Jasmine Davis. "It's very rewarding, just to see them grow, even if they get on my nerves," Payne said.

Cherish Cage, 5, plays with Jasmine Davis, 5. Cage's mother, Erica Cage, relies on the center for Cherish's after school care. "This place is awesome. I don't have to worry about a babysitter," said Erica. Cage is a single mother and full-time student at

Cherish Cage (center) plays with Jasmine Davis (right). Mother Erica Cage (not pictured) said she relies on the center for Cherish's after school care. "This place is awesome. I don't have to worry about a babysitter," Cage said.

T.J. Travels, 8, writes lines as a punishment after getting caught running through the center by supervisor Omar Rogers. Rogers says he does this, in short, to help them calm down before putting them back with the other kids. "My point is just to remove t

T.J. Travels writes multiple lines of the same sentence by supervisor Omar Rogers after Travels ran inside the PBCC. "My point is just to remove them from the situation for a little bit, let them calm down, regroup, and then put them back with the kids," Rogers said.