On May 2nd, the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Consortium for Public Education, held the annual Champions of Learning Awards event at the University of Pittsburgh. JFCS Volunteer Coordinator for the Refugee & Immigrant Services department Andrew Van Treeck was one of the finalists. To our great delight, Andrew won in the Providers/Community Partners category!
These awards recognize local adults in western Pennsylvania who go above and beyond to create opportunities and motivate students to meet their greatest potential. Andrew is JFCS’s coordinator of After School Club, a program that helps children of refugees do homework, succeed at school and experience American arts, sports, culture and fun. He was nominated by our After School Club partner organization ARYSE.
After School Club has come a long way since its inception in the spring of 2018. High school students have been moved to a new location on the campus of Duquesne University where they are mentored by college students and teachers. In Crafton Heights, the program has been updated to meet the needs of these very special students. The program boasts over 80 volunteer mentors!
After School Club is another way JFCS keeps its commitment to helping refugees long after their “resettlement.” JFCS is very proud of this program and of Andrew’s passion to help these kids fulfill the promise their parents dreamed about when they came to America. Congratulations Andrew!