By Christian Gardner
Black Rock Assumption Boys and Girls Club, an after-school program, provides members with an educational escape from the streets of Buffalo.
Franco Balassone, club director, said there are numerous programs for children to enjoy.
“We provide a positive place for kids after school,” he said. “We provide educational programs, recreational and artistic programs, health skills, life skills and character leaderships programs to children from the Black Rock area.”
Educational rooms located inside the club:
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The game room contains pool tables, video games and board games.
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A computer lab allows children to familiarize themselves with Internet research and different computer programs, like Powerpoint. The computers are strictly educational.
“All computers are safeguarded from improper material and we closely monitor them while on the computers,” Balassone said.
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A teen room because teenagers don’t enjoy mingling with younger children, Balassone said.
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In the library room members receive assistance and tutoring on school work.
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The art room is used for paintings, crafts and weavings.
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Inside the Gym children exercise by playing basketball, soccer and other games in what Balassone said is the best gym he has ever seen in a Boys and Girls Club.
Joseph Golombek Jr., City of Buffalo North District Common Council member, said he is encouraged by the amount of children the club helps on a daily basis.
“We have up to 400 kids in the program,” Golombek said. “Imagine 400 children off the street. Something to do after school is a positive for that neighborhood.”
The goal of the Boys and Girls Club, located at 435 Amherst St., is pushing children to grow into adults prepared for the working world, Balassone said.
“This keeps the kids off the street and helps them become productive, positive adults when they get older.”
Black Rock/Assumption membership info:
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Children 6 to 18 years of age.
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The club is open Monday thru Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.
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One-year membership costs:
Every day children move to the cafeteria for a healthy snack, followed by assistance with school reading and work for 30 to 40 minutes. Assistance is directly related to funding from the 21st Century Federal Education Grant that is received by the club. The grant emphasizes homework and reading assistance.
“Due to our grant related issues children must receive help with school work before using the rest of the club,” Balassone said.
The Black Rock area contains a large amount of financially strapped families who can’t afford to pay various programs in other areas of the city. Children from six the City of Buffalo public schools are part of the program, along with children from the surrounding community as well.
“In this area there are a large majority of families that make under $24,000 and there is not a lot of other facilities like this available,” Balassone said.
Balassone’s experience with various programs and organizations caused him to conclude the Black Rock unit is the top of the line for children.
“Working in various recreational departments, and other youth organizations, this is probably the best type of program geared to children,” Balassone said. “There is nothing they can’t learn and have fun in one of our programs.”
For further membership inquiries call (716)-876-7582.
Contact Christian Gardner at gardcj78@mail.buffalostate.edu
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