Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions

(ANS – New Rochelle – November 3, 2026) – Don Bosco Community Center, located in Port Chester, New York, received donor funding from November 2025 through July 2026 to support its education and nutrition programs. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The funding directly supported 70 young people from kindergarten through eighth grade who come from low-income and primarily immigrant families. These families rely on the center for academic support, safe afterschool supervision, enrichment activities, and nutritious meals. Most of the young people come from households of three to six members. Their parents generally have a high school education or less, work in low-wage jobs, and often face language barriers and food insecurity.

Through the afterschool program, young people received homework assistance and participated in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) activities, as well as recreational programs. The center provides afterschool academic support and enrichment for approximately 30 children, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and college access mentoring for approximately 20 first-generation college students.

The center’s nutrition program provided hot meals for young people and their families. Funding also supported the soup kitchen, which serves nutritious meals to individuals, families, and older adults experiencing food insecurity. These efforts helped reduce hunger and strengthen family support. The center serves nearly 4,300 hot meals each month.

During the past year, the center also introduced a culinary skills and ServSafe certification program to provide men, women, and young people in the community with practical job skills and professional training. The program has generated significant interest, and more than 45 individuals are currently on the waiting list to participate.

Two young people who received support through the center’s college program were interviewed by News 12 Westchester. Andrea Barjas shared, “I’ve been a part of the Don Bosco Scholars for two years, and they’ve helped me throughout the whole process.”

Diego Umanzor added, “I feel like people believe in me. People around me are rooting for me.”

Don Bosco Community Center serves young people and families who are often vulnerable and facing difficult circumstances, empowering them to build lives of dignity, stability, and hope. Its programs provide food, education, and family support, helping participants work toward a brighter future.

Source: MissionNewswire