The New York Race Track Chaplaincy is seeking support for their Summer Enrichment Program for children of backstretch workers in order to help keep families together during the Saratoga season, and to give children an opportunity to experience something they may have never had before: a summer away from the city and from the track.
No child is turned away from the program, which meets critical needs for the families that the Chaplaincy serves. The program is solely supported by contributions from the public.
Those interested may click here to donate any amount, or click here to sponsor a child for one day, one week, one month, or the entire summer.
Humberto Chavez, Lead Chaplain and Executive Director of the NY Chaplaincy, said the program is very close to his heart.
“Thanks to the Saratoga Summer Enrichment Program, members of the backstretch community who are parents are able to keep their families together and know their children are well-cared-for while they are at work. The peace of mind this provides is something every parent can appreciate and support. We turn away no one and are very grateful to everyone who makes this program possible.”
Over 3,500 people make up the community of workers on the backstretches of the thoroughbred racing industry at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course. The New York Race Track Chaplaincy ministers to that community with children's enrichment, social service, and recreational programs, educational opportunities, and non-denominational religious services. The Chaplaincy provides these extensive services with the intent of satisfying not only spiritual needs but also basic human necessities, and its unique population is served without regard to race, creed, religion, background, or social status.
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