As Mayor Bill de Blasio continues to manage the city during the coronavirus outbreak, he has proposed citywide summer program funding cuts.

Rachel Gazdick, the CEO of the nonprofit New York Edge, recently penned a letter to the City Council, asking for their support to step in and resist the mayor’s call for cuts to summer programs.

Her organization serves 40,000 children across the five boroughs in 150 schools.

Following school closures in March, the organization has successfully moved its programming online, and is positioned to provide virtual enrichment if gathering in large groups is not permitted by summer.

“We have well over 500 curriculums to do online,” says Gazdick. “Anything from chess to hip hop, to tutoring students, cooking, fun and lots of engaging things.”

Program director Shay Coke says budget cuts could have a lasting impact on children she serves in the Bronx

“We are a beacon. We are a safe haven for a lot of children in these communities and without somewhere to go, their lost,” says Coke.