Anita Stroud Foundation

The Anita Stroud Youth Development Center (ASYDC) is the component that provides the services to our student participants. The center operates an after-school program during the Charlotte Mecklenburg School (CMS) academic school year whose holiday schedule coincides with that of the school system. However, the ASYDC operates only Monday through Thursday. Students arrive at the center beginning about 2 PM depending upon when they are released from school and are there until 5:45 PM. The CMS school buses drop most of the studens off at the center though may find some parents dropping off also. All children are picked up by a parent or designate.

The ASYDC is committed to being an effective development agent for each child and we believe every child is destined for leadership in their own right. Our responsibility is to develop the skills, and provide the enrichment experiences for them during their early years so that they might reach their full potential.

To assist young students to reach their potential, the ASYDC programs build upon the legacy that has been left by Miss Anita Stroud and the directors who followed her. The Bible Story Hour is still an important component of the after-school curiculum and the participants are exposed to scripture each week, encouraged to adopt Christain values, and discuss how these values might help them to become outstanding citizens in the future. Academic skill building, and homework completion are still an important ingredient in the Center's daily programs.

History

One of the early educational contributors to the ASYDC was Ethel Guest a Charlotte Mecklenburg Art Teacher. Mrs Guest began working with Miss Neet in about 1954 when the program was still being conducted at Miss Neet's home. She was very instrumental in instituting the academic enrichment programs for reading, spelling and math. As Miss Stroud's health began to fail in the late 70s, Mrs. Guest assumed the position of ASYDC Director and remained in that position until 1990. After 1990, Mrs Guest assumed a position on the Anita Stroud Foundation Board of Directors and coninued to serve the Anita Stroud legacy until her death in 2005.

Another educational contributor to the ASYDC is Ms. Geraldine Powe a retired Hempstead NY elementary school educator. Ms Powe volunteered to work with Mrs. Guest and the ASYDC in 1988 to provide literacy training to the students. Ms Powe was name Executive Director of the ASYDC in 1990 upon Mrs Guest's retirement. In addition to continuing the enrichment programs began by Mrs. Guest, Mrs. Powe and her assistant, Cynthia Smith, determined that a major problem with many of the students was their inability to get their daily homework assignments completed in a timely manner. They then elelcted to change the daily focus to assist the students with achieving that goal. Ms. Powe remained Executive Director until 2006 and currently serves as Emeritus Executive Director of the ASYDC involved in fundraising and program direction.

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