BOYS AND GIRLS REPUBLIC INC
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Mission Statement
Located in Manhattan’s “Alphabet City,” an area affected by multiple community and familial stressors, including domestic violence, poverty, low literacy, and single parent homes, Henry Street Settlement’s Boys and Girls Republic program offers a safe place for local youth. Over 300 youth per year, ages 5–19, participate in year-round after-school educational and recreational activities to escape the negative effects of these stressors. Demographically, most youth we serve are Black or Latino, and because so many of the children who attend BGR come from low-income or homeless families, programs are offered for free. BGR’s dedicated, caring staff is often some of the only positive adult role models in their lives. Our combination of quality services and staff commitment to improving participants’ lives helps motivate youth to build critical skills, strive for success, and ultimately develop into self-sufficient individuals.
About This Cause
Henry Street Settlement was founded in 1893 by influential social service pioneer Lillian Wald. Since then, we have become known for our ground-breaking efforts in social services, health care, and the arts. After sixty-five years as a stand-alone institution, BGR became part of Henry Street in 1997, changing its name from Boys Brotherhood Republic to reflect Henry Street’s inclusive approach, benefiting both boys and girls. Henry Street’s mission is to open doors of opportunity to enrich lives and enhance human progress for Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers through social services, arts and health care programs. In alignment with this mission, BGR’s vision is for each young person who passes through our doors to build an educational foundation, develop leadership skills, increase confidence and become empowered to make positive choices about their futures. BGR serves youth who largely live in local public housing projects, as well as in Henry Street Settlement’s homeless shelters. According to the American Psychological Association’s Resolution on Poverty and Socioeconomic Status, “poverty is linked with homelessness, unemployment, and underemployment, poor mental and physical health, inadequate child care, and chronic stress.” Additionally, children growing up in poverty are more likely to suffer from poor academic achievement, insufficient access to safe after-school programs and higher education, and impaired social/emotional functioning. Between 45% and 56% of children in BGR’s area are living below poverty level, according to the most recent data from the Citizens Committee for Children of New York City. This is among the highest level of children living in such impoverished conditions, compared to other boroughs. On the Lower East Side overall, 28% of households live below poverty level, compared to 14.6% for New York City. Additionally, educational attainment is shockingly low; 42% of adults 25 and older do not hold a high school diploma and 16% of the population has less than a ninth grade education. Growing up in such an economically and educationally challenged environment is highly damaging to individuals and families and reduces the chances for future generations to live healthy, self-sufficient lives. In order to best serve Lower East Side youth facing poverty, homelessness, and their associated challenges, we have created a program to meet their unique academic and social needs. BGR’s services help lay a strong foundation of education, positive socialization, and empowerment to help youth break out of the destructive cycle of poverty. After-school Services: After-school programming takes place Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm and on school holidays, and includes the following: A unique self-government program teaches basic concepts of democracy and law through citizenship and bar classes, elections for student office, councils and committees, and trials in our model courtroom. Youth learn how they can advocate for their needs and the needs of others, how civil society works to peacefully resolve conflict and produce harmony between differing groups, and how to contribute to a larger society of which they are an important part. Education and enrichment activities take place daily and help youth to develop artistic skills and academic abilities. Participants engage in KidzLit and KidzMath, reading and math enrichment programs specifically designed for out-of-school settings. This year we are also offering Mad Science, which promotes critical scientific literacy. Our computer lab features ten networked stations, allowing for BGR youth to gain computer literacy skills required for future academic and career success, and to complete homework assignments. Such resources have had a profound impact on our youth’s ability to achieve academically. During the 2009-2010 school year, our participants boasted a 90% homework completion rate, compared to a 55% completion rate in the 2008-2009 school year. Sports and recreational programs allow youth to develop athletic skills and participate in wellness activities, including team sports such as rugby and basketball, and cooking classes. Summer Day Camp: Throughout the months of July and August and on all school holidays, our Camp Henry Day Camp offers full-day services for children ages 5 - 13. Campers regularly enjoy arts and crafts, music, drama, sports and swimming, and also experience exciting field trips to museums and amusement parks. HSE (High School Equivalency) Classes: HSE services are available for Out-of-School Youth in partnership with Literacy Partners. Evening Program: BGR remains open from 6pm to 9pm to provide activities for young people ages 14 - 19, including: Enhanced Sports and recreational programs, such as basketball leagues, and open gyms; arts programs; and a game room featuring pool, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, and PlayStation 3. The BGR Computer Lab is also available for recreational use. Educational services include academic advisement to help youth stay in school and support dropouts as they re-enter educational programs; individualized college counseling; referrals for vocational training; and tutoring services. Employment services are offered to interested young people daily and by appointment and through our Young Adult Internship Program. The BGR Computer Lab is also available for educational use.