Youth & Families Arts, athletics, and academics can turn at-risk
city kids around. So believes Quad A for Kids, our after-school
affiiate. Quad A aims to break the cycle of poverty by engaging
youth in healthy, culturally rich activities. It raises funds to
help economically disadvantaged youth in Rochester. For example,
Schools 4 and 34, located in some of the city's most underserved
areas, have been sites of a high-quality after-school program
funded by Quad A since 2005. Beginning in 2007, a partnership
with North East Area Development's Freedom Schools strengthened
the program further. It adds a focus on literacy, cultural
heritage, parental involvement, community service, social
action, and the arts. Children are learning that "I can and must
make a difference in myself, my family, my community, my
country, and my world.” Quality after-school enrichment programs
have been repeatedly shown to benefit children on a number of
fronts, including academic support, coping skills, interpersonal
skills, and self-