Seven kids living in a homeless shelter in South Jamaica will get to live out their basketball dreams this summer as they attend a New York Knicks Summer Basketball Camp thanks to scholarships from the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
The seven boys — ages 12-15 — are currently staying at the Saratoga Family Inn, a shelter for 255 homeless families. The Saratoga Family Inn’s recreation director, Roy Anderson, nominated the boys for the Garden of Dreams Foundation scholarships because of their interest in basketball, their skills and their potential.
“Homelessness disproportionately impacts children,” said Ralph da Costa Nunez, Ph.D., president of Homes for the Homeless, which runs the Saratoga Family Inn. “At Homes for the Homeless’s facilities, such as the Saratoga, we go beyond providing housing to providing opportunities for kids to thrive.”
The New York Knicks Summer Basketball Camp provides children with a basketball learning experience that encourages not only team participation, but personal development as well. The camp focuses on improving the children’s basketball skills on offense, defense, shooting and other game fundamentals. Also included at the camp are the chance to play competitive games, and visits from current New York Knicks players and alumni.
“In conjunction with the NYC Department of Homeless Services and through partner organizations such as the Garden of Dreams Foundation, we can help homeless children toward great childhood memories and bright futures,” said Michael Fahy, administrator of the Saratoga Family Inn.
Saratoga Family Inn has an active sports program, in addition to early learning and after-school programs for children from the community and residents alike. The facility’s intramural teams, the Saratoga Eagles, compete in co-ed sports such as track, basketball, football, soccer and little league baseball.
For more information about Homes for the Homeless and HFH Summer Camps, visit www.hfhnyc.org.
