Deutsche Bank Awards Grant of $125,000 to Union Settlement Association, Little Sisters of The Assumption Family Health Service, and The Boys’ Club Of New York
New York, NY (PRWEB) April 28, 2014 -- Union Settlement Association (http://www.unionsettlement.org), Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service (http://www.littlesistersfamily.org) and The Boys’ Club of New York (http://www.bcny.org) today announced the award of a $125,000 grant from the Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation to expand and deepen support services that encourage and support academic achievement among a population of Mexican toddlers and children at high risk for developmental delays, poor academic performance, and teen pregnancy.
There has been a significant increase in the number of Mexican families moving into East Harlem in the past several years, and many of these families are living in poverty, with the parents struggling to provide their families with life’s basic necessities because of low-wage jobs or unemployment. In addition, many children in these families, even those born in the United States, quickly fall behind in school and tend to drop out early, which makes it very difficult for them to succeed.
By granting funds to this partnership of community-based organizations in East Harlem, the Deutsche Bank grant is leveraging the expertise of a variety of specialized programs for greater impact among the target population. In particular, Little Sisters, the Boys’ Club and Union Settlement are building a new East Harlem Neighborhood Network, focused on serving the community’s large population of Mexican immigrants. The Network will provide supportive educational services for children of Mexican origin and descent, from birth through third grade, as well as providing referral and wrap around services to their families with the aim of supporting the children’s academic achievement.
The Network has hired an Educational Advocate and will be using a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to identify and provide the assistance needed by each member of the family. The Network will seek to fortify each family’s foundation in the community, and thereby improve their children’s ability to achieve grade appropriate performance and academic success. Over the next three years, the Network will also work to transfer the knowledge gained to schools and other community-based organizations serving Mexican and Mexican-American families The long term goal is to empower families by strengthening their ability to successfully navigate important life transitions, including school enrollment, entry into the job market and career advancement.
“Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation is pleased to support the East Harlem Neighborhood Network as part of our Anchoring Achievement in Mexican Communities initiative, which establishes educational hubs in neighborhoods across New York City with large concentrations of Mexican and Mexican-American children, youth and families,” said Gary Hattem, President of Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation. “The three organizations involved in this network are leaders in the nonprofit field, with rich and long histories of service and positive impact in the East Harlem community. We are proud to count them among our partners in our shared mission to improve the educational and economic well-being of this vibrant immigrant community of New Yorkers.”
“Many Mexican families are struggling here in East Harlem, and it is crucial that we develop a comprehensive effort to reach these families and provide the services and support they need in order to break the cycle of poverty,” said David Nocenti, Executive Director of Union Settlement. “We are very grateful for Deutsche Bank’s support for this initiative, and particularly for its focus on improving the educational prospects for the children in these families.”
“LSA Family Health Service has been targeting the most critical –and vulnerable --early years of child development among the Mexican community in El Barrio for many years,” said John Corwin, Interim Executive Director of LSA Family Health Service. “The Deutsche Bank grant allows us to deepen our involvement and reach more families through our Parenting and Child Development (HBS) program, and even provide a dedicated case manager who can advocate for Mexican families in the education realm, ultimately helping us set the stage for stronger scholastic achievement when these toddlers reach school age.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with two organizations with strong ties to East Harlem.” said Stephen Tosh, Executive Director of BCNY. “The Boys’ Club is committed to further engaging the Mexican American community and enthusiastically invite them to take advantage of our services. Collaborating with Deutsche Bank, LSA, and Union Settlement will help BCNY extend our reach and connect with even more families in East Harlem.”
About The Boys’ Club of New York
The Boys’ Club of New York is committed to nurturing, mentoring and guiding boys and young men to prepare them to reach their fullest potential. Throughout its 137-year history of youth development, The Boys’ Club of New York has combined a single-minded focus on boys and young men with a unique, multi-disciplinary approach that prepares them for a fulfilling and meaningful adulthood. The Boys’ Club of New York accomplishes this through an approach that includes music and arts programs, social and recreational activities, academic support, and athletics. By introducing boys to new ideas, expanding their interests, developing their real-world skills, providing a safe and nurturing environment, and offering ongoing counseling and mentorship, the Boys’ Club of New York helps shape boys and young men into the best men they can be.
About Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service
Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service, Inc., (@LSA_East Harlem) has been serving families living in poverty and crisis in East Harlem since 1958. Through a holistic model of delivering human and social services, and a special focus on babies and young children, LSA improves the health and wellbeing of the neighborhood's most vulnerable families. With skilled nurses, social workers, community health workers, therapists and more on staff, LSA combines home visits with on-site services to increase impact and involve families in their own growth. Today, LSA provides an array of specialized programs, including Advocacy with Food Pantry, Family Support Preventive Services, Early Intervention, Parenting and Child Development, Environmental Health & Family Asthma, Education & Youth Services and the Sharing Place Thrift Store.
About Union Settlement Association
Union Settlement Association is an on-the-ground resource for East Harlem residents of all ages, and a passionate advocate for the needs of underserved communities. Since opening its doors in 1895, we have brought education, wellness and community-building programs to the East Harlem community, empowering New Yorkers with opportunities to better their lives. More than 350 staff work at the organization, and its services impact 10,000 people in our community every year. By helping its neighbors realize their goals, Union Settlement builds the vitality and success of East Harlem. Visit http://www.unionsettlement.org to learn more.
About Deutsche Bank
Backed by a global network spanning over 70 countries, Deutsche Bank is a leading provider of financial services to agencies, corporations, governments, private individuals and institutions in the Americas. Having first established a presence in the Americas in the 19th century, the Bank began independent operations in the U.S. in 1978, opening its first North American branch in New York City. Today, the region headquarters is at 60 Wall Street. Deutsche Bank is one of the largest foreign-based employers in New York City and the only investment bank physically located on Wall Street. Deutsche Bank Americas contributes around 26% of total Group revenues. The 2006 Deutsche Bank Championship attracted 25,000 spectators and 350 clients per day with over 100,000 fans over four days.
Helen Frank, The Boys' Club of New York, http://www.bcny.org/index.php, 347.505.5416, [email protected]
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