Weekly Media Roundup: October 23, 2024

Rochester Native, NBA Player Isaiah Stewart Opens After-School Program, WROC (New York)

On October 21, the afterschool program at God’s Vision Ministries on Hudson Avenue in Rochester opened its doors for the first time in ten years. The center, now called the Isaiah Stewart Learning Center, was revived after a ten-year hiatus thanks to a $220,000 donation from NBA player Isaiah Stewart, who attended the program as a child. “It kept me out of a lot of trouble. It helped me academically in the classroom, and most importantly, I was fed every day,” Stewart told WROC. The program is free for students and will provide homework support, enrichment, and hot meals.

Local Group Rallies to Reopen Piscataquis Regional YMCA, News Center Maine 6 (Maine)

When the Piscataquis Regional YMCA announced that it would close by November due to lack of funding, residents worried about losing a vital community resource. A group of former YMCA board members and other locals quickly rallied to reopen the building as a community center, ensuring that community members can maintain access to its services and facilities, including the afterschool program. Community support, including memberships and donations, will be essential to the success of the new Piscataquis Area Community Center, but for now, families are relieved. Kayla Maioriello, whose son has autism and has been thriving at the YMCA’s afterschool program, had worried about finding an alternative. “To hear that they’re staying open, and able to continue for him to be a part of their family has been really great,” Maioriello told News Center Maine 6.

Camp Cares: Camp Birchrock Offering After-School Care at Crescent Elementary School, WJFW (Wisconsin)

Camp Birchrock, a summer camp, is stepping up to bridge the child care gap in Rhinelander with Camp Cares, an affordable afterschool program at Crescent Elementary School. Students at Camp Cares will participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities, crafts, outdoor games, leadership activities, and more. The program is open to all second through fifth grade students in the Rhinelander School District. The camp’s Program Director, Julie Breivogel, hopes to grow the program soon by opening it to additional grade levels and offering transportation. “We think that everyone should have that camp experience,” Breivogel told WJFW. “That’s part of our goal here.”

Westside After-School Clubs Are Helping Kids Stay Out of Trouble, Civil Beat (Hawaii)

Many children and teens on Oahu’s Westside report feeling unsafe after a series of violent incidents in the last year, including at least four shootings involving teenagers. Afterschool activities at schools and at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii provide a safe space and a respite from stress. Activity leaders “treat the kids like they’re their own,” football coach Kaipo Hanakeawe told Civil Beat. “The players are convinced we aren’t going anywhere.”