2009 Program Highlights
2009 Program Highlights
Phipps CDC serves more than 8,000 children, teens and adults in programs that provide access to a range of opportunities to help them succeed in school and at work, build strong families, and forge even stronger communities. During the past year, Phipps CDC maintained high-quality programming, expanded innovative initiatives, and welcomed a number of new participants and partners. We are proud to share our top accomplishments of 2009...
EDUCATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Educational advancement is a long-standing priority for Phipps CDC. Enriched learning opportunities and strong guidance begin in Head Start, carry through our after-school and teen programs, and continue into young adulthood with Bridge to College. • Bridge to College helped 83 participants apply to college for the 2009-2010 academic year, and all were accepted to at least one school. Of these, 70 students are currently enrolled at a wide range of public and private universities including New York University, Howard University, George Washington, Syracuse, Carnegie Mellon, SUNY Albany, SUNY Binghamton, CUNY City College, Hunter College, and many others. Current and past participants were also awarded a number of scholarships ranging from $1500 - $5000 based on academic performance, as well as community involvement. • Crotona Park West Teen Program launched Transition to High School, an early intervention partnership with Leadership Institute, a local community-focused high school. Transition to High School supports 9th graders who are at risk of failing to adjust to the challenges of high school. The 38 students received one-on-one counseling, and participated in workshops and retreats designed to prepare them for the new academic and social environment.
• The Phipps Head Start at Daly Avenue received its second consecutive accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Lambert Head Start received its accreditation in 2008, which makes the Phipps Head Start Centers two of only 37 NAEYC-accredited programs in the Bronx. • Phipps CDC operated 13 After-School programs serving more than 2,000 children and teens aged 5-17 with challenging and creative education and enrichment activities. Some of this year’s program partners included Marquis Studios, Bronx Arts Ensemble, and Play Rugby USA.
LANGUAGE & LITERACY Shortfalls in literacy are an impediment to economic selfsufficiency for too many New Yorkers, many of whom are at reading levels too low for enrollment in a GED class. Phipps CDC literacy programs focus on moving students toward their GED, while also building practical life and work-ready skills.
• Phipps CDC’s 2009 Summer Camp program served more than 670 children at seven camps. Partnerships with WGBH television and Studio in a School provided interactive learning activities in literacy and visual arts. Other highlights included educational trips to Ellis Island, Governors Island and The Cloisters, and a camp-wide field day at Pelham Bay Park combined camaraderie and healthy competition for all the kids. • An assessment of Special Education Services at Phipps Head Start indicated notable developmental improvements among children enrolled from 2007-2009. Challenges in speech/language, cognitive, social/emotional, or motor skills were identified in 73 children, and specialists developed individualized plans for one-on-one and small group therapy to address deficiencies. Seventy percent of the children who received a service plan in 2007/08 and remained the following year, demonstrated growth with 94% of those displaying speech/language challenges making gains, and marked improvement in 83% who had shown motor skill deficiencies.
• Literacy Connection, a City-funded young adult literacy partnership with the New York Public Library, saw 77% of its first year students advance at least one grade level, surpassing the national rate of 40%, with 27 students ready for referral to a GED program. Second year students also performed strongly, with 91% of the fall 2009 class advancing by at least one grade level. Of these, 56% improved in reading and 61% increased their math scores. • Phipps Adult Education programs continued to grow in 2009, enrolling 229 adults in Pre-GED classes at the West Farms Technology & Career Center and Phipps Opportunity Center. A total of 65% advanced at least one grade level, surpassing the national average of 40%. Additionally, 316 adults enrolled in ESL classes at the West Farms Technology & Career Center, and 46% of those students advanced at least one grade level.
WORK READINESS
COMMUNITY EDUCATION & SERVICES
Many in our communities have difficulty making ends meet because of low wages, limited skill sets, or difficult circumstances. Phipps CDC prepares individuals with opportunities and training to help them become competitive, secure stable employment, and develop future careers.
Lack of access to professional advice and resources is a frequent obstacle in low-income communities. Phipps CDC ensures community members have the advantage of information and guidance to better manage their finances, build skills, and access future opportunities.
• NYC Justice Corps completed its first full year of operation with 81 members completing the 6-month program, and 40 securing permanent jobs or enrolling in an education program. Funded by the NYC Center for Economic Opportunity through John Jay College, the program helps court-involved young adults re-engage with the community and prepare for employment through skill-building service projects and professional internships. Internship sites have included Morrisania Revitalization Corporation, Wildlife Conservation Society, and NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation. Internships at Bronx Community Board 6, Mount Hope Housing, and B&F Architectural Support resulted in permanent positions.
