youth bureau annual report cover 2011 · 2011-06-09 · “city of pride and greatness” 6 finance...

The City Of Mount Vernon Youth Bureau

Clinton I. Young, Jr., Mayor DaMia Harris, MS, Executive Director Elizabeth C. Abel, MSW, Deputy Director

ANNUAL REPORT 2010

The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau is the lead municipal agency that provides positive youth development services to youth ages 6-21. The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau supports generations of youth and families by developing and implementing safe, high quality programs that promote the physical, emotional and social well-being of our city’s young people.

Our mission is to empower, educate and prepare Mount Vernon’s youth and families to make healthy decisions that will lead to eventual self sufficiency and lifelong success. We are committed to ongoing evaluation and community mobilization, which strengthens our efforts as the central resource for the population that we serve.

“City of Pride and Greatness” 2

Statement from the Executive Director

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It is with great pride and pleasure that I present the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s 2010 Annual Report. 2010 has been a vibrant and productive year. I have been privileged to be in a position to oversee positive youth development opportunities that have benefited more than 6,000 youth and

milies throughout the year.


fa My key activities have been grant writing; oversight; evaluation; marketing and branding; and the development of environmental strategiesto reduce risk factors within our communityAggressive approach to grant writing has enabled the Bureau to expand wide-ranging youth development services that prepare our young people for self-sufficiency. Despite the challenging fiscal climate and the increased demand for services, the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau has been able to secure federal, state, county and city funds to support collaborative projects. Realizing the importance of structureprograms during unsupervised time, the Bureau employed programs that improved academperformance; job readiness and employment r

college and career exploration; civic engagement and community service; leadership and mentoringsubstance abuse and alcohol use prevention. This year, there was an increased focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and environmental strategies, which allowed our young people to be exposed to “green” learning and service p Young people from diverse backgrounds were afforded self-esteem building opportunities as well as cultural and social enrichment activities. Through offerings such as the Mount Vernon S.T.R.O.N.G, Safe Haven, Step Up!, GEM, World of Work, WWDAY and many other programs, alternatives to unsupervised time have been provided for absolutely FREE! Our Safe Haven Summer Camp was offered at a minimal cost and free for impoverished families. Services such as these have been greatly appreciated by parents, particularly given the economic climate. To our staff’s credit, our annual goal to provide 2,000 youth with the New York State Touchstones Life Areas of economic security, health, education, family, civic engagement and community was exceeded. The staff worked diligently to maintain the trust of the public and community stakeholders. Despite the multitude of challenges presented when serving youth, the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s staff handled each situation with the highest professionalism and accuracy. Often, the Bureau operates as a triage unit, addressing the urgent and individual needs of the population in which we serve. Therefore, it is with sincerity that I salute the members of this dynamic team. Much of our success has been attributed to our positive relationships with elected officials within the city, county and state. The Mayor’s Office, the Comptroller’s Office and the City Council have supported the Bureau every step of the way, resulting in a comprehensive approach to constituent services. The Bureau is thankful for the support from the New York State Assembly, Westchester County Board of Legislators and Westchester County Executive. For decades, the Bureau has maintained a relationship with the Mount Vernon City Schools District; this year, the Superintendent of Schools has been our partner in developing in and out of school collaborations to ensure that our young people receive the additional support during after-school hours.

In addition to collaborative efforts with the city’s school district and government agencies, the Bureau has relied on the support of the faith based, grassroots and non-profit organizations; law enforcement entities and local businesses. We are proud of the fact that approximately 300 youth were afforded the opportunity to work and/or perform community service in businesses that operated throughout the city and county. Collaborative efforts with non-profit organizations enabled the Bureau to film summer breeze concerts and produce musical performances such as the Michael Jackson tribute. The Bureau provided funding to local youth serving agencies which allowed youth to experience field trips to the United Nations, Madison Square Garden, Broadway and BET (Black Entertainment Television). Advocacy has been an ongoing activity this year. Through initiatives such as the Mayor’s Youth Empowerment Council, the Youth Board and Mount Vernon Communities That Care Coalition, families and youth have been apprised of the changes in government that impact their daily lives. Parents and youth have written letters, testified at public hearings and even traveled to Albany to voice their support of the Bureau and youth development services.

