Fres Oquendo, Robert Renteria, Aspira Charter, Provide Solution to After School Program Cuts

Chicago organizations join forces to increase social, physical, and emotional learning opportunities for youth

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, August 30, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Fres Oquendo Boxing Academy, Inc. and From the Barrio Foundation, both 501(c)(3) non-profits, teach at-risk youth and teens to make better choices. The organizations, along with ASPIRA of Illinois, a Latino community organization that runs four charter schools and a youth center in Chicago, recently joined forces to bridge the gap in after school programs, Renteria's publicist announced today.

The alliance stated that collectively, they are providing a solution to the $2.5 billion budget cut to after school athletic, academic, and counseling programs.

Fres Oquendo is the heavyweight contender for the 2018, WBA Boxing title, and founder of the Fres Oquendo Boxing Academy, Inc. (FOBA). He says that “giving children the structure, tools, and inspiration they need has greatly enriched my life.” Oquendo added that as a youth, he was not unlike many of the youth who attend his academy.

“The tie in with Barrio and ASPIRA of Illinois is perfect. Robert Renteria’s, Barrio Foundation teaches prevention over intervention. Our mission is to knock out youth violence,” stated Kimberly Spies, Marketing/PR Director at FOBA. "The goal is to get to kids, early. When we do, we have a better chance to teach health and wellness skills. We want to promote education, and prevent gang affiliation.”

Robert Renteria explained that Fres Oquendo Boxing Academy, ASPIRA of Illinois, and From the Barrio Foundation came together to provide social, physical, and emotional learning opportunities by way of their strategic, athletic and academic programs.

“This collaboration is exciting considering the turmoil in Chicago. 3,457 shooting victims and 650 murders were recorded in 2017,” stated Robert Renteria, Founder of From the Barrio Foundation. “This partnership provides a viable and tangible solution to bullying, gangs, violence, drugs and school dropouts. It’s not just more rhetoric. Fres and I had to learn how to dodge a bullet before we learned to read. Our kids need encouragement and mentors to redirect their energy to the gym, not the streets.”

The partners anticipate duplicating their after school program model for Chicagoland schools and organizations, then eventually expand nationwide.

“Under the agreement, FOBA, From the Barrio Foundation, and ASPIRA of Illinois will share combined resources designed to guide youth to a new path and experiences,” stated Fran Briggs, Publicist to Robert Renteria. “There is no exchange of equity involved in the collaborative partnership.”

For more information about FOBA, please visit wwww.fobaintl.org or call Marketing/PR Director, Kimberly Spies. 312-918-1088

To learn more about Robert Renteria and Barrio including media opportunities and speaking engagements, please visit http://www.fromthebarrio.com, or call 312-933-5619.

Fran Briggs
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