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The Paul Bratcher play, described by audience members as spiritual and emotional, shows that when families fall apart, it’s often the children that pay the price.
So it’s very meaningful that it’s being performed at the Eastview Middle School in White Plains at 3 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 19. The school is at 350 Main St.
Money raised by ticket sales will help an after-school program that helps dozens of children who live in the city’s public housing.
Frank Williams Jr., president of Passages to Excellence Corp., says the program serves about 30 low-income first- through fifth-graders.
Established in 2008, it was funded for several years through the state’s Advantage schools program and the United Way, but, Williams said Tuesday, the grant money eventually ran out and it’s been a struggle keeping the program going ever since.
Its services run from the academic to the arts to help with homework, counseling and mentoring. Kids get stability, a safe place to be after school … and snacks.
It runs 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Bethel Baptist Church on Fisher Court in White Plains.
The program also helps out working parents who might not be able to afford child care, Williams said.
“Without it,” he added, “they would be in a terrible situation.”
The program, which costs about $35,000 a year to run and has three part-time employees, has been staying afloat with various fundraisers, such as the play, Williams said.
Parents pay a weekly fee of $10 per child.
"Basically, every dollar we make will help,” Williams said.
Tickets for the play are $30 for adults and $20 for children under 12.
For more information, contact Williams by calling (914)-715-2762, or emailing him at fwill@whiteplainsny.gov.
To see a promotional video about the play, click here.
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