One of the oldest community service agencies in our borough will continue its mission serving at-risk youth.
On Tuesday, November 10, Dr. Pepper Snapple awarded Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Centers, Inc. a ‘Let’s Play’ equipment donation valued at over $12,500 as part of its partnership with Good Sports which donates brand new sports equipment to organizations serving low-income youth across the country.
This grant will provide SEBNC with youth and adult reversible practice jerseys, basketballs, running shoes, stopwatches and volleyballs.
This equipment donation allows this organization to expand their programming and reach more at-risk children.
As a non-profit, donations are vital to the success of SEBNC programs due to the impoverished New York areas they serve free of charge.
Founded in 1929, SEBNC is one of the oldest community service agencies in the south Bronx serving over 6,000 people a year.
Located in the Forest Houses at 955 Tinton Avenue, SBENC provides early childhood and adult services with an emphasis on youth programs.
Some of these programs include family child care and child care day care centers, after school programs, an evening youth activity center, vocational programs, summer camp, home attendant service, day habitation recreation and day treatment programs for the mentally challenged and developmentally disabled.
A community partnership led by Dr. Pepper Snapple, Let’s Play was launched in 2011 to nationally motivate children and their families to become more active.
“We are pleased to support Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Centers, Inc. with this grant from Let’s Play, part of our overall commitment to bringing play to life and ensuring that kids are able to make play a daily priority,” said Vicki Draughn, Dr. Pepper Snapple Corporate Affairs vice president. “We hope that it will make a big difference to kids in the community and give them the equipment and gear they need to get in the game and get active.”
The Let’s Play initiative is designed to engage community organizations through leaders, elected officials and DPS employees helping promote active play by building and improving play spaces as well as providing grants for athletic equipment and gear.
Through DPS’s partnership with Goods Sports, an organization providing donations of athletic gear, footwear and sports equipment to in-need organizations and communities, Let’s Play has committed $3 million through 2016 to aid children’s physical activity through organized sports and fitness programs, said Draughn.
“Our partnership with Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and Let’s Play will enable Good Sports to provide even more equipment to deserving youth across the country,” said Melissa Harper, Good Sports CEO. “Together, we are thrilled to support Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Centers, Inc. by providing the tools and resources they need to keep children active, healthy and happy.”
“Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Centers, Inc. is one of the few youth-based non-profits serving the needs of the local youth and any investment, capital or otherwise, is very much welcomed in continuing their service,” said John Dudley, Community Board 3 district manager.
Dudley said CB 3 will look into asking Dr. Pepper Snapple to consider donating to other local youth organizations such as Claremont Neighborhood Centers, the Renaissance Youth Center, Madison Square Boys and Girls Club and Future Star Productions.