In 2011, the Bureau will implement a Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services model which will encourage young people to make healthy decisions regarding emotional, physical and sexual health. The Bureau has challenged young people to use their artistic strengths by participating in a “Logo” competition and the development of our new website. I also look forward to our “Ladies First in STEM” Conference and our very first “Rising Star Awards.” The Bureau is committed to the development of programs that will meet the following goals and objectives in 2011:

• Youth will have skills, attitudes and competencies to enter college, the workforce or other meaningful activities.

• Students will meet or exceed high standards for academic performance and demonstrate knowledge and skills required for lifelong learning and self-sufficiency

• Children and youth will have positive peer interactions, make constructive use of leisure time and will refrain from violence and other illegal behaviors

• Children and youth will participate in family and community activities • Children and youth will be socially, emotionally and physically healthy • Parents/ caregivers will have the knowledge and ability to access support services for their

children We sincerely hope that you will find this report to be beneficial and that you will continue to support the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau as we provide the public with valuable, comprehensive services to youth and families.


"In my view, what you all have done with the young people is a very good thing. I am truly grateful for the time you spend with them. You have opened their eyes to many things. As a parent I am proud and truly humbled by what I have seen from the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau"

Mr. H. Stewart, Parent

The Mount Vernon Youth employed 56 adults in 2010; several of which were seasonal teachers, social workers, evaluators and professional in residence. Below are key staff that work throughout the year.

Program & Part-Time Staff

Administrative Staff • DaMia Harris, Executive Director

• Vanessa Cowan, Project Coordinator • Elizabeth C. Abel, Deputy Director • Claudette Coote, Project Coordinator • Debbie Burrell-Butler, Youth Employment

Coordinator • Wayne Woodbury, Step Up! Coordinator • Victoria Vanderberg, WWDAY/STEM

Project Coordinator • Dena Williams, Youth Program Coordinator • Hamp Miller, Mount Vernon STRONG,

Project Director • Dominique Smith, Office Assistant • Tiffany Morris, Summer Employment

Director

• Diane Brown, Safe Haven Summer Camp Director

• Shalawn Lambert, Project Coordinator • Nigel Butler, Project Coordinator • Arthur Muhammad, Project Coordinator • Shirley Jackson, Career Center • Deenah Minor, Community Worker Aide • Karoy Chandlier, Project Coordinator • Charlotte Moore, Community Worker Aide • Lavinia Smith, Seniors Consultant • Gustavo Nunez, Community Worker Aide

• Rahsaan Sabree, Community Worker Aide • Greg Algbedo, Community Worker Aide

Youth Board Members:

Teonda King, Youth Member Art Crawford, President Chun Li, Member Robert Nurse, Vice President Jockell Maragh,Youth Member Mitzi Washington-Ambrose, Vice President

Jillian Perry, Secretary, Youth Member Demetrios Mihailidis, Member Francis Sade, Youth Member Asad Richardson, Parlimatarian, Yth. Member Jessica Ramos, Youth Member Darrell Bell, Youth Member Skylar Williams, Youth Member Jennifer Carpenter, Member Tara Wilson-Lattimer, Member Dion Clark, Member Chandalaria Wright, Member Edith Charles, Member Zelda Zanfordina, Youth Member Nefray Demetrius, Youth Member

Kymani Green, Youth Member



Finance The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s operating budget was $1,428,394 for 2010. This amount included $911,370 in grant funding and $517,024* from the City of Mount Vernon’s allocation for financial support to the Youth Bureau. However, grant funding exceeded the city’s financial support because of the overlapping of calendar years for several grants awarded to the Youth Bureau in 2010.

As of December 31, 2010, the total amount of donations received was $1,800, .15% of the total funding for the year. Over the last three years, the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s cumulative donation account balance is $48,281. Due to the continuous strain on the economy the Youth Bureau’s donations decreased in comparison with the 2009 donation figure. The Youth Bureau’s funding from the federal, state, county, local governments, and donations in their respective percentages: 2.69%; 58.44%; 14.46%; 24.26% and .15%. * ($291,840 is the matching figure to receive other grants from outside funding sources.)

