From our inception in 2009, Kids’ Club has funded programs that we believe will have the greatest impact on the lives of those we serve. Each year, approximately 1500 children in Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow benefit from our support. We forge close ties to the community, and work collaboratively to identify critical needs and find solutions. Beginning at birth and continuing through high school and beyond, Kids’ Club helps close the gap in services by providing opportunities for children to succeed.
Below is a moving five minute video speaking to the exceptionalism of our community and highlighting a few of the valuable programs Kids’ Club supports: Smart Babies, the RSHM LIFE Center’s Afterschool Program and Let’s Get Ready. Please click on the link to hear from students and parents themselves about how these programs have made a significant impact on their lives and have helped “build a bridge to a brighter future” for them all.
Luisanna V., in her freshman year at Fordham University; first generation in her family to attend college. Luisanna participated in the Let’s Get Ready college coaching and SAT tutoring program as a rising senior at Sleepy Hollow High School, which Kids’ Club helped to fund. A Kids’ Club board member served as an adult mentor for Luisanna, throughout her senior year.
One of Kids’ Club’s signature funding initiatives, the high school’s Mentoring Program, affords students the opportunity to experience their first paying job and serve as role models for younger students who also benefit from the additional academic support. In their own words, some of the mentors discuss what it meant to them to participate in this program.
“The impact you all have had on this community is truly amazing. I see it in the school and in the LIFE Center. You all have made so many programs possible that would otherwise never have happened. Please accept my sincere gratitude for all you do.” –Mimi Godwin, President, Board of Education, Tarrytown Union Free School District
“With the help of Kids’ Club, we are strengthening after school programming for children of all ages in our community, helping them build a better future by developing real skills through authentic and practical experiences. Thank you Kids’ Club, you are so great to work with!” –Carol L. Conklin-Spillane, Sleepy Hollow High School, Principal (1994-2016)
“The people that support so many students in our district via Kids’ Club are people that care. The care and thoughtfulness in their decision-making processes are reflective of their deep commitment to making a difference; specifically to making life better for kids. Viva Kids’ Club!”–Christopher P. Clouet, Ed.D., Tarrytown Union Free School District, Superintendent of Schools (2013-2015)
“Kids’ Club is so much more than just a funding source for non-profits like the RSHM LIFE Center in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown. The Community Coalition (C2) has gathered agencies in a way that had never been done before. The value we have gained working together instead of as separate organizations has enabled us to reach so many more at risk children and families. The interest Kids’ Club members have taken in the LIFE Center programs has inspired us to try new things. The support through grants has enabled us to expand and serve more children. Kids’ Club is an invaluable partner of the RSHM LIFE Center.” –Sr. Susan Gardella, Executive Director, RSHM LIFE Center
“I just wanted to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your amazing contributions to [the AFHT’s Holiday Pot-luck] party last night. The families had a wonderful time, and everything went beautifully, thanks in large part to your hard work. The Christmas tree craft was once again a huge hit, and the desserts were plentiful and delicious! We are so grateful always for all you do to support our work. Our community is so lucky to have you.” —Kerry A. Fine, Asociacion de Familias Hispanas de los Tarrytowns, Co-Coordinator (2015-2016)
“On behalf of the WIC [Women Infant Children] Program, I would like to take the opportunity to offer our great appreciation for the donation of diapers. Our daily efforts to promote well-being within our community is made easier with the support and partnership of fellow organizations … such as that from Kids’ Club. The donation of diapers has made a huge impact on our families and makes our job much more rewarding. … We look forward to continuing to work together so that our community can thrive. Thank you so much for contributing to our efforts to achieve a goal of healthier, happy families.” — Danielle S. Wasserman, WIC Nutritionist & Site Coordinator, Open Door Family Medical Centers – WIC Program