Reclaiming children’s futures through an ecosystem of support

“meanwhile Community schools, New York’s exemplary model for getting children involved in school and into adulthood, were spared millions of dollars in expected city budget cuts in January, but in July It will still exist even if We will lose vital coronavirus funding that supports young people and families who need it most. ”

With poverty levels rising to 22% as pandemic funding expires, affecting one in four New York children, most cash-strapped families will face a new funding cliff within months. ing.

meanwhile Community schools, New York’s exemplary model for getting children involved in school and into adulthood, were spared millions of dollars in expected city budget cuts in January, but in July It will still exist even if Losing critical coronavirus funding that supports young people and families who need it most.

This could wipe out a wide range of programs, including a new food pantry and parent resource center called Partnership with Children that recently launched at Riverdale Avenue Middle School in Brownsville. There is. Although 95% of the school’s students experience poverty, the school’s forward-thinking culture supports them.

In many regions, students are still reeling from the devastating effects of the pandemic. Two decades of learning gains are being lost, especially among students of color. Chronic absenteeism rates are stubbornly high in New York. And mental health problems are occurring at alarming rates among children of all ages, with suicide rates among Black youth increasing by 60 percent.

Community schools are a proven way to counter this trend, offering a wide range of support, from social workers who help children manage their emotions to culturally inclusive reading centers. By engaging teachers, administrators, parents, and nonprofits like us, we make schools the places kids want to be.

Here’s how Partnership with Children works in schools: Public school principals, supported by community school directors, social workers, and family support coordinators, provide in-school counseling and additional support that is often separately funded in affluent districts. doing. Students can find their voice with benefits such as on-the-spot mental health interventions, anti-bullying rallies, and vibrant arts programs.

With a holistic approach that encompasses multiple disciplines, these schools become ecosystems where children develop independence, ownership, and confidence. Students learn that they are not defined by their circumstances. Most leaders who come from poor backgrounds attest to the transformative influence of counselors and teachers. For me, it was my middle school social worker who taught me chess and allowed me to practice piano at the community center. There is magic in the guidance of trusted adults that can set children on the path to a better future.

As a 115-year-old nonprofit organization that has been working for children since an era when child protection laws and social services were few and far between, we are committed to addressing the potential impacts of structural racism and intergenerational poverty. We are well aware of the implications. Adversities such as food insecurity, inadequate health care, the death of a parent, and homelessness can result in paralyzing and harmful stress that delays children’s maturation and can lead to serious health and developmental problems throughout their lives. there is.

This creates a permanent “fight or flight” state, making it nearly impossible to function. It’s a place where clinically trained social workers can anchor children suffering from deprivation, grief and isolation. It can also be more subtle and take pressure off teachers during class by letting anxious children relax in a “cozy corner.” These services are critical for students of color, who receive mental health care at school more often than other students.

A recent New York Times article on trends in learning loss recovery cited examples of how some low-income, diverse school districts have made progress ahead of others. That’s because funding is directed toward additional educational support in the classroom, social workers, and mental health awareness.

Our research reflects the positive impact of these factors in the schools we serve. In 2023, 90% of students reported making progress or meeting their goals. 80% said they had an adult at school they could trust and ask for help. Six out of 10 students said they learned how to make better decisions and manage their strong emotions after a tumultuous middle and high school experience.

Nearly three-quarters of our youngest elementary school students say our program makes them more excited to come to school, have better relationships with their teachers, and are happier. It’s the most important scorecard: a child’s ability to succeed in school and life. Funding community schools should be our top priority.

The real celebration will be when the leaders of this great city – governments, businesses, foundations, and individuals – replace expiring federal funds and show our children that we are committed to their future. . The time has come for New Yorkers to take a historic and heroic gamble to reclaim the promise of a generation.