Our Support Making a Difference
NYPD Mentoring Program Scores High Marks in Far Rockaway DESTINY XII Q3 2020
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When you put community first, success follows !!!
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Destiny newsletter is a quarterly publication created to give you a glimpse into the stories of some of the organizations and programs National Grid Foundation supports.
Editor Creative Director Executive Director
Christine Berardi Pamela Focá Edward H. White Jr.
Photo: Bruce Adler
NYPD
Mentoring Program Scores High Marks in Far Rockaway By Christine Berardi
Putting its own spin on the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child,” the New York Police Department (NYPD) has introduced an innovative academic and mentoring program which is making a significant difference in Far Rockaway, New York. In October 2018, the NYPD partnered with the Department of Education (DOE) to bring the Neighborhood Coordination School Initiative (NCSI) to underserved youth in the Far Rockaway community. The main goals of the program are to encourage change
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Photo: Bruce Adler
by inspiring, guiding and teaching young people and to bridge the gap between the community and the police. More than 100 boys ages 9 to 11 from a dozen schools participate in the program. The police staff includes 1 Lieutenant, 1 Sergeant, 1 Detective and 14 Police Officers from Patrol Borough Queens South. “We knew there was a need in this community,” said Lieutenant Lenora Moody who spearheaded the program after learning about a similar concept launched in Los Angeles, CA. “We are here to stop the school to gang to prison pipeline that occurs
in many communities. We want to help these young people succeed. The police officers give everything they have to the kids. We are all in,” she said. The NYPD works hand in hand with the DOE providing the students with a positive and productive setting while receiving the educational support they need. The NYPD provides homework help while DOE staff offer professional tutoring services. Police staff keep in close contact with parents and educators. Students are also team members on the Far Rockaway Colts, a NYPD flagfootball league. They play after school and tutoring lessons.
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Prior to the academic enrichment and tutoring portion of the program, officers are assigned to patrol the neighborhoods in the 100th and 101st police precincts near the schools. These officers work with and assist other officers with school dismissals and any other school-related issues that may occur. Success was not easy nor immediate for this creative joint venture. There were fights between students, behavioral issues, poor academic scores, trust issues and family
“We are here to stop the school to gang to prison pipeline that occurs in many communities. We want to help these young people succeed. The police officers give everything they have to the kids. We are all in.”
and is an initial funder.” This summer, the NY Giants football team heard about the program and is lending its support. Colts players enjoyed a virtual pizza party with Giants players. Through the program, the NYPD staff are more than police officers -- they have become friends, confidants, and bonus family members. “We have been invited to graduations, barbeques, and other family events,” said Detective Patrick Blanc. “We are available 24/7 to the kids no matter what the issue.” Police Officer Stephen Raszka added, “We want to build that relationship with the kids. The students know we care and that
– Lieutenant Lenora Moody concerns. Everyone working together has made the program a success. The police officers are true role models and mentors who teach the young people that getting an education is important but so is having fun. They also show the students how to resolve problems and how to respect themselves and others. NYPD, teachers, parents and students are seeing that the hard work is paying off. NCSI is changing the narrative for young people in Far Rockaway. Students are attending school regularly, improving their academic scores and correcting the way they conduct themselves. Funding for the transformative program is provided by the NYPD Foundation and grants from National Grid Foundation. Lt. Moody said, “We are thrilled that National Grid Foundation believes in the program Photo: Bruce Adler
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Photo: Bruce Adler
we have their backs. We are proud of their accomplishments.” The other important aspect of the program is the after-school flag-football league run by the NYPD. The time that the students spend with the officers offers much more than football. This is where young people learn about teamwork, accountability, dependability, respect, kindness while exercising and having fun. The Far Rockaway Colts have become superstars in their schools and neighborhoods. Detective Blanc said, “Students are proud to tell their friends they are involved in the program. Kids want to join and become a Far Rockaway Colt.” The COVID-19 pandemic may have halted the tutoring sessions and football games
for a few months, but that didn’t stop the NYPD from keeping in touch the students. The officers are “all in” and made sure the students knew that during the changing and challenging times. During the summer when it was safe to gather in very small groups, the officers reunited with some youngsters for a few social events. It was beneficial for both students and officers. The NYPD hopes to bring the initiative to Brooklyn and other NYC boroughs so those communities have the same opportunity as Far Rockaway. It takes a village to raise a child. With the hard work and achievements of the Neighborhood Coordination School, the NYPD and the Far Rockaway community are happy to be part of that village. ❧
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Positive Changes “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” — Christopher Robin – Winnie the Pooh
Two examples from Kathleen Grady, the principal, at PS104Q in Far Rockaway: Jim A., a 3rd grade student, had poor work habits and a lack of respect for a quality education. His parents are uneducated and due to family issues, education is not on the top on their priority list. Since entering the Neighborhood Coordination School Initiative, he worked diligently to produce level 3 and 4 work which earned him a high spot on the PS 104Q honor roll. Working with the officers, Jim’s core character values have shifted. He exudes confidence and displays great pride in being part of a team. Jim is better able to tolerate frustration, cries less easily and can cope with circumstances that trigger his strong sensitivity.
