"We're investing really in the Prudential Y Not Read and Learn program," said Ed Morales, Managing Director of the Prudential Coral Gables office. "I think there's an opportunity here for us to continue working within the community and also to encourage other people ­ both small and large businesses ­ to really see the value of programs like this. I think that's really the future of our community, the kids that we serve."

The Prudential Foundation grant marked the second time in less than a year that the giant insurance company has backed a South Dade YMCA program. Just last summer, Prudential paid $15,000 to become the title sponsor of the South Dade YMCA Golf Classic. This latest funding comes as a result of a proposal submitted by the South Dade YMCA.

"The Prudential Foundation grant will be used to fund the Y Not Read and Learn program at our four after-school sites in South Miami-Dade County in primarily at-risk neighborhoods," said Dr. Thomas J. Den Boer, Director of the Greater Miami YMCA's South District and executive director of the South Dade branch. "It will give children and families an opportunity that they may not otherwise have had due to financial limitations."

The Y Not Read and Learn program teaches reading and learning fundamentals to youngsters enrolled in the South Dade Y's after-school program, utilizing computer training to stimulate the youngsters' interest, while developing their computer aptitude and skills.

"The whole program A to Z is to allow students to work on their deficiencies or improve upon their strengths by giving them the opportunity to improve," said Den Boer. "Basically, it's a program on reading and learning fundamentals. We provide the reading materials, literacy programs, computers and several other attributes above and beyond what the schools offer. It's a supplementary program in addition to the students' regular course work during the normal school day."

At the same time, Den Boer praised Prudential for its continued support of the YMCA and its programs.

"Prudential has really made a commitment to the community in general," Den Boer said. "We're tickled to death that we've been able to offer a quality program, a credible program, with the integrity of the YMCA, and that Prudential from corporate America looks fondly on what we're doing, wants to continue to allow us to grow programs and thus allow more opportunities for families and kids.

"We're only as good as what we're able to fund," Den Boer concluded. "With Prudential and corporate America stepping forward and going to the next level, it has really allowed us to branch out.