PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A Prince George’s County after-school program is keeping kids off the streets and they need help to continue doing it.
For over 10 years now, “Mentoring Through Athletics,” a non-profit organization, has been mentoring kids ages 5-14. Executive Director and Coach Ashley Montgomery said it’s important to establish a relationship with students as early as possible.
“A lot of the time, the trauma these kids experience happens when these kids are 5-7 years old. And it doesn’t get dealt with until they see these behaviors in high school,” Montgomery explained.
The program offers mentoring, basketball, cheerleading and flag football. Kids also learn about discipline, accountability, and responsibility.
The program offers children a safe space they otherwise would not have.
“Right now, we’re dealing with a lot of cases of domestic violence. These young people are willing to talk to us because they have a relationship with their coaches- which is so vital to their growth and development,” Montgomery said.
The program of about 300 students is quickly growing and they often struggle to find a big enough gym. Currently, they use school gyms when available, but they’d like to have a gym of their own to use on the weekends as well.
“On the weekends we are left to figure it out as well because we don’t have our own facility. We know there are a lot of buildings in the county that could be repurposed.” Montgomery said. “Our goal at the end of the day is to affect decision-making in these young people. The only way we can do that is through support- whether it’s private donations or funding.”
If you want to see students in action and on the court, there is a big tournament on Friday, February 2. Coach Ashley says it’s a chance to support the students and see the impact the program has on the community.
M.T.A. is also in need of donations and volunteers. Click here for more information https://mentoringthroughathletics.org/
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