NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams Supports QCH Afterschool Program at PS 160Q in Jamaica

On Thursday, October 26, NYC Council Speaker joined Queens Community House (QCH), one of the borough's largest social service organizations, for the nonprofit's "Lights On Afterschool" event at PS 160Q in Jamaica, Queens.

This was one of QCH's 17 "Lights On Afterschool" celebrations held yesterday, as part of America's nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement across the country.

During the event, QCH awarded Speaker Adams in recognition of her leadership and efforts to support its afterschool program at PS 160Q, including the allocation of $460,000 to sustain it. "Speaker Adams went above and beyond to secure funding for our afterschool program in Jamaica, and we are grateful," said Ben Thomases, QCH Executive Director.

Speaker Adams spoke in front of an audience of students, parents, families, Queens neighbors, and QCH afterschool staff about the importance of having a high-quality after-school program for young people in Jamaica. "All four of my children graduated from here at PS 160Q," said Speaker Adams. "Programs like this are lifelines for our working parents who rely on these programs to keep their children safe and engaged until they can be picked up."

The funding is timely for QCH's afterschool program in Jamaica, which hasn't had a steady stream of funding.

"The Jamaica community has been vocal, united, and clear about the importance of this afterschool program for the neighborhood," said Thomases. "After decades of disinvestment in the Jamaica neighborhood, it matters so much to have powerful leaders like Speaker Adams committed to delivering what we need for this community."