Over the past 8 weeks parents in the Frederick Douglass early childhood Head Start program have been participating in the Go! Healthy curriculum sponsored by the Children’s Aid Society. Parents delight as they come to our center for 2-3 hours to learn how to cook healthy meals that they can prepare quickly for themselves and their families. From pesto pasta salad, vegetable dumplings with a ginger soy sauce and pizza to granola, frittatas and burritos, all parents agreed that the meals were easy to make and delicious. Amazingly, all recipes are made from scratch and only take 20-30 minutes to cook on a make-shift portable stove top.
After each meal is complete, our parents come together to share in the savory dishes and talk about cooking strategies. For example, we talk about ways to save money on ingredients. We also discuss how to engage children in the cooking process. This might entail reading labels or talking about mathematical quantities such as half and quarter cup. Mothers also agreed that this is a great way to get children to try new foods.
Everyone who participated felt that this was the best cooking class they’ve ever participated in. Thanks to Naxielly Dominguez for facilitating the course! As she always says, “Cooking is an art and the meal is your masterpiece”.
Margaret Caspe, The Children’s Aid Society in New York
Tags: Children, children's aid new york, Health
By Children's Aid Society
Throughout the city, The Children’s Aid Society is celebrating Black History Month. Children and staff are honoring Black heroes and she-roes and learning about their contributions to science, art, politics and technology.
The youth at the Hope Leadership Academy in Harlem are studying Marcus Garvey’s life story and have created a bulletin board in honor of Black History Month. They also held a Trivia Night, a fun way to test their memory skills.
At the Drew Hamilton Learning Center, classrooms and an entire corridor have been decorated for Black History month. A bulletin board in one of the classrooms features photos of African American leaders alongside photos of the center’s two- and three-year-olds dressed up as future versions of themselves (pictured at right) – among them a police officer, president and animal doctor. These famous role models help the children envision a bright future full of big plans.
Many sites are also taking their creativity to the stage. Youth at the Frederick Douglass Center have created exhibits throughout the building and will put on a short play for friends and family. The East Harlem Center will close out the month with a “Colors of Our History” performance.
Photos by: James Powell and Casper Lassiter for The Children’s Aid Society
Tags: Children, children's aid new york, news
By Giany
The East Harlem Center was crawling with cops on the night of January 27th, and the community could not have been happier. The East Harlem Head Start hosted an informational forum titled, “Know Your Rights – Know Your Precinct.” The forum was held in response to some neighborhood safety concerns. Over the last few years, the East Harlem Head Start program has been working on building better relationships between their immigrant families and the local police officers. There have been neighborhood safety concerns around the fact that many serious crimes have gone unreported by immigrant families due to fear of deportation, misinformation and a general lack of knowledge of available resources.
In collaboration with the 23rd Precinct, NYPD administration, the District Attorney’s Office and Senator Serrano, the Forum addressed many of the families concerns and aimed at clearing up confusion. Topics included: distinction between NYPD and Immigration, Executive Order 41, 311 vs. 911, acceptable forms of ID, resources throughout the police department, and general public safety tips. A representative from the 2010 Census also spoke about the importance of being counted in the upcoming Census.
A strong panel of presenters were able to provide a significant amount of information and answers to the audience’s questions. Presenters included:
Senator Jose M. Serrano (New York State Senator for the 28th District); Chief Philip Banks III (Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Manhattan North); Deputy Inspector William Pla (Commanding Officer of the 23rd Precinct); Captain Santana (Executive Officer – 23rd Precinct); Sgt. Gary Giersbach (Commanding Officer of the Youth Office – 23rd Precinct); Officer Oliver Matos (Youth Officer -23rd Precinct); Officer Frank Galindo (Community Affairs Officer-23rd Precinct); Officer Miguel Murphy (Community Affairs Officer 23rd Precinct); Officer Rios (Domestic Violence – 23rd Precinct); Sgt. Lizbeth Villafane (Commanding Officer of the New Immigrant Outreach Unit); Chief Coppuchi (PSA5 Housing); Maria De La Rosa (Deputy Director of Community Affairs for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office); Cesar Vasquez: (23rd Precinct’s Community Council President); Andres Mares Muro (U.S. Census Bureau).
Head Start parents Nicole McClammy and Brenda Colon introduced the panelists and Maria Diaz shared a success story from working with the Precinct.
The audience appreciated the strong NYPD presence and the beginning of an important on-going dialogue about how to build more trusting relationships throughout the community. A follow-up forum, focusing specifically on immigration issues, is being planned for March.
Tags: Children, children's aid new york, news
By Moria
Pictured: Pio Schunker, Senior Vice President of Creative Excellence, Coca-Cola North America, addresses teens about Coke's Super Bowl ads. Looking on at left is Evan McElroy, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
A week before the big game, approximately 50 teens were among the first in the nation to preview Coca-Cola’s Super Bowl XLIV ads at The Children’s Aid Society’s Dunlevy Milbank Boys & Girls Club in Harlem.
