SUMMER IN REVIEW
In This Issue SUMMER IN REVIEW
Dear Friends,
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
As we gear up for the Fall 2010 afterschool program, I must reflect on what was truly a
CONGRATULATIONS!
phenomenal summer. MENTORING A D.R.E.A.M. Children of Promise, NYC (CPNYC) is the first and only Summer Day Camp in NYC
specifically designed to meet the needs, interests and concerns of children of imprisoned parents. The day camp ran Monday through Friday, enrolling 87 children between the ages of 6 and 18. Tuesdays and Thursdays were devoted to visiting various New York City treasures, some of which were completely new experiences for many of our participants. When onsite the young people took part in activities that allowed them to express themselves verbally, physically and artistically and discuss their parental situation in an environment that is safe and with others who share similar experiences.
PARENT SPOTLIGHT JOIN US!
As the summer season was coming to an end, participants and parents alike completed a survey which provided feedback that reinforced our mission and the need for our organization. Responses to one question, "What did you learn this summer?"included, "I learned how to swim" (we partnered with the Bedford YMCA), "how to create a new lanyard stitch" and "about the Brooklyn Borough President" (Marty Markowitz visited the program in August). However, most students replied with answers like "I learned that I don't need to be embarrassed of having a dad in prison" and "I don't have to keep it a secret". These candid responses demonstrate the importance of our mental health model which understands these silent victims and the traumas they endure. They also reveal the tremendous passion, hard work and commitment of exceptional staff. The success of our organization is also largely due to the support of the parents of our participants, both inside and outside the prison walls. In spite of the situation we receive letters and monetary support from imprisoned parents expressing their appreciation for the services we provide their children. Our "Voices From Afar" wall, created in their honor, is filled with framed heartfelt notes and correspondences from parents that express their love, share their regrets and convey aspirations to remain in the lives of their children. Parents on the outside support our day-to-day operations and express their gratitude in conversations and meetings with myself and staff, in addition they have helped in defraying some of our costs by volunteering, donating funds and cooking the meals for family events (we have not ordered food from a vendor in the past year). During the Summer of 2010, CPNYC participants created memories that can never be erased and established friendships forged by strength and resilience.
ing the Promise, Keeping the Promise, Sharon Content President & Founder
CONGRATULATIONS!!
CPNYC RECOGNIZED! Stephanie Cyrus, Brooklyn Chapter Chairman, Jack & Jill of America organization presents CPNYC with Donation.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS Borough President Visit!
As we close out our Summer Camp and prepare for Fall, I find myself reflecting on the profound accomplishments made by the children and families with whom I have had the honor to work with. As a member of a committed team at Children of Promise, NYC I have had the opportunity to work alongside many wonderful children. This experience has helped me grow as a clinician, social worker, child-and-family advocate, but most importantly, as a believer in the strength of our children. Witnessing the emotional and behavioral progress of the children at CPNYC has Brooklyn Borough reinforced my belief that these children will unquestionably break the President Marty Markowitz cycle of incarceration.
stops by to visit with
The effects of parental arrest and incarceration on a child's development CPNYC are severe. Children of incarcerated parents often suffer the effects of difficult psychological problems like trauma, anxiety, guilt, shame, and fear. Many of these children also have behavioral problems such as sadness, withdrawal, low self-esteem, a decline in school performance, __________________ truancy, and aggression. Numerous participants at CPNYC have experienced these challenges. However, our mental health model is designed to help them through these difficult issues. We offer onsite individual and group therapy to the children and provide a weekly MENTORING A D.R.E.A.M.. support group for parents to ensure that our families will receive the support they need to make beneficial changes in their lives. There have been countless examples of incredible change achieved by participants at Children of Promise, NYC. One particular group of 8 and 9 year-old boys during their weekly group therapy session consistently teach me the true meaning of resilience. They share their hardships that come from losing their mother or father. Each boy explores his pain of not being able to see his loved one, and they identify the aggression and the disruption it causes in their behavior. I sit back and listen as each group member shares the endless amount of love and admiration they have for that parent, but how they promise themselves they will make good choices in their own life. And at the end one says, "Thank you Ms. A, we always feel better after we talk". Thank you for an incredible year and I look forward to serving you and your family for many more to come. Anna Morgan-Mullane, LMSW Director of Mental Health
As the new Project DREAM, Mentor Program Manager, I want to send my greetings to all the parents, volunteers and future mentors! During my short time at Children of Promise, NYC, I have quickly realized that I am now part of a great family who come together everyday to teach, learn from and support each other. Whether it's playing basketball in the gym, helping set up for a field day in the park or simply walking the halls during program hours, it has been a wonderful experience meeting and getting to know the students of CPNYC. Waiting for these familiar smiling faces to
come visit my desk and say hello, has become a regular part of my work day and something I look forward to each day.
"Creating memories in the lives of our young people that can never be erased..."
Pedro Suarez and Joshua Chaffin are the newest mentor/mentee pair to be matched through Project DREAM. Pedro has a passion for world politics, as demonstrated by his recent campaign for school President, and is very interested in humanitarian issues. Pedro was very excited to learn that his mentor, Joshua, formerly held a post as a journalist in the White House and currently works for UNICEF, the world's leading child rights organization. Mom Madeline - who is an active member and volunteer at CPNYC, is thrilled that Pedro will have a mentor who can offer insight into his favorite subjects and areas of interest. Joshua looks forward to being a positive and consistent presence in Pedro's life and hopes to build a strong relationship and be able to stay in touch with him even years from now.
Alvaro Pinzon Mentor Recruitment Manager
CPNYC visits Camp Sabago at Harriman State Park Interested in impacting the life of a child by becoming a mentor? Contact Alvaro Pinzon at (718) 483-9290 ex. 305 or apinzon@cpnyc.org
Thank you for your support! Please visit us online for info & upcoming events. Children of Promise, NYC
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PARENT SPOTLIGHT
HELP CPNYC RAISE $5,000
Shayna Buntin has been a cornerstone to our growing parent community at CPNYC. Ms. Buntin has consistently participated in our bi-monthly parent meetings and has demonstrated her own personal growth throughout this process. She conveyed this at our last meeting when she said,
"I don't feel alone here because everyone is in the same situation. We help each other". Her presence and commitment has positively influenced the other parents, guardians, and staff members at CPNYC. It is absolutely certain that Ms. Buntin will be a significant member of our parent advisory board this fall.
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A Celebration to Benefit New York Kids At the Waldorf= Astoria Nov 15th~! Visit our Website for info
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