On behalf of the youth and parents who have benefited from the various youth employment initiatives, the Mayor and the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau would like to sincerely say “thank you”. For decades, organizations have made it possible for our young people to gain valuable introductions into the workplace. By contributing resources which include but are not limited to grant funds, donations, personnel and physical locations for youth to work, you have enabled the Youth Bureau to maintain the largest youth employment operation within the City of Mount Vernon.

Financial Sources of Support:

• Greater Centennial A.M.E Zion Church • Legislator Lyndon Williams • Lions Club of Mount Vernon • Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce • Mount Vernon City Schools District • Mount Vernon Planning and

Community Development • New York State Department of

Education • New York State Department of Labor • New York State Office of Children and

Family Services • St. John’s Riverside Hospital /

Adolescent Pregnancy and Prevention Services

• United States Department of Mental Health and Human Services/ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

• Westchester Community College Foundation and Extension Center

• Westchester County Board of Legislators

• Westchester County Youth Bureau • Westchester County Department of

Social Services • Westchester Jewish Community

Services • Westchester/Putnam Local Workforce

Investment Board


2010 Youth Employment and Training Programs For 28 years, the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau has been known as the central location for summer and after-school youth employment. In 2010, the Youth Employment and Training Program serviced 2,462 youth. 274 youth (178 unduplicated), ages 14-21, were employed during after-school and/or summer employment programs. Prior to job placement, youth received interview and resume preparation workshops; basic and social skills assessments and one-on- one job coaching. These services provided the necessary skills and techniques that were needed to gain an introduction to the workplace. The Bureau has expanded its curriculum to include opportunities that will prepare our youth for high growth industries such as culinary arts; green business; healthcare; hospitality and information technology. The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau has been able to match youth to worksites that meet the youth’s interest in their future careers and career paths. Worksites consisted of but were not limited to, all major departments within City Hall, including the Mayor’s, Comptroller’s and City Clerk’s Offices, Police Department and Department of Public Works. Additional worksites included: Allen Memorial Church; the Boys and Girls Club; Emmanuel Children’s Mission Academy; Friendship Summer Enrichment Program; Link By Link, Inc.; the Milestone School; the Mount Vernon City School District; Mount Vernon Day Care Center; the Mount Vernon Public Library; Mount Vernon YMCA; Toddler’s Park Daycare Center; Vernon Height’s Day Care Center; the Wartburg Adult Care Center.

Youth working at the Wartburg Adult Care Center

Danay Ross, 17- “Working for the Youth Bureau has given me the confidence and experience that I need for future jobs.”

Curtis Spruill, 17- “I look forward to coming to work each and everyday. Helping the young children makes me feel great, especially when they call me, Mr. Spruill.”


Westchester – Putnam Workforce Investment (WIB) Private Sector Summer Employment Program - The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau was able to extend their youth Employment Programs to youth ages 18-24. With an approved curriculum for work readiness training, 36 young adults completed the training program and were then interviewed by a team of professionals - the Youth Employment Service Coordinator, Youth Board members and a volunteer from the United Way Volunteer Center. This program allowed collaboration between the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, the Westchester County Business Council and the New York State Department of Labor. Employment opportunities ranged from skilled jewelry technicians paying $18.00 per hour to soft skilled office clerk paying $7.50 per hour.

Work Readiness Training Program- The Youth Employment Service Coordinator worked in partnership with Depart of Labor One Stop to conduct workshops each quarter throughout the year to enhance youth skills, attitudes and competencies to assist the youth in preparing for college and the workforce. Workshops included career exploration; money management; etiquette; resume and cover letter writing; online job search and community service.

Summer Employment Program- During the 2010 summer employment program, 117 youth were employed, with 92 youth being employed for the first time. Funding for this program was provided by the City of Mount Vernon and the Urban Renewal Agency’s Community Development Block Grant. As a part of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s positive youth development initiative, youth were mandated to write resumes and cover letters before the end of their employment period.

