Association to Benefit Children (ABC)

The Association to Benefit Children (ABC) was created to amplify the voices of defenseless children by combating the debilitating effects of poverty and championing the right of every child to a joyful and nurturing childhood.

At Echo Park, ABC’s one-stop, multi-service, neighborhood family center in the heart of East Harlem, children from ages 5-21 participate in the Therapeutic Afterschool Program that provides structure and consistent support for at-risk children as they develop their academic skills, resilience, and self-esteem. Structured recreational play, academic mentoring, and experiential learning opportunities—including sports, gardening and nutrition programs, and computer science workshops—encourage academic and social-emotional development. Afterschool also offers a technology-based enrichment program, Study Buddies Connect, which uses half-hour telephone and video chats between children and their volunteer buddies to further strengthen academic skills and goals.