A Letter From Brian Leshner, ABC Executive Director

Greetings ABC partners, supporters, and friends,

I hope that you and your families are staying safe and healthy as we navigate COVID-19 in our community. Never in my time at ABC could I have imagined a scenario like the one we’re living in now, with all Cincinnati Public Schools closed and CPS children at home.

As a friend of ABC, I want you to know how we have pivoted in response to the current situation. Throughout all of this, I have focused on two priorities: First, to ensure that ABC continues to serve CPS children and families wherever we are most needed. And second, that when this is all over, ABC is standing as strong as ever, with a full staff ready to implement our programs without any interruptions.

While our work looks different, ABC is still here, serving the children of CPS. Rather than delivering extracurricular programming, our 30 staff members are focused on the immediate needs of the children in our communities. Our work continues in the following ways:

• Our Resource Coordinators at nine schools are in constant communication with their school’s families, ensuring parents and students have the support they need while schools are closed, such as access to mental health professionals, food, and academic and enrichment activities. Plus, they are working with school partners to explore continuing student services via virtual platforms.
• Our Athletic Directors at nine schools are focused on providing structure to student athletes, offering at-home training routines, regular video and phone meetings, and outlining ways that coaches can stay involved in their athlete’s lives. In addition, plans are underway to recognize and celebrate graduating seniors, especially those who will not be able to participate in their spring season sports.
• Our Program Staff is coordinating efforts as the Site Champion at two of CPS’s food distribution sites, Winton Hills Academy and Cheviot School. As Site Champion, ABC is gathering donations of food, personal care items, and books and activities, and coordinating volunteers to be on-site at the two schools three days each week to distribute donations.
• Our Office Staff continues to keep the business side of ABC moving forward, planning for the future as well as rotating through the office to stay on top of money coming in and money going out.

These are challenging times, to say the least. But at the same time, I am humbled and full of gratitude for the outpouring of support and energy that we’ve seen these last few weeks. Our staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters have risen to the challenge, doing everything they can to make sure that CPS children stay healthy and engaged.

On that note, I’d like to send a personal thank you to the ABC staff. Our staff has gone above and beyond, jumping into this unknown situation and staying focused on supporting the children they work with every day. The passion for their work and love for the children shine through, and I am very proud to know they are representing Activities Beyond the Classroom.

Thank you for your continued support of ABC.

Sincerely,

Brian Leshner
Executive Director