Surprise $100K Donation Goes To Framingham Hoops And Homework

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Framingham youth program Hoops and Homework has received a surprise $100,000 donation from the Braintree-based Flatley Foundation, and may use the donation to expand programming to younger residents.

The $100,000 comes on top of a $50,000 donation made last year by Flatley, which the foundation made after a segment on WCVB about Hoops and Homework. Founder Herb Chasan credited all the other donations that have happened over the years with getting Hoops and Homework to this point.

"This is by far the largest single largest donation they have ever received, which would have not been possible except for the thousands of donations received over the nine years since the charity was formed," Chasan said in a news release. "These contributions are vital to demonstrate that Hoops and Homework is a truly sustainable organization."

Hoops and Homework offers after-school and summer programs for children between ages 5 and 14 at two locations at Interfaith Terrace and Pusan Road. The latest Flatley donation may allow the organization to offer pre-kindergarten to children under age 5.

"Many studies have found that attending preschool helps kids from disadvantaged backgrounds start kindergarten on a stronger academic footing," the news release said. "That's what Hoops and Homework would like to focus on. This compliments the national and Massachusetts efforts to get these kids successful in school which translates into success in life."

Chasan and other community volunteers founded Hoops and Homework in 2012 to serve young people living at Framingham Housing Authority sites. The organization has grown since, become a licensed childcare facility in 2017, and earlier this year opening an expanded center at Interfaith Terrace — which was funded in part by the $50,000 from Flatley.