Hispanic Brotherhood gets $55K

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last week that the Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre is one of only three Nassau County organizations to receive a grant for after-school programs.

Cuomo announced that 68 Advantage After School Programs would receive a total of $10.9 million in grants. The Hispanic Brotherhood will be receiving $55,000.

“By funding these afterschool programs, we are ensuring that children in communities across the state have access to learning opportunities and cultural exposure that will further their development for years to come,” Cuomo said in a release. “Our administration is focused on providing exceptional learning environments to students, from Pre-K through college, and supporting exercises that are proven to enhance their learning experience is the right thing to do. After school programs play a major role in enriching the lives of children, and this funding to Advantage After School Programs is a wise investment for New York’s future.”

The after-school program at the Hispanic Brotherhood is for children in first through eighth grades. The Brotherhood has certified teachers on staff to help kids with homework, recreational activities and learning workshops.

“I’m thrilled,” said Marguerite Keller, co-director of the Hispanic Brotherhood. “What we’re trying to do is keep the kids in school, keep them on the same level of their peers academically. So when they get to high school, they finish high school and go off to college and finish.”

The program at the Hispanic Brotherhood is for up to 44 children. One of the main parts of it is the educational workshops, which cover topics like pregnancy prevention, STDs, self esteem, bullying, the dangers of drug abuse and more.

Keller said that the funding will allow the Hispanic Brotherhood to enhance the program it has now. It will have more money to pay staff members, and now it will be able to hire older kids — 14 and up — to help the younger kids with homework and other things.

The grant came about in part thanks to Senator Dean Skelos, who submitted a letter on behalf of the organizations.

“The Hispanic Brotherhood’s Advantage After-School Program provides a vital service for hardworking families and important educational support for kids,” Skelos said. “I am proud to support the expansion of this program and commend the Hispanic Brotherhood for all of the positive work they do throughout our community.”

Registration is still open for the after-school program. Parents who are interested in signing up their children should call the Hispanic Brotherhood at 766-6610.