A letter from the president.
ASTRO was founded on April 14, 2014 by myself, Justin Pasquazzi, and Michael Kroian. I had served as the Executive Director of the Action Sports Foundation (a 501(c)(3) charitable organization) for three years. After graduating college, I wanted to continue my charitable and educational efforts in Rhode Island, his home state. Michael had recently graduated from high school and was inspired to make a lasting impact on humanity, using ASTRO as a vessel to achieve this objective.
ASTRO was created to link the benefits of personal development through the venues of arts, sports, and technology to an improvement in an individual’s ability to create successful career opportunities and make better life choices. Our organization serves at risk populations ranging from elementary school to adulthood. We offer services that plan, organize, and execute extended learning opportunities, seminars, clubs, sports leagues, and recreational therapy activities. We also work as Recreational and Vocational Mentors with a mission of assisting in personal and professional development and vocational rehabilitation.
In 2018, ASTRO opened its very own facility at 120 Webster St. in Pawtucket. What began as a 1,500 sq. ft. gym with a small office has grown into a 6,000 sq ft licensed childcare facility that includes a gym, art room, cafeteria, multi media room, tutoring room, parlor, office space, and 4 bathrooms. With our new license, we are able to offer programming more consistently to our members that results in building stronger relationships and making lasting impacts. Our before and after school care is extremely important for working families who want to make sure their children are safe, healthy, happy, and engaged in the out of school time. ASTRO is bringing education and healthcare to children that supplements the child's learning experience. It is a combination of rigorous programming that is delivered by instructors who love what they do, a curriculum that is designed to keep students fully engaged in what they are learning, and a leadership team that is laser focused on fulfilling our charitable, educational, and scientific purposes that has propelled this organization to steadily increase our impact over the past 8 years. Building relationships with our community and watching people who are excited and enthusiastic to participate in our programs has been the most rewarding experience of my life.