Summer TANF Employment and Training Program- Funding from the Westchester/ Putnam Local Workforce Investment Board and the Westchester County Department of Social Services allowed 30 youth, ages 14-18, to participate in paid work experiences throughout the summer. The Bureau focused on green job initiatives, which allowed participants to work within the Departments of Management Services, Public Works, Planning and Water Supply.

Youth Empowerment Program - The Westchester County Board of Legislators, and County Legislator Lyndon Williams, enabled 70 youth, ages 14-21, to receive comprehensive basic job readiness and occupational skills training. Participants were provided with employment opportunities and community service projects throughout the summer. 40 of the program participants resided at the Youth Shelter of Westchester, Inc., which is an alternative to incarceration program located within the city.


The Summer Entrepreneurship Academy As a result of the 5th year of partnership with the Westchester Community College Foundation, the Westchester Community College Mount Vernon Extension Center and the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, Inc., 17 high school students were equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities that were needed to develop a small business. This unique program introduced youth, ages 15-17, to the basic principles of planning and managing a business, while exposing them to the college environment. These youth participated in business competitions, educational field trips and motivational seminars. Participants had the opportunity to travel to BET (Black Entertainment Television) to meet with Company Executives.

World of Work After-school Employment Program - The Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency and Community Development Program made this program possible by funding 36 youth during after-school hours last fall. This program required the youth’s participation in bi-weekly, youth development workshops. Youth were placed within churches, daycares and schools to utor and mentor young children. t

Life Guard Training – In partnership with the Mount Vernon YMCA, youth were trained and certified in First Aid and CPR. Five participants received certification to be Life Guards. The Career Center- Known for more than two decades for hosting job fairs and caddy training programs, the Career Center has continued to serve students at Mount Vernon High School. In 2010, 74 youth reported being hired through the Career Center including the Playland Job Fair. There were more than 2,934 referrals made on behalf of students to community service organizations and employers. College and career workshops were offered. This program has been financially supported through the New York State Department of Labor as a result of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services grant and partnership with the St. John’s Riverside Hospital.

School Based Programs


WWDAY/STEM Program – Funded through Westchester-Putnam Workforce Investment Board, Westchester Workforce Development Academy for Youth (WWDAY) was designed to provide 30 High School students from Nellie A. Thornton High School with a comprehensive program that will enable youth to transition into adulthood and build a foundation towards economic self-sufficiency. This program is the first program that is completely dedicated to S.T.E.M. (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) projects. Academic support, guest speakers, workshops on STEM careers and post secondary education tracks were offered during lunch periods and after-school hours.

The Safe Haven After-school Program- For 13 years, the Safe Haven Program has provided children with positive youth development programming during after-school hours. This year the program was located at the Graham Elementary School. The Safe Haven Program is a drop-in after-school program that offers academic and social support. The Future Society Association and mentors interacted with the students through fun and exciting obstacle course games. This year the program served 95

outh through the after-school program. y

Mount Vernon S.T.R.O.N.G. (Students Taking Responsibility and Ownership Now and Graduating) - The program is a collaboration between the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, Mount Vernon City School District, the Guidance Center Inc. and WestHab Inc. This program is designed to provide structured educational assistance, creative enrichment opportunities and youth development activities to Mount Vernon High School students.


The NYS Department of Education, through the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant has funded this program to provided comprehensive services within the largest high school in the City of Mount Vernon.

Credit Recovery is one of the greatest strengths of this program. This year, the Mount Vernon S.T.R.O.N.G. Program served 144 students. Eleventh and twelfth grade students were provided the opportunity to recover credits in core subjects. The recovered credits also counted towards promotion and graduation. After-school enrichment activities included occupational skills training such as Automotive Repair and

hotography. P A cademies that took place during 2010 were:

Café Academy – 12 students attended sessions at the Westchester Community College, Mount Vernon Extension Center, where they learned he basic components of the culinary field. t

Cosmetology Academy - 6 students learned the asics of hair styling, hair care and maintenance. b

Drama and Dance Academy - 25 students designed, choreographed and showcased their talents and creativity in city wide events. The highlight of this academy was the tribute to Michael Jackson, where 25 participants performed Michael Jackson’s Greatest Hits for he “Relay For Life” fund raiser. t

E.N.V.I.S.I.O.N Film Academy.- Expressing New Visions, Inspirations and Standards In Our Neighborhoods – participants gained hands on knowledge of the inner workings of film, media and production. The students filmed Mount Vernon Recreation Department’s 10 Summer Breeze Concerts. The students were introduced to script writing, editing and public speaking. A fully formatted DVD of the concerts is available online at www.cmvny.com (Youth Bureau).

