$8,000 Needed To Keep Hoops and Homework Running

Hoops & Homework recently celebrated its third anniversary in Framingham.

The two Hoops & Homework programs in Framingham provide academically enriching activities for children, helping to close the opportunity gap between higher-income and lower-income families, said founder Herb Chasan.

Students who use the program are offered nutritious snacks, after-school tutoring, a place for kids to play in a safe environment and enrichment programs, all free of charge, said Chasan.

It costs about $90,000 a year to operate the program at two sites in Framingham, said Chasan.

“This year, we have raised about $82,000. We need $8,000 in order to keep the program running through December,” said Chasan.

He said the organization’s Board of Directors “has taken cost savings measures such as opening at 3 p.m. instead of 1p.m. on early release days, not opening on school vacation or holidays and running a 6 week instead of an 8 week summer program.”

Chasan said this “should save $10,000 in the future.”

The Framingham Town Meeting member said the “program looks financially healthy going forward considering a La Cantina fundraiser and a garden party fundraiser at Kevin Giblin’s home. Another stream of funds will come from after school vouchers available to our low income parents. Considering all the goodwill and community support generated from our Jack’s Abby event, fundraising is becoming much easier but right now we need $8,000 to keep the doors open.”

Donations can be made directly via the program’s website at ww.hoopsandhomework.WordPress.com
Or send a check made out to Hoops and Homework at 56 Agnes Dr. Framingham 01701.

Chasan provided some feedback about the program from its users:

• Max Ortiz, age 14: “I love the program because of all the great staff. They are helpful and nice. They are good people and they are my good friends. I would be crying if the program closed because all the good people would be gone.”
• Laysha, age 7: “I would be stuck at home if the program closed. I love the staff because they are teaching me to read in English.”
• Limardy, age 15: “Closing the program and taking away the staff is like taking away family and no one wants that to happen.”

Photo courtesy of Hoops & Homework