Maria, 7, enjoys the after-school program at her school. She arrives every day and immediately looks for Toni, her favorite after-school mentor. Toni understands what it's like to go through a day at school and is always interested in what happens. "Did you do well on your test? Are you and Ashley friends again? What are you studying in social studies?" Maria sighs, or giggles, and starts to share the trials and triumphs of her day.
This is Toni's third year at the after-school program where she works with children ages 6-10. Children talk to her because they know she is interested in them. She treats each child with special care and concern. Nothing is too trivial for her undivided attention. She often knows more about these children than their parents or teachers. She is one of many unsung heroes who make a difference in the lives of children in profound ways.
Every day hundreds of thousands of after-school teachers, mentors and adult friends spend their afternoons with millions of children across the country. They work in schools, recreation centers, churches and child care facilities for low wages, no benefits and generally no recognition of the critical role they play in the lives of children.
Board
of Directors
Deanna
K. Armstrong
Kansas City, MO
Tracey
C. Ballas
New Albany, OH
Jeffrey
D. Clark
Westerville, OH
Kathleen
Hermes
Leawood, KS
Todd
E. Schiff
New Albany, OH