Mount Vernon Intergenerational Program- There have been 32 students served annually through the senior citizens mentorship and tutoring. Local senior residents volunteer to promote literacy and academic improvements in various elementary schools. Both the youth and seniors are also members of the Intergenerational Community Choir, which features the well known “rapping grannies.” The choir rehearses weekly with a music director to provide elementary students at Trapaghen Elementary School with music lesions and stage erformance. p

The choir performed in Traphagen’s 2010 Spring Concert, the NYS Intergenerational Network (NYSIgN) Conference at Manhattanville College and the Winter Concert. Mrs. Lavinia Smith, was recognized by County Legislator Bernice Spreckman at the Jewish Council of Yonkers Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event and was one of the honorees recognized for her work in the NYSlgN, SMART (Student and Mature Adults Read Together) Program and Summer Reading

uddies. B

ICC performing at the NYSIgN conference

Safe Haven Summer Camp- Due to the shortage of affordable camps within the Mount Vernon Community, the Safe Haven Summer Camp was developed to provide a fun and safe recreation environment for students’ ages 6-13, during summer vacation. This program was made possible through the Westchester County Board of Legislators unding. f

During the months of July and August, 49 campers attended the Safe Haven Summer Camp held at Longfellow Elementary School. Campers went on exciting field trips such as: Lake Compounce; Splish Splash; Mountain Creek; Great Escape; Regal Cinema at New Roc City; Bowler Land: and Orchard Beach. “I love the Safe Haven Camp!” said Kenshasha Jean-Lewis.

Youth at Safe Haven Summer Camp

Counselor-In-Training (C.I.T.) – The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau created the C.I.T. Program for youth ages 13-14. In 2010, seven, C.I.T were employed at the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau Safe Haven Summer Camp for six weeks. During the six weeks, C.I.T.s gained valuable insights to what it takes to become a responsible youth counselor.


Girls Embracing Maturity (G.E.M.) - 25 eighth grade female students from A. B. Davis Middle School were provided with Youth-Police Initiative (YPI) training through the North Atlantic Family Institute and the Mount Vernon Police Department. The City of Mount Vernon provided funding which allowed the Bureau to address the increasing violence among the female youth population. Participants received a myriad of meaningful activities that were designed to reduce “girl fights,” disrespectful language and confrontational

ehaviors towards school personnel. b Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Nu Omega Chapter sponsored the 2nd Annual Intergenerational Women’s Conference where guest speakers and panelist were invited to addressed the GEM participants and 75 additional eighth grader girls on self awareness; health awareness and personal hygiene; job readiness; social etiquette and grace; domestic violence (bullying); the importance of education and money management.


GEMs and invited guests during the Intergenerational

Conference at A.B. Davis

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.

Step Up! – Leo Bailey, 16 "Step Up taught me how to stay

on task, get a job and believe in myself."

The Step Up! Program has gained national attention for its unique method of mentoring the city’s most “at-risk” male population. The Youth-Police Initiative was developed to encourage trust and communication between the youth and the police. The program partnered with the Mount Vernon Police Department and the North American Family Institute to create a dialogue between both the youth and police officers. During these sessions, both groups shared their life stories and acknowledged how closely many of their stories resembled each others. The youth reported to have gained their an understanding and appreciation of the role of police officers. According to our evaluations, the sessions encouraged a few of the young men to pursue law enforcement and public safety as career options.

Participants conducted role plays to practice appropriate interactions with the police. Youth committed to refraining from violence and illegal

ehaviors. b

According to the Mount Vernon City School District incident reports, program participants have had a 94% decrease in school behavioral incidences. As result of the program, only two of the 104 Step Up participants have been arrested which yielded a 2% recidivism rate. There was an 80% increase in the participants overall academic performance.


