2018 Yale Day of Service: SquashBusters Program
Providence, RI | Original YDoS Site info
On Saturday, May 12th YANA members joined hundreds of Yalies around the world to support the 10th annual Yale Day of Service. YANA Board Member Rachel Littman ’91 stepped in to host the YDoS site working with students who participate in the new SquashBusters program at the Gorgi Family Squash and Education Center at Moses Brown School in Providence, RI where Rachel is the Board chair, a parent, and an alumna. Founded in Boston, SquashBusters is a program that uses squash and academic support to send 98% of its participants who come from underserved public schools to college. The squash facility at Moses Brown, a preK-12 Quaker school founded in 1784, is one of the premier squash facilities in New England with 12-courts including a doubles court. The facility and program offer not only squash, but educational opportunities and volunteerism throughout the City of Providence.
“These kids and program directors are amazing,” Littman noted. “This was the first competitive athletic event for many of them. The coaches and directors were kind and encouraging. All the kids cheered and supported each other on and off the courts and many even dropped into our arts room between matches to make heart-felt cards and gifts for their mothers. It was truly touching in a way that can’t be fully expressed by a few photos. As a Board member, I’ve seen all the work that went on behind building this facility and developing the partnership with SquashBusters. I’ve heard my daughter talk about playing squash and spending time reading with the kids, but I hadn’t yet had time to meet them myself. Personally, the Yale Day of Service was such a nice way to bring together my family, my Moses Brown connections, and my deeply appreciated Yale networks through YANA and YARI. Thanks to Barry Preston ’65 for joining us!”
Resources: SquashBusters, Moses Brown School, and their unique partnership.
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Rachel Littman ’91, daughter Amanda (8th grader at Moses Brown School who tutors SquashBusters students), and Barry Preston ’65 participated in the 10th Annual Yale Day of Service by helping with the inaugural SquashBusters intramural tournament at the Gorgi Family Squash & Education Center at Moses Brown School in Providence, RI.