Since its founding in 2004, Athletics for Education and Success (AFES) has worked to reach as many youth and families as possible, providing support wherever it is needed. Its programs include youth sports, after-school and summer programs, mentoring, housing assistance, food pantries, shoe giveaways and bedding programs. AFES has also stepped up for families in times of crisis, including helping a family who lost everything in a house fire.
Today, AFES serves 57 children through its programs, 67 through its summer program, and approximately 150 young people through its Jr. NBA basketball league. AFES isn't only for children from troubled homes--every young person can benefit from having a caring adult in their corner.
Destiny Clayton is helping carry that mission forward through her work with the AFES Mentor Program. The Mentoring Program's goal is simple: help young people move in the right direction and remind them that they matter. Mentors meet with students at least once a month, providing encouragement, guidance and, perhaps most importantly, letting kids know that someone cares about them. AFES' Mentor Program is licensed. The hope had been for the program to access grant funding as a licensed agency; sadly, federal funding for such programs was pulled this year. In spite of this, AFES is continuing the program. If you can help, whether financially or by becoming a mentor, please do!