Ryan Anthony Wallace, 17

"Being in Step Up and having a Mentor is like having a parent outside the home teaching you the things you

on't learn in the home." d

Since 2009, the Westchester County Board of Legislators, though Legislator Lyndon Williams has provided financial support for this much needed program. Step Up participants practiced public speaking and addressed the needs of their peers during press conferences and hearings.

Youth participated in team building activities with elementary school students to better understand and respect people who are different from themselves.

Step Up participants were encouraged to join sport teams and attend workshops and programs where they are given an understanding to what it takes to obtain and maintain optimal physical and emotional health. A number of the participants are members of the Mount Vernon High School Wrestling Team, Jr. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, and Jr. Naval SEAL Training Corps. They have also participated in National campaigns to raise awareness such as World AIDS Day and Relay For Life.

Community & Civic Engagement The Mayor’s Youth Empowerment Council (YEC) encourages youth to participate in activities that will spark an interest in school, city and national government and focuses on projects that will develop the skills needed to

e positive contributions to the community. mak

YEC with Assemblyman Pretlow

In 2010, the YEC met with New York State Assemblyman Gary Pretlow who spent over an hour listening and discussing various ideas to mprove the city.


i The youth competed in the Black History Challenge sponsored by the Mount Vernon Community That Cares Coalition and were mentors to the 4th and 5th grade students at Graham Elementary School. During the month of May, the youth participated in the Paint the City Purple Parade and raised money for the American Cancer Society through the ‘Relay For Life’ Campaign.

Graham Elementary Schools “Day of Service”

Members volunteered to work in the Graham Elementary School’s Community Garden. Participants volunteered their time to work with the Neighbors That Cares coalition and the Mount Vernon City School District.

Volunteers of V.I.C.T.O.R.Y. with Westchester

Black Woman’s Political Caucus V.I.C.T.O.R.Y - Volunteers Inspiring Change Through Opportunities Reaching Youth -Community service projects were initiated by youth from middle and high schools throughout the city. During 2010, participants visited the Armory twice a week to call senior citizens on the sick and shut-in list. The participant’s have donated time to Sacred Heart Church to help serve meals. Youth volunteered to raise voter rights awareness through working with the Westchester Black Woman’s Political Caucus. Also the participants have completed a poster campaign for “My Sisters Place” to enhance the morale of the clients. They completed a training program where they became “junior facilitators” and are able to raise awareness by educating their peers on teen dating violence.

Youth Board – The Mount Vernon Youth Board is currently comprised of 21 members, eleven of which are youth who attend public and private schools. The members are Mount Vernon residents who are appointed by the Mayor. Board members volunteer their time to support the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau through advocacy and recommendations regarding the needs of the city’s youth. The Board is advisory in that they meet once a month with the Executive Director to share their expertise in dealing with youth, personnel management and project development. This year board members testified in Albany to support New York State Youth Bureaus. They were also instructed in interviewing candidates for various positions within the Youth Bureau.


Mayor Memorial Educational Assistance Program - 25 applicants were selected to receive financial assistance for college, in 2010. This was the 2nd year that the Bureau implemented this initiative, which was formerly known as the Thomas E. Sharpe Assistance Program.

Power of Peace - For the past four years, Michael Arterberry, CEO of the Youth Voice, Inc. has provided the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s youth workers with intense conflict resolution and anti-violence training. The training focused on developing self-esteem, group cohesion and leadership skills. Youth Voice, Inc. graciously sponsored the Power of Peace (P.O.P) graduation dinner held at the Allen Memorial Church for 62 youth.

