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The Boys & Girls Club of Syracuse offers young people many varying life-altering programs aimed at helping them become good citizens. The programs focus on preparation for real-life challenges like gang prevention, going to college, and enjoying a healthy lifestyle. One of their new programs is the Kids Cafe, made possible through a grant arranged by Senator Hoffmann, to make sure youngsters always have an opportunity for a nutritious meal where parents can join in to develop good family interaction.
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Ellis Dudley, age 11, and Chardoney Welsh, age 9, listened with Senator Hoffmann while Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Duane Kinnon spoke about the number of programs the Club offers. |
Senator Hoffmann explained to a reporter from WSYR Radio that the $87,500 Legislative grant she obtained helped purchase the kitchen equipment needed for the Kids Cafe as well as some building renovation. Senator Hoffmann said, "You have to understand that many of the families served by the Club are not like the "Waltons", they don't have the resources for a traditional evening dinner that most families enjoy so bringing families together at the Kids Cafe is a good alternative." |
Chardoney Welsh (r) and Ellis Dudley (l) lead Senator Hoffmann on a tour of the Club. |
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Senator Hoffmann talked with Robert Ellison, Director of Teen Services for the Boys & Girls Club which includes volunteer work, education, computer skill development and job preparation. |
(l-r) Boys & Girls Clubs Food Service Director Joe Morley, Site Director for Kids Cafe Tommy Jackson, Duane Kinnon and Senator Hoffmann. Jackson trained at the Samaritan Center Community Kitchen, which helps people enter the food service industry. |
Anniyah Robinson (l), age 6 and Alexus Gregory (r), age 8. |
The Kids Cafe serves 90 to 100 meals per day. The food is prepared at the Samaritan Center on Montgomery Street, then brought to the Club. The food is supplied by the Food Bank of Central New York. |
Damar McMullen, age 11, cleaning a table in the Kids Café |
Neasia Dozier, age 9, presented Senator Hoffmann a gift bag containing a picture frame, coffee mug and other little trinkets. In the background is Duane Kinnon, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club. |
Founded as the Boys' Evening Home in 1892, it was incorporated as the Syracuse Boys' Club in 1901. Then in 1990, following a campaign started by then Syracuse City Councilor Hoffmann, girls were included and the name became the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse with clubs at 2100 East Fayette Street, 210 Hamilton Street, 201 Shonnard Street and King Magnet School at 416 East Raynor. |
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