Eswin R., has benefited in all aspects of the program. He has lost more than 25 pounds since becoming a Far Rockaway Colt. His personal confidence has skyrocketed and his willingness to take academic risks is starting to blossom. He did not believe he was smart enough to learn, so he simply did not try. Eswin is striving in the classroom, completes all his homework during after-school tutoring, and even powers through extra-credit assignments. Eswin reflected on his behavioral changes since joining the team, “I respect more people. In the third grade I used to walk out of the class when I wanted. Now, I learned how to respect my teachers. I see its important. Officer Iglesias told me to respect them. I want to make them proud.”
Police officers involved in the program have noted other successes and improvements: Mekhi E. a third-grade student, was struggling to read at a firstgrade level when the program began, but after weeks and months of after-school tutoring from the DOE and homework help from the NYPD, Mekhi is now reading at grade level.
Jhamir V. a fourth-grade student, was in danger of being left back a grade. After entering the NSCI program, Jhamir completely turned around his grades and even made the Goldie Maple math honor roll.
Alejandro M. a fifth grader, who is challenged due to a learning disability, struggled in school to perform well. Since joining the program, his attendance and class participation has greatly improved. He earned an award for excellence in writing.
Londeice C. a fifth grader, had missed 20+ straight days of school and was in danger of being left back. When Detective Blanc went to Londeice’s home to speak to him about his attendance, he told Detective Blanc that the reason he wasn’t attending school was because other kids made fun of his teeth since he needed braces. After hearing this, Detective Blanc was able to get Londeice an appointment at an orthodontist the very next day. Londeice was so happy that he was going to get his teeth fixed he returned to school the very next day and has not missed a day of school since. @FarRockawayColts · Community Service
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Bridge Over Troubled Water School On Wheels Mass (Sowma) Helps Students Navigate For Success
Mission
The mission of School on Wheels of Massachusetts is to support the academic, social and emotional growth of students impacted by homelessness. Vision
The vision of School on Wheels of Massachusetts is for all students impacted by homelessness to have the academic, social and emotional support necessary to achieve a bright and productive future that will help end the cycle of homelessness.
