For many people, the New Year means a fresh start and new opportunities. However for a large number of young New Yorkers, the New Year doesn't offer such a welcome. One in five New York City residents live below the federal poverty line and in the Bronx, 40% of the children live in poverty. Many of these children do not enjoy a well balanced diet; they go to schools which lack sufficient outdoor space and field trips are rare.
In a June 2005 article, Ann Schwartz of the Gotham Gazette wrote, "Sports and organized recreational activities can have a positive impact on social and emotional development as well as educational achievement." Sadly, many schools are not able to offer children these options; 94% of New York City's public Schools lack an athletic field and 50% have no playground.
These are just a few of the reasons why New York Cares Children's Recreation projects are so important. Why not welcome the New Year with a resolution to help New York Cares give these children these important developmental opportunities by volunteering on one of our Children's Recreation programs? Every month New York Cares works with many community agencies to provide hundreds of children with a creative and physical outlet for their energy.
Our sports programming aims to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for young people while developing athletic skills, encouraging teamwork, building self-confidence and having fun. During these sports programs New York Cares volunteers encourage children in activities such as basketball, swimming, tennis, and yoga. Each program curriculum is as unique as the children it serves and new opportunities for sporting activities arise daily.
Our Art Explorers program uses a diverse collection of games and visual arts activities that are all hands-on and interactive. These arts sessions take children on an artistic journey that promotes positive self-esteem, team-building skills, and cultural diversity.
New York Cares volunteers add energy and a fresh perspective to the lives of the children in New York City. Through our programming children and volunteers travel outside of their neighborhoods to experience the wonderful things New York has to offer - scenic state parks, theater productions, museums and much more!
So this New Year come and see the city anew through the eyes of a child. Sign up for a Children's Recreation project today. For
more information contact Amanda Rey at
212-402-1106 or Amanda_Rey@nycares.org.
For many people, the New Year means a fresh start and new opportunities. However for a large number of young New Yorkers, the New Year doesn't offer such a welcome. One in five New York City residents live below the federal poverty line and in the Bronx, 40% of the children live in poverty. Many of these children do not enjoy a well balanced diet; they go to schools which lack sufficient outdoor space and field trips are rare.
These are just a few of the reasons why New York Cares Children's Recreation projects are so important. Why not welcome the New Year with a resolution to help New York Cares give these children these important developmental opportunities by volunteering on one of our Children's Recreation programs? Every month New York Cares works with many community agencies to provide hundreds of children with a creative and physical outlet for their energy.
Our Art Explorers program uses a diverse collection of games and visual arts activities that are all hands-on and interactive. These arts sessions take children on an artistic journey that promotes positive self-esteem, team-building skills, and cultural diversity. 