Maria A Eaves

May 3, 2017

My children have had the fortunate opportunity of attending Booker T. Washington Community Center After School Program for the past several years. I have two boys that are considered “high-risk” or “at-risk” in several different categories. These boys are in a single parent home. They have an absentee father who has a history of incarceration and substance abuse. We struggle financially and are living barely above poverty level. Statistics dictate that all of the odds are stacked against us and that these boys will have an uphill battle socially, economically, educationally and in every aspect of their lives, however, there is hope. There is a light.

That beacon of hope and light that I speak about is the Booker T. Washington Community Center After School Program. During their time spent participating in the program my children have been exposed to positive male role models that encourage, teach and care for them. They are expected to complete their homework after school and if they have trouble completing an assignment, there is always someone there to help them.

I know that when my children are at the center they are at a safe and caring environment until I get off of work and pick them up. I don’t have to worry about them being hungry, getting into trouble or being alone while I’m at work. Also, if my children have discipline issues at school, the Director, Mr. Porter has been great about making it his business to help get them back on the right track.

Booker T. Washington Community Center offers my children a safe and supportive environment. BTW is helping me provide my children with the tools to beat the odds, shed the label of “high-risk” and provide opportunities of “high-success”.

Very Truly Yours,

Maria A. Eaves