By Deborah Drew
Charting a course during the educational and social challenges this year has presented is no easy feat for any educator, student or family, but School on Wheels MA (SOWMA), though its Bridge Program, is building bridges to educational success for middle, high school and college students impacted by homelessness, steering through even the most overwhelming challenges presented by COVID-19. The Bridge Program provides one-on-one mentoring, services and resources to help homeless youth and students succeed in school and access vocational and higher education opportunities. Students receive personalized support throughout their education journey and can be matched
with a volunteer mentor to help them flourish. SOWMA provides special support too: Trainings in financial aid, budgeting and career planning; social and emotional counseling; connecting students with academic and vocational opportunities; on campus help that circumvents challenges and helps students stay in school. SOWMA also offers critical resources that help students meet unmet costs, reducing barriers to education: It provides laptops, textbooks, training, testing, bus passes, dorm supplies, personal items, housing deposits, tuition gaps, and covers emergencies and fees not included in community or financial aid. Last March, many students had to leave their campus dorms, disrupting a respite
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that gave them a fresh start, connection to peers and safe housing. Most had to move off campus immediately, leading to “couch surfing” with friends or moving back into precarious and unhealthy environments. SOWMA was able to help students move, find and set up housing, purchase living essentials, and secure access to technology to ensure uninterrupted learning. Volunteer mentors and staff
quickly shifted to all virtual mentoring, using technology that teens and young adults are familiar with, resulting in limited social and educational interruption. Thankfully, these vulnerable students were able to get the resources, caring, and critical support they needed as they stabilized under evolving pandemic protocols so that they can pace with their peers and stay on track with their goals. ❧
School on Wheels (SOWMA) Bridge Program & National Grid Foundation “I was very concerned that student progress would be quickly reversed when the pandemic hit in March. Students became understandably overwhelmed and in some cases outright dejected. National Grid Foundation’s generosity enabled us to tend to each and every student to address their fear and make arrangements, so each felt safe and supported as we orchestrated individual solutions and alleviated their fear.” — Jonathan Vincent, Director, SOWMA Bridge Program
2019
100% HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE SENIORS ON TRACK TO GRADUATE SPRING OR FALL
2020
March 72 students participated 14 students graduated from high school 3 students graduated from college 15 students matched with a volunteer mentor Many students are first generation graduates for both high school and college
2020
March 79 students enrolled in the SOWMA Bridge Program 100% of high school and college seniors on track to graduate in the spring or fall of 2020 22 students matched with a volunteer mentor
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Impact of Bridge Program & National Grid Foundation
Janelle*
Janelle is a proud student at UMass Dartmouth, an accomplishment she credits to the support she received from her mentoring experience with SOWMA’s Bridge Program. She was paired with SOWMA Mentor Mike Davis as she navigated college studies, her future and her determination to become self-sufficient. Throughout the outbreak of the pandemic, Janelle was partnered with Mike as she worked on her resolve to maintain her studies and focus on her future. “He has been great with taking my thoughts and ideas and putting them in a way where I can see it - and I believe him,” Janelle said. Janelle credits the Bridge Program for unwavering support and for opening doors to resources and opportunity as she navigated her future throughout the pandemic.
Kendall*
Kendall was guided through high school during turbulent times under the careful guidance of SOWMA’s Bridge Program. After graduating from high school in 2019, she was accepted and entered college in the fall of 2020. Adjusting to college life and navigating independence was difficult, but she had the emotional and academic mentoring support she needed as she adjusted to college life. The pandemic proved to be an overwhelming challenge for Kendall and she began to isolate, seeing no alternative but to drop out of school. During the summer she continued working with SOWMA as she simultaneously addressed some mental health issues brought about by a life of homelessness and the personal impact she felt with the onset of COVID-19. This fall, Kendall is back on track and in school, with the literal and figurative tools she needs to continue her studies safely. She plans to one day pay forward the generosity and support granted to her as she overcomes challenges and stays on course with her educational goals.
Brianna*
Brianna is a first-generation high school graduate and first in her family to attend college. She is a proud role model for her nine siblings. Brianna is entering her final year at SUNY Oneonta. “It’s hard to get out of the cycle of homelessness,” she said and profusely thanks SOWMA for always being there when she faced academic and personal hardship. When COVID-19 found her again displaced as colleges closed, she found additional support and immediate safe housing through SOWMA, living with a former staff member in the summer and working at a family shelter she once called home. Under the Bridge Program’s guidance and support, Brianna is now living in a new apartment and ready to continue her studies online. In addition to continuing her work at her alma mater family shelter, Brianna will be overseeing two of SOWMA’s tutoring sites, in Dorchester and Weymouth, as a part-time Site Coordinator and academic overseer for children and youth facing homelessness. *Student names have been changed for privacy protection
Pivoting is not the end of the disruption process, but the beginning of the next leg of your journey. – Jay Samit