• In 2009, the Financial Empowerment Center conducted 1,083 individual counseling sessions and maintained a roster of more than 350 active clients. Counselors guided 600 individuals in reviewing their credit report, and helped over 200 clients resolve specific issues or arrange payment plans for outstanding debt. The Center also added a third counselor and on-site services at several community partner locations. Created in partnership with the NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Financial Empowerment, the Phipps CDC site was established in 2008 as the City’s first Financial Empowerment Center. • Phipps CDC was selected to participate in the first NYC Civic Corps program, established to help nonprofits and City agencies recruit and utilize volunteers. Three Corps members developed a comprehensive Volunteer Tutoring program to support students enrolled in Bridge to College, the West Farms Teen Program, and Pre-GED programs through weekly sessions.
• Through its community service component, NYC Justice Corps partnered with Groundswell Community Mural Project, completing four beautiful and inspiring murals in nearby Bronx neighborhoods. Groundswell artists and team leaders prepared Corps members for each project with 3 weeks of brainstorming and skill-based/technical training. The most recent mural, located at the M.S. 219/Charles Drew Educational Complex, was unveiled at a dedication ceremony in early September and represents “community, education and fitness.” • Phipps’ Summer Youth Employment Program successfully placed 350 youth aged 14-24 in summer jobs for six weeks. More than 60 worksites participated in this year’s program, including CVS Stores, WQHT Hot 97 radio station, Regional News Network TV, New York Restoration Project and the New York Academy of Medicine. An additional week of workshops focused on college preparedness, career exploration, and financial literacy. • As part of their work readiness curriculum, 117 Back to Work clients successfully completed CareerTrack Customer Service Training, an 8-track series that teaches skills in client interaction and effective communication. Additionally, Phipps CDC helped 93 clients transition from welfare to paid employment, securing jobs as paralegals, home health aides, childcare workers, and administrative assistants with salaries from $7.25/hr. to $60K/yr.
• The Phipps Psychology Externship effectively served 37 clients and significantly improved the organization’s ability to identify and address mental health and behavioral issues in Head Start, after-school, and teen programs. An evaluation from 19 clients showed high satisfaction with services and positive changes as a result of early intervention and therapy. Parents also noted improved relationships and behavior in children receiving help. • The Phipps CDC Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program exceeded its previous year’s record, filing 1,500 standard returns and 600 EITC returns for the 2008 tax year. Four volunteer experts helped clients receive tax refunds and credits totaling more than $3.5 million, and also helped clients establish direct deposit bank accounts to receive funds securely and conveniently. • In response to findings from its 2008 Bronx Technology Survey, the Educational Technology program developed an Internetintense curriculum resulting in increased class attendance and greater understanding of current online tools. New topics featured training on popular and useful functions such as online bill paying and job search.
RESIDENT SERVICES & FAMILY SUPPORT
GREENING & NUTRITION
• In September, Healthy Families was introduced at two Phipps community education centers to connect walk-in clients with necessary social services and screens for public benefits they may not be receiving. By the end of 2009, 133 clients were assessed and nearly 50% were able to access benefits, or received referrals to additional educational, vocational, legal, and/or immigration services.
• Drew Gardens and its Community Gardeners prepared for the 2009 summer growing season with a New York Cares service day in April. Volunteers helped to process compost, mulch garden beds, and create a 400-foot-long walking path along the Bronx River bordering Drew Gardens.
• The Family Room resource and drop-in childcare center at the Phipps Opportunity Center provided services to 52 members, with 36 families utilizing the dropin childcare available for parents attending Phipps programs. Ongoing activities included a parentchild engagement course, weekly parenting classes, cooking and nutrition workshops by Cornell Cooperative Extension, and family-focused holiday celebrations. • A survey of 279 fathers, and men who play fatherly roles, assessed the effectiveness of Phipps CDC youth programs and indicated high satisfaction with programming among participants. Open-ended feedback is being used to improve the curriculum, develop and plan future activities, and increase fathers’ participation.
• The Phipps West Farmers’ Market completed its fourth season in October with total Market revenue reaching $15,230. Each Wednesday, community members enjoyed access to fresh, affordable produce, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition information. The Market was able to serve an increased number of customers utilizing benefit programs such as EBT Food Stamps and Health Bucks. • The Phipps Beacon at Bronx River Houses launched the Open Market Backpack program through a partnership with the Food Bank for NYC. Every Friday, kids and teens aged 5-15 were able to shop from a wide selection of fresh produce and healthy food items to take home in order to prepare balanced, nutritious meals over the weekend.