The teens listened to presentations from Coca-Cola and Facebook executives and learned about a tie-in program that allows Facebook users to join Coca-Cola in making a positive difference in their communities by benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
The new Facebook initiative will allow Coca-Cola fans to give a virtual gift to their friends on Facebook. For every gift, Coca-Cola will donate $1 to the Boys & Girls Club of America with a goal of $250,000.
Tags: Children, children's aid new york, news
By Giany
As the chief executive of one of New York’s largest children’s services organizations, I found a lot to applaud in President Obama’s State of the Union address before Congress. The domestic initiatives he announced, including doubling the child care tax credit, passing a job-creation bill, revitalizing community colleges, creating a college tuition tax credit and expansion of the Pell grant program can make a profound difference for the nation’s children and families.
We share the President’s central vision — that children’s success should not depend on where they live, but on their potential. Early in his speech, he described reading letters from children asking “Why do I have to move away from my home?” or “When will my parents find jobs?” As the President and Congress move forward on health reform, education reform, and job creation, we hope that they will continue to pay attention to the voices of those children. As we work to improve access to higher education and create jobs with living wages, we cannot forget the particular challenges faced by teens aging out of foster care or those being released from juvenile detention facilities. As we strive to reform public education, we must remember that the most successful educational program cannot serve a child who is too sick to attend school regularly, too hungry to focus when they get there, and too stressed because of an unstable home environment.
Reflecting on the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens Union v. FEC, the President accurately bemoaned the power of money in politics. Too often, our laws fail to take account of the needs of poor and vulnerable children who do not lobby, donate to elected officials, or vote. We hope that Congress heeds the President’s call to do business differently. We must stand for the needs of vulnerable children who cannot stand for themselves. We at The Children’s Aid Society are ready to work with this administration to fulfill our mission: to bridge the gap between what children have and what they need to thrive.
Richard R. Buery, Jr.
CEO and President
The Children’s Aid Society
Tags: Advocacy, Children, children's aid new york, news
By Children's Aid Society
Photo Courtesy of The Census Bureau
The Children’s Aid Society encourages all the residents of its communities in New York City to participate in the 2010 Census. “It’s important that everyone be counted,” said Richard Buery, President and CEO of The Children’s Aid Society. Every year, more than $300 billion in federal funds are awarded to states and communities for new hospitals, schools, better transportation and social services based on the Census’ population count, which is taken every 10 years.
“It’s completely safe to respond to every Census question,” said Mr. Buery. “By law, the Census Bureau cannot share your individual answers with anyone, including federal, state and local agencies of any kind. That means, regardless of immigration status, employment status or housing situation, you should respond to the Census because your information is completely confidential.”
Children’s Aid will host several information nights so that community members can learn more about the 2010 Census. The first is Wednesday, February 17th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Dunlevy Milbank Center, 14-32 West 118th Street in Harlem. (For more information please call 212-996-1716 or download this flyer.) Also, teens from several Children’s Aid programs will be trained to convey accurate information about the 2010 Census to members of their communities, and will engage in various activities to encourage participation.
Tags: Children, children's aid new york, news
By Ellen
The Children’s Aid Society extends our deepest sympathies to the people of Haiti. Our hearts go out to the children and families struggling to survive in the wake of the devastating earthquake. The pain and suffering we see chronicled in the news each day is almost unimaginable. Children’s Aid Society has a proud tradition of providing assistance to families in need, whether in the aftermath of September 11th or Hurricane Katrina.
The people of Haiti will need help for a long time to come. Children’s Aid staff and families are responding to the crisis in Haiti through individual financial and in-kind donations, such as clothing and personal hygiene kits. If you would like to make a financial donation to the Haiti relief efforts, Charity Navigator, which monitors nonprofit agencies, offers a list of suggestions.
At this time no imminent airlifts of children from Haiti to New York are planned. However, should the opportunity arise, The Children’s Aid Society stands ready to help place orphaned Haitian children in loving and supportive homes in New York City. If you, or someone you know, might be willing to care for a Haitian child we want to hear from you. Please contact us at fosteradopt@childrensaidsociety.org with your name and the best way to reach you. We will keep you informed if there is an opportunity for volunteers to care for children escaping the devastation of the earthquake.
Children’s Aid also partners with the City Bar Justice Center to assist Haitian nationals to gain Temporary Protected Status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. For more information about how to file an application, contact our Office of Public Policy & Client Advocacy at (212) 358-8930 or email sharonev@childrenaidsociety.org.
Richard R. Buery, Jr.
CEO and President
The Children’s Aid Society
Tags: Advocacy, Children, children's aid new york, news
By Children's Aid Society
The quarters and dimes returned to you as change after a purchase at a store can go into your piggy bank, OR, they can help support after-school programming at the Hope Leadership Academy!
