We believe every child matters. That’s why ASAS Ohio provides free, high-quality, out-of-school programming to support youth like Herschel, a 7th grader who has been in our After-School Program and our Mentorship Program for two years. Herschel’s grandmother and legal guardian, Toya, tearfully shared what a difference it has made in Herschel’s life. “The program has been absolutely wonderful,” she said, her voice breaking as she explained that when her husband passed four years ago, her grandson Herschel lost his best friend and confidant. “LT. Berry (Herschel’s mentor) has taken Randy’s place so to speak,” she says.
Herschel’s sister, Vicky, also recently joined the program after begging for months and eagerly awaiting her birthday to qualify for the program. The Mentorship Program “keeps them on step, keeping their grades up, keeping them connected with teachers…they have other people to talk to,” Toya told us.
Herschel’s favorite thing about ASAS is the events and opportunities - from TechTok, a technology workshop teaching basic coding/web design skills and teaching about working in the tech industry, to movies out with his mentor, to shooting a round of hoops at the fire station, or having Mr. Berry’s support at his football games. Herschel says Kirstin Buckner, our Mentorship Director, has made a big impact on his life. “She got me involved in the program and I’ve been loving it. She brought in Ohio State University’s men’s basketball players who taught us life lessons like how to be respectful and how you can fight to get through whatever you’re going through. It’s pretty cool. It’s extremely cool. I just love everything about it.” Without the Mentorship Program, Toya says, a “whole lot of people would be at a loss to know how to support their children. Especially single parents…I’m just so grateful and thankful for ASAS Ohio.”
We believe youth like Herschel deserve the best. Please consider making an end-of-year donation to make a difference for youth like Herschel.
The O Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to raise awareness for charitable causes by partnering them with community-minded Ohio State student-athletes who choose to use their platform and influence to amplify philanthropic work. After-School All-Stars Ohio is one of the three local charties selected as beneficiaries.
"We are honored to be selected as a charitable recipient of The O Foundation," shared Tracy Ensign, ASAS Ohio Executive Director. "We are not only excited for the players to volunteer with our students, but also for the players to stress the importance of doing well in school to achieve success in the future."
Recently, three of The O Foundation's student-athletes attended ASAS Ohio's Mentorship event called Hoops, Heroes & Hope. Watch the local news coverage here.
Columbus, OH – Plante Moran Columbus selected ASAS Ohio as their charity beneficiary for their 2022-2023 giving campaign! Through this beneficiary program, Plante Moran staff will volunteer with our students and join together to raise critical funds for our students and families. Our special thanks goes to Elizabeth Darby, Plante Moran Administrative Assistant, who serves on the ASAS Ohio All-Star Ambassador Board and spearheaded this effort.
"I believe that every child deserves to have someone in their life that they can count on. Whether that be a parent, teacher, friend or ASAS. I want these All-Stars to know that someone is always looking out for them," shared Elizabeth Darby with Plante Moran.
Plante Moran is among the nation's largest accounting, tax, consulting, and wealth management firms and provides a full line of services to organizations in the following industries: manufacturing and distribution, financial services, service, healthcare, private equity, public sector, real estate, construction, and energy. Plante Moran has a staff of more than 3,300 professionals throughout the United States with international offices in Shanghai, China; Mumbai, India; Tokyo, Japan; and Monterrey, Mexico. Plante Moran has been recognized by a number of organizations, including Fortune magazine, as one of the country's best places to work. For more information, visit plantemoran.com.
Tracy Ensign comes to After-School All-Stars Ohio as the Executive Director with over 20 years of professional experience in government and anti-poverty work. Prior to joining the ASAS team, Tracy served as the Assistant Director of the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives for the State of Ohio. Tracy implemented the first ever “Ohio’s Compassion Map”, quantifying the work of non-profits and their impact on the state’s economy.
She has been a champion of hunger relief across the state, piloting the first ever Rural Meal Delivery program, providing weekend meals to the Appalachian counties in southern Ohio.
After-School All-Stars Ohio provides free, comprehensive out-of-school programs that keep children safe and help them succeed in school and life.
