Come September, the 125 children enrolled in the Amazing Afternoons program at Mt. Vernon’s Edward Williams Elementary School will have really long afternoons.
That hasn’t happened since 2000, when the program - administered by Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) through funding from the Advantage After School Program - was instituted in the school.
Severe financial cutbacks will leave youngsters in grades 1 to 6
without homework help, mentoring, enrichment, recreation and support.
It will also leave working families without affordable childcare during the afternoon hours.
“These kids had a place to go after school that was educational and
fun,” said Amazing Afternoons Program Director Mary Figueroa. "It makes
a great impact on their lives, and they’ll have nothing to do now.”
Dedicated volunteers and community groups want to make sure the opposite occurs.
Earlier this month they – and Ali Schnitzer and Graham Winston of the Edward Williams Club at Scarsdale High School - formed The Edward Williams Fundraising Group and kicked off a campaign to raise $200,000 by September.
“This is an exceptionally underserved district with kids living below
the poverty line,” said Amazing Afternoons volunteer Danny Bernstein,
whose company, Backyard Sports, organizes its recreational programs.
“This helps with peer modeling,” Bernstein said. “It gives the elementary school students responsible role models.
To date, the group has amassed more than $70,000 with funds accruing steadily.
“When people hear about us, even people from out of state, they want
to help,” said Helene Getz, a horticulture therapist who volunteers with
Amazing Afternoons.
Partnerships with numerous organizations like the Pelham Arts
Center, which organizes an artists-in-residence program, can be
life-changing for young minds and bonds the volunteers with the
youngsters.
Many mentors belong to Westchester Reform Temple, which adopted Amazing Afternoons years ago.
“Initially the students studying for Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah helped the younger students with homework,” Bernstein said.
Relationships formed between the teenagers and the elementary school children.
“The younger kids and their tutors bonded, and the program was
extended into the high school years,” Bernstein said. “It took on a life
of its own.”
Ninety percent of the elementary school children qualify for
free/reduced lunch. Most come from single-parent homes, and many live in
homeless shelters.
“Their report cards will show that kids in the program are more
achievement-oriented. They get on an academic track, and this gives them
confidence,” Getz said. “They don’t have support at home, and the
program is also a great lesson for our children to give back.”
Getz's three children, including daughter Carly Carlin, also volunteered.
“This program helps underprivileged kids have a relationship with a
teenager and role model,” said recent SHS graduate Carlin, who taught
dance to second-graders.
Carlin returned the year after her Bat Mitzvah to continue teaching because she found the experience rewarding.
“Dance teaches them commitment, and the kids looked up to me,” Carlin
said. “It feels good when they learn to stand up for themselves, to see
them become confident young women.”
With state funding for after school programs taking a severe cut,
this program is “too important to lose,” said Bernstein. “We’re doing
this because of our relationship with the kids and the effect it has
upon us as a community.”
To learn learn how you can help, contact Mary Figueroa at 914-699-5296 or email mfigueroa@wjcs.com.