Toberman Neighborhood Center Helps Children through Toberman Academy

The president of Clean Air Engineering-Maritime, Inc., (CAEM) and Ocean Terminal Services (OTS), Nick Tonsich has been working in the maritime industry in Los Angeles for more than 15 years. Dedicated to helping his community, Nick Tonsich supports several local organizations, including the Toberman Neighborhood Center.

Since 1903, the Toberman Neighborhood Center (TNC) has been providing individuals and families in the Harbor area with various services to promote healthy lives. Several of the center’s services focus on children and youth, including the Toberman Academy.

Designed for students between Kindergarten and fifth grade, the Toberman Academy is an afterschool program that provides youth with a safe and positive environment. While at the academy, students are able to receive help with their homework and participate in various recreation and enrichment activities. These activities are chosen by the students themselves and are designed to help kids play and learn together.

The Toberman Academy also promotes successful child development based on the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. These assets were derived from years of research, and children are exposed to these various assets through their community, school, and family. According to the Search Institute, children with more of these assets thrive in later life. Meanwhile, those who have limited exposure are more likely to engage in risky behavior, such as alcohol use.

All students who participate in the Toberman Academy are given a free evening meal during the afterschool program. They also have access to an on-site library and computer lab.