Workshop building in healthy relationships

Honorable Clinton I. Young Jr., Mayor, addresses the youth at the Power of Peace graduation dinner. He stated, “You established yourself as leaders. The world doesn’t need more followers---we need leaders and Mount Vernon has a history of producing leaders like you. So, I wish to congratulate you on this pecial day.” s

The Mount Vernon Community That Cares (MVCTC)

The Mount Vernon Communities That Care (MVCTC) is a model, comprehensive public health prevention system, which communities throughout the country have employed to mobilize families, residents, agencies and policy makers in addressing many of the risk factors that exist within their communities. By involving community stake holders, which include parents, elected officials, community leaders, merchants, youth, faith-based leaders, etc, the City of Mount Vernon has been able to develop a community profile through youth surveys, archival data, and interviews that identify, evaluate and prioritize community risk and protective factors, and implement new programs. Through the use of the federal Drug Free Communities Grant, the MVCTC offered programming which included but were not imited to: l

Training for Youth Serving Providers MVCTC held training for youth serving agencies to increase community-wide and meaningful involvement for youth to increase perceptions of the risk of unhealthy activities, including alcohol and other drug use. Over 250 students were involved in more than 6 separate days of positive drug free alternatives that also featured information on the harmfulness of alcohol and other drugs. Mini grants were awarded to participating agencies.


Black History Challenge Over 150 students participated in a competition featuring questions related to all aspects of past and recent history. Eight teams competed in the event which also featured poetry reading, praise ance and guest speakers. d

Operation Protect The MVCTC partnered with the police department to host several resource fairs and promote the use of services to improve social, emotional, mental and physical health. Youth- Police Training were also funded to enhance communication between families and youth who esided within the “protect” zones. r

Red Ribbon Week Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign across the nation. Guest speakers addressed the students of Longfellow Elementary School on committing to living a drug free life. Rose Elio, Clinical Supervisor of WestCOP-Substance Abuse Services brought two staff members to help raise awareness and educate the youth on drug prevention with the hopes to ultimately create a drug free city. The speakers were well received by the youth and following the seminar was a wonderful and informative Q&A session.

Merchant Educations and Sales to Minors Coalition members planned merchant education activities which enabled youth to deliver educational materials related to teenage drinking. Merchants were educated on the emerging threat of the alcoholic energy drinks packaged to look like non-alcohol beverages.


Highlights

Family Day Family Day is a county wide initiative that has been established locally to encourage the positive community norm of families sharing meals. 250 community members participated in the Family Day Activities demonstrating that parents are interested in reducing the risk factors within their neighborhoods and improving communication with the city and school officials.

“I am very pleased with the partnership between the City, the District and the Community. Countless studies have proven that young adults who are nurtured by an entire community grow up to be successful adults,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. W.L. “Tony” Sawyer. “Together we can ensure that our youth grow healthy and happy.”

Lights On After-School Press Conference

For the past two years, the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau joined the Mayor in conducting press conferences to thank our funding sources and inform the public about our after-school and summer program offerings. This year, the Bureau partnered with the After-school Alliance to promote the national movement, “Lights on After-school” initiative. During the press conference, city and state elected officials joined the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau by highlighting the Mount Vernon STRONG Program and partnering agencies such as Mount Vernon City School District, WestHab’s Peak Center and the Guidance Center. An estimated 1 million Americans participated in activities to promote after school programs at 7,500+ events

ationwide (www.afterschoolalliance.org). n

Parent Teacher Students Association (PTSA) Poster Contest The Mayor’s Youth Empowerment Council conducted the Parent Teacher Students Association (PTSA) poster contest in an effort to increase youth and parent membership and increase parental involvement in the schools and their children’s lives. There were 10 oil paintings that were submitted, two of which are in the Mount Vernon City School Districts 2010-2011 academic calendar.

World Aids Day MVCTC helped to plan and promote this event that featured motivational speakers, testing and resources. The objective of this program was to reduce unsafe sexual activity among youth. The youth were educated on the several onsequences of engaging in risky behaviors. c

“Step Up to a Resolution” In observance of National Conflict Resolution Day, the City of Mount Vernon and the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau partnered with the Mount Vernon City Schools District to present “Step Up to a Resolution”. The purpose of this workshop was to provide middle school students with the opportunity to discuss peaceful and meaningful alternatives to conflict. The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau assembled a team of motivational speakers from the “Step Up!” program, which included youth who may have been adversely impacted by their prior inability to resolve conflict. This event was also used as the kick-off event for the return of the Girls Embracing Maturity (G.E.M.) program to A.B. Davis Middle School. The group met on Tuesdays during lunch and Thursdays after- school.