Celebrity designer Kimora Lee Simmons joined JCPenney Chairman and CEO Myron E. (Mike) Ullman III and youth from The Children’s Aid Society at the gala grand opening of the chain’s first store in Manhattan. Photo courtesy of JCPenney.
From now through Sunday, December 13, JCPenney at Manhattan Mall invites shoppers to round-up all purchases to the nearest whole dollar; the store will donate 100% of the difference to The Children’s Aid Society’s after-school programs at Hope, which include academics, arts, college preparation and scholarship programs, employment training and technology for its teen members.
All employees are encouraged to do some holiday shopping at JCPenney and round-up! It’s an easy (and fun) way to make a donation to critically needed services.
The Children’s Aid Society is the permanent round-up partner of the JCPenney at Manhattan Mall, which offers the round-up opportunity to shoppers quarterly.
Tags: chidlren's aid new york, Children, Events, news
By Ellen
Despite rain and snow the day before, the 2009 Miracle on Madison Avenue event was a huge success! The day kicked off with brunch at Calypso St Barth which was attended by event Chair and Law and Order: SUV star Tamara Tunie, Bob Kelly, CEO of presenting sponsor BNY Mellon, Matthew Bauer, the President of the Madison Avenue BID, Richard Buery, President and CEO of The Children’s Aid Society and many of Children’s Aid staff and supporters. There were passionate speeches and hearty thanks to all who have helped put the 23rd Miracle on Madison Avenue together! At noon, the party headed outside into the cold for the ribbon cutting ceremony which officially kicked off the shopping.
Guests were encouraged to do some guilt free shopping and with that the red ribbon was cut and the day began. Shoppers up and down Madison Avenue from 57th to 86th Street were greeted by balloons and signs signifying one of the 77 participating retailers. 20% of your purchases from these businesses was donated to Children’s Aid health services which ensure full health care access and preventative care to the neediest children and families of New York City.
There was activity all up and down the Avenue. CBS-FM Radio played holiday music, volunteers from our newest community school in Washington Heights, High School for Excellence and Innovation, expertly sold raffle tickets to shoppers and volunteers from BNY Mellon handed out free samples of Glowelle® Beauty Supply Drink, M&M’S® BRAND Premiums Chocolate Candies and Mini Babybel® Cheeses.
Under the hospitality tents Children’s Aid volunteers made and sold festive holiday wreaths and Children’s Aid kids sold holiday cards that they had designed. Also, under the- thankfully- heated tent were giveaways and wonderful food tastings from The Carlyle Restaurant. This year’s butternut squash soup and hot apple cider were divine and certainly hit the spot!
There was also wonderful live performances including step dancers and a fiddler from The Pipes of Christmas, presented by the Clan Currie Society, music from The Labor of Love Ensemble, rhythmic performances from COBU, Inc., and a Capella music from Figgy Puddynge.
Miracle Sunday turned into the perfect December day for holiday shopping. To the hundreds of volunteers, the many more supporters and shoppers who braved the cold and came out to shop on Sunday, we’d like to say thank you to everyone who made this year’s Miracle on Madison Avenue a wonderful success.
Cathleen Miles and Danielle Mueller
Children’s Aid New York
By Children's Aid Society
Members of the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee of the UK Parliament visited New York City to study first-hand The Children’s Aid Society Community Schools. The 13 members of Parliament toured Community School I.S. 218 in Washington Heights – greeted by the principal, June Barnett, as well as members of the National Technical Assistance Center for Community Schools (NTACCS). The Children’s Aid Society operates the NTACCS to assist educators, community leaders, funders and policymakers in adapting The Children’s Aid Society school model.
The members of Parliament toured the student wellness center, family room, orthodontic clinic, classrooms and auditorium, and heard presentations about community schools and services provided there. They had much to see and learn: in 2010, all of the schools in England will become extended schools, which are based in part on Children’s Aid’s full service model. On their fast-paced tour, the group posed questions about school-based services, parent involvement, narrowing the achievement gap, and inspiring student self-esteem and motivation — all integral parts of The Children’s Aid Society’s model.
There has also been a valuable link between The Children’s Aid Society and Scotland for 10 years, with our successful model contributing to the implementation of similar schools there. Scottish educators keep abreast of Children’s Aid’s Community Schools developments with yearly visits. Education, like the child who is ready to learn, has no boundaries!
The community schools strategy works in part because parental involvement yields results, as does providing children with enriched learning during out-of-school time. And on-site medical, dental and mental health services are all a part of the legacy of The Children’s Aid Society founder Charles Loring Brace’s vision. Children do better in school when the major influences on their development — family, school and community resources — work together.
Tags: Charles Loring Brace, Children's Aid New York City, National Technical Assistance Center for Community Schools, NTACCS, Parliament, Scotland, United Kingdom, Washington Heights
By David
Recent Comments