How the New York Times Communities Fund Helps Build Brighter Futures at Children’s Aid

Since 1911, Children’s Aid has partnered with the New York Times Communities Fund to support children and families across New York City. For more than a century, generous readers have helped ensure families can meet basic needs, access educational opportunities, and build stability – and this year is no exception.

Through the Fund, Children’s Aid has helped families catch up on rent, stock their pantries, furnish their homes, and prepare children for school. The Fund has also supported young people as they transition to college and careers, addressing critical gaps faced by families living in poverty.

One of the most pressing gaps remains access to after-school programming. Citywide, only 1 in 5 elementary school students can access a publicly funded after-school program, and 87% of K-5 after-school programs are over enrolled. Yet high-quality after-school programs are proven to improve school attendance, academic outcomes, and social-emotional development – while providing working families with reliable childcare.

Children’s Aid addresses this need by providing free, high-quality after-school programs that allow children to explore interests beyond the classroom while giving parents peace of mind during the workday.

This year, The New York Times visited our Frederick Douglass Community Center on the Upper West Side, where elementary and middle school students receive homework help, STEM and literacy instruction, sports, arts programming, and enrichment activities.

For siblings David, 10, and Maria, 8, who moved from Colombia last year, the center has provided academic support, language development, and a welcoming community. Sammy, 10, has attended the center for four years and credits it with building her confidence and giving her a safe place to learn, perform, and make friends while her parents work.

A Lifeline for New York’s Working Families

For more than 65 years, the Frederick Douglass Community Center has served the Upper West Side, offering children a trusted place to learn and thrive. This work is made possible, in part, through the longstanding partnership with The New York Times Communities Fund.

A $1,159 donation to Children’s Aid engages one New York City child in an after-school enrichment program. Donate to the New York Times Communities Fund to help build bright futures.