Bowling with G.E.M.s The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s Girls Embracing Maturity (GEM) Program was selected to join mentors within the Mount Vernon Police Department for an evening of bowling. Members of the Mount Vernon Police Department funded this trip and have continued to work closely with the young ladies that participate in the Youth Bureau’s GEM Program at AB Davis Middle School.

Youth Empowerment Event: Giant Thinking Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr. and the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau partnered with Hassan Yasin, founder and CEO of Giant Thinking to present a great event, “Giant Thinking: Big Thoughts Present Big Things.” The purpose of this event was to encourage youth to set and achieve personal goals through the use of their minds and bodies, as opposed to the use of alcohol and drugs. This exciting and thought provoking “Giant Thinking” event was enjoyed by over 200 young people from the Youth Bureau’s summer employment and training programs, local summer camps, plus the participants’ parents. This event also consisted of a physical fitness demonstration, a town hall meeting, entertainment by local performers and giveaways.

Adopt-A-Block Campaign The “Adopt-A-Block” campaign began by allowing youth from the Mayors Youth Empowerment Council (YEC) to partner with Mount Vernon Community That Cares (MVCTC) coalition members to scan the community for areas that they deemed highly hazardous and in need of enhanced protection. The youth then selected the neighborhood that they felt would benefit from physical and environmental change. During each Saturday in September the YEC met with MVCTC coalition members and local neighborhood associations to reduce trash and graffiti to physically “beautify” the 5th Street Community Garden and Graham Elementary School Playgrounds. Volunteers provided children and families with information regarding safety and alcohol and substance abuse prevention. The Mount Vernon Police Department supported these efforts through increased patrols and youth/ police communication training.

2010 Summer Youth Employment Worksites • All Care Living Assistance

Services • Emmanuel Children's

Mission • Allen Memorial Church • Friendship Summer

Enrichment Program • Boys and Girls Club of Mount Vernon • Link by Link Children's,

Inc. • Chamber of Commerce • Milestone School • City of Mount Vernon -

Office of the Assessor • Mount Vernon CAG Day Care • City of Mount Vernon -

Department of Buildings • Mount Vernon High School-Basketball Camp • City of Mount Vernon -

City Clerk's Offices • Mount Vernon High School -Cafeteria • City of Mount Vernon -

Civil Service Commission • Mount Vernon Hospital • Mount Vernon

Neighborhood Health Center

• City of Mount Vernon -Comptroller's Office

• City of Mount Vernon -Department of Public Works

• Mount Vernon Public Library

• Mount Vernon Youth Bureau

• City of Mount Vernon - Fire Department

• Mount Vernon Youth Shelter

• City of Mount Vernon -Human Resources

• Mount Vernon YMCA • City of Mount Vernon - Law Department • New Beginnings Education

Institution • City of Mount Vernon -Management Services • Safe Haven Summer Day

Camp • City of Mount Vernon -Police Department • Sitting at Mama's Day Care

• City of Mount Vernon -Payroll

• Toddler's Park Day Care Center

• City of Mount Vernon -Recreation Department

• Trinity Place Community Center/ Trinity Episcopal Church • City of Mount Vernon -

Office for the Aging • Vernon Heights Day Care Center • City of Mount Vernon -

Planning and Community Development

• Wartburg Adult Care Center


“City of Pride and Greatness”

“I know my child is in good hands with the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau”

- Atilda Rosario, Parent

“If it were not for the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, I would not have been able to afford to send my children to Summer Camp.”

- Carol Wilson, Parent

“Through the World of Work program at the Mount Vernon Youth

Bureau, I would not have gained the job knowledge and public speaking skills to be able to recite Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Had a

Dream Speech.” - Jared Fenton, 17

Contact us at (914) 665-2344 or

www.cmvny.com 1 Roosevelt Square, Room 308

Mount Vernon, NY 10550

Clinton I. Young, Jr. Mayor

“City of Pride and Greatness”

DaMia Harris, MS Executive Director

youth bureau annual report cover 2011 · 2011-06-09 · “city of pride and greatness” 6 finance...

Documents