OBI helps young New Yorkers become "all that"
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The ATFK center in New York will offer dance, music, drama and graphic art and design courses.
Jodie Nelson, OBI's director of U.S. outreach, speaks at ribbon cutting ceremony for the ATFK center in Virginia.
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POSTED: February 28, 2007
By John Patrick
NEW YORK - Broadway shows aren't the only opening acts worth celebrating these days in the "Big Apple."
In early February, Operation Blessing's All That for Kids learning center opened in New York City, with the goal of offering innovative, 21st-century learning opportunities to at-risk students.
The center, which is open five days a week, offers after-school courses in areas such as reading, math, computers, character development, sports and homework assistance.
"You have no idea what this program means to our community," said one mother.
Already, more than 100 students from kindergarten to eighth grade are enrolled. In addition to scholastics, the center is focusing heavily on creative arts, incorporating activities like dance, music, drama and a graphic art and design course into the program.
"We already have 60 kids coming into this site from area public and private schools," said Jim Esposito, OBI's New York City director. "I don't think there's another program like this that offers so many classes in one place."
Due to the high number of immigrant families living in the city, OBI's learning center also has plans to host classes that will help adults learn English and receive GEDs.
"Our out-of-school learning centers are truly 'all that' and more," Esposito said.
OBI is currently operating two other learning centers in New Orleans and Newport News, Va.
How You Can Help
Whether it's All That for Kids learning centers and out-of-school mentoring programs in the U.S. or Orphan training centers in Ukraine, your gift is helping Operation Blessing to reach at-risk children and teens, and offer them the hope of a better future.
Make an online donation today and help OBI continue these life-changing programs.
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