Every Saturday morning, the Newburgh Armory Unity Center (NAUC) in Newburgh, NY comes alive with laughter, music, and learning as families gather from across the community. Hundreds of children—from Pre-K through sixth grade—arrive with their parents, ready to explore reading, math, science, art, chess, guitar, drones, and more through the Saturday Morning Enrichment Program (SMEP).
The free program, held at 321 South William Street, has become a cornerstone for Newburgh families, offering not only academic enrichment but also a safe, welcoming space that brings parents and children together.
“This is about getting kids out of the house, off their phones, and learning how to be with other people,” said William “Bill” Kaplan, 98, founder and chairman of the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. “Social interaction is missing today. Here, kids communicate with other kids. Parents come together. That’s very important.”
Kaplan, a World War II veteran and longtime community leader, has dedicated much of his life to Newburgh. Through the William and Elaine Kaplan Family Foundation, he transformed the once-empty Armory into a vibrant community hub.
“When we started, there was nothing here,” Kaplan recalled. “No YMCA, no YWCA, no recreation center. I bought this place originally just for a basketball court. But then I learned something very important: if a child can’t read by third grade, they’re not going to graduate.”
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That realization reshaped the mission.
“We focus on K through sixth grade,” Kaplan said. “That’s our mission. Education at an early age.”
From empty shell to community anchor
The Armory’s transformation took more than 15 years and relied heavily on volunteers—especially civil engineer Chris Hawkins, who oversaw nearly every aspect of the renovation.
“From day one, this was a completely empty shell,” Hawkins said. “There was one bathroom. One classroom.”
Hawkins, a retired engineer from New York State’s Office of General Services, donated his time and expertise.
“He supervised every part of this building—every room, every bathroom,” Kaplan said. “Without him, we wouldn’t have this building. My expertise is raising money. His expertise is building.”
Hawkins added, “I started working with Habitat for Humanity after I retired. Then Bill showed up. Next thing you know, we’re rebuilding this place with volunteers.”
Today, the Armory houses classrooms, sports facilities, a family center, and specialized programs including nursing simulations, robotics, drone flight, acting, music, and athletics.
Parents at the center
Unlike traditional school programs, NAUC requires parents to come with their children—a feature Kaplan believes is essential.
“In school, the bus picks up the child and brings them home. Parents never go inside,” Kaplan said. “Here, parents have to come. That is the key to education.”
On Saturdays, the Armory welcomes between 400 and 580 participants.
“You see parents everywhere,” Kaplan said. “Two to three hundred cars in the parking lot. Parents stay, watch, learn, connect.”
Program Coordinator Diana Bernal has worked at NAUC for nearly a decade and sees the impact weekly.
“When I explain the programs to parents—math, science, computers, nursing, aviation—they get so excited,” Bernal said. “I love seeing the kids happy and coming back again.”
Bernal said enrollment continues to grow after slowing during the pandemic.
“This winter we have about 580 attendees,” she said. “Most are from Newburgh, but some come from Goshen, Poughkeepsie, Kingston, even farther.”
She emphasized that safety and comfort are key.
“They feel welcome here. They feel safe. Parents talk to me if they have concerns, and we figure it out together.”
Bernal’s own daughters grew up in the program and now volunteer.
“For me, I hope this stays forever,” she said. “Education, always—math, reading, science, computer, medicine, aviation—everything.”
Learning beyond the classroom
Volunteer instructor Robert teaches drone technology and electronics.
“We teach kids how to fly safely according to FAA rules,” he said. “Then we move into fixing things—broken drones, Xboxes, PlayStations. They learn how to diagnose problems and repair electronics.”
Parents say the changes in their children are visible.
Lana, a mother of two boys ages nine and five, said she learned about SMEP from a teacher friend.
“They have a comprehensive range of activities, and it’s free,” she said. “My little one does chess and soccer. My older son joined Red Wings. It’s better than scrolling on a screen all Saturday.”
Homeschool mother Michelle Mateo called the program “a blessing.”
“We’re a one-income family,” she said. “To have all these resources for free is amazing. My boys learned so much here—and I get to stay with them.”
Lawrencia Cuellar, whose children have attended for four years, highlighted the financial impact.
“Guitar classes alone can cost $10 to $20 per session,” she said. “Here you get computer programming, cosmetology, music—free. That’s everything for families who can’t afford it.”
Brenda Job shared how the Armory helped her daughter catch up in reading.
“She was struggling at school,” Job said. “The free reading program here brought her back to grade level.”
Parents also praised the sense of community.
“You meet other families, share resources, and learn what’s happening in Newburgh,” Cuellar said. “My kids wake up on Saturdays excited to come.”
Strong partnerships with schools
The Newburgh Enlarged City School District works closely with NAUC to expand literacy and volunteer opportunities.
“We collaborate on reading programs and community engagement,” said Dr. Onyx Peterson, Deputy Superintendent. “We want literacy at the forefront of everything we do.”
Dr. Karrie Bunce, principal of Balmville Elementary School, called the Armory “a place of hope and joy.”
“This center was born out of a need,” she said. “It gives kids a safe space to learn, explore, and dream. Literacy is embedded into everything—even the games.”
She noted that students explore dance, robotics, chess, art, theater, sports, and engineering—while older students often return as volunteers.
“They learn, then they give back,” Bunce said. “That’s powerful.”
Building a stronger Newburgh
Kaplan believes the Armory’s impact goes far beyond academics.
“We serve families,” he said. “We serve children with special needs. We bring people together. That’s how you strengthen a community.”
Today, NAUC also hosts health screenings, food programs, holiday drives, and year-round sports and wellness activities.
“You don’t need us to answer your questions,” Kaplan said with a smile. “Come on a Saturday. You’ll see.”
For Newburgh families, SMEP has become more than a program—it’s a second home.
“Everybody here helps,” Michelle Mateo said. “Staff, volunteers, parents. No one says no.”
As one mother put it simply: “This is the safety net our community needs.”