• Resident seniors at the Phipps Plazas and La Casa de Felicidad completed “Chronic Disease Self Management,” a peer-led wellness initiative in cooperation with the NYS Office for the Aging and the NYC Dept. for the Aging. The 6-week program provided 35 seniors with instruction on chronic disease management, emphasizing skills related to health and nutrition, medication management, and effective communication with family members and service providers.
Many thanks to our staff, program partners, community sponsors and donors, who all help to make our work possible! Learn more about Phipps CDC and how to support our programs at www.phippsny.org or call (212) 243-9090 x 355.
902 Broadway, New York, NY 10010 (212) 243-9090 • www.phippsny.org
Phipps CDC serves more than 8,000 children, teens and adults in programs that provide access to a range of opportunities to help them succeed in school and at work, build strong families, and forge even stronger communities. During the past year, Phipps CDC maintained high-quality programming, expanded innovative initiatives, and welcomed a number of new participants and partners. We are proud to share our top accomplishments of 2009...
EDUCATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Educational advancement is a long-standing priority for Phipps CDC. Enriched learning opportunities and strong guidance begin in Head Start, carry through our after-school and teen programs, and continue into young adulthood with Bridge to College. • Bridge to College helped 83 participants apply to college for the 2009-2010 academic year, and all were accepted to at least one school. Of these, 70 students are currently enrolled at a wide range of public and private universities including New York University, Howard University, George Washington, Syracuse, Carnegie Mellon, SUNY Albany, SUNY Binghamton, CUNY City College, Hunter College, and many others. Current and past participants were also awarded a number of scholarships ranging from $1500 - $5000 based on academic performance, as well as community involvement. • Crotona Park West Teen Program launched Transition to High School, an early intervention partnership with Leadership Institute, a local community-focused high school. Transition to High School supports 9th graders who are at risk of failing to adjust to the challenges of high school. The 38 students received one-on-one counseling, and participated in workshops and retreats designed to prepare them for the new academic and social environment.
• The Phipps Head Start at Daly Avenue received its second consecutive accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Lambert Head Start received its accreditation in 2008, which makes the Phipps Head Start Centers two of only 37 NAEYC-accredited programs in the Bronx. • Phipps CDC operated 13 After-School programs serving more than 2,000 children and teens aged 5-17 with challenging and creative education and enrichment activities. Some of this year’s program partners included Marquis Studios, Bronx Arts Ensemble, and Play Rugby USA.
LANGUAGE & LITERACY Shortfalls in literacy are an impediment to economic selfsufficiency for too many New Yorkers, many of whom are at reading levels too low for enrollment in a GED class. Phipps CDC literacy programs focus on moving students toward their GED, while also building practical life and work-ready skills.
• Phipps CDC’s 2009 Summer Camp program served more than 670 children at seven camps. Partnerships with WGBH television and Studio in a School provided interactive learning activities in literacy and visual arts. Other highlights included educational trips to Ellis Island, Governors Island and The Cloisters, and a camp-wide field day at Pelham Bay Park combined camaraderie and healthy competition for all the kids. • An assessment of Special Education Services at Phipps Head Start indicated notable developmental improvements among children enrolled from 2007-2009. Challenges in speech/language, cognitive, social/emotional, or motor skills were identified in 73 children, and specialists developed individualized plans for one-on-one and small group therapy to address deficiencies. Seventy percent of the children who received a service plan in 2007/08 and remained the following year, demonstrated growth with 94% of those displaying speech/language challenges making gains, and marked improvement in 83% who had shown motor skill deficiencies.
• Literacy Connection, a City-funded young adult literacy partnership with the New York Public Library, saw 77% of its first year students advance at least one grade level, surpassing the national rate of 40%, with 27 students ready for referral to a GED program. Second year students also performed strongly, with 91% of the fall 2009 class advancing by at least one grade level. Of these, 56% improved in reading and 61% increased their math scores. • Phipps Adult Education programs continued to grow in 2009, enrolling 229 adults in Pre-GED classes at the West Farms Technology & Career Center and Phipps Opportunity Center. A total of 65% advanced at least one grade level, surpassing the national average of 40%. Additionally, 316 adults enrolled in ESL classes at the West Farms Technology & Career Center, and 46% of those students advanced at least one grade level.
WORK READINESS
COMMUNITY EDUCATION & SERVICES
Many in our communities have difficulty making ends meet because of low wages, limited skill sets, or difficult circumstances. Phipps CDC prepares individuals with opportunities and training to help them become competitive, secure stable employment, and develop future careers.
Lack of access to professional advice and resources is a frequent obstacle in low-income communities. Phipps CDC ensures community members have the advantage of information and guidance to better manage their finances, build skills, and access future opportunities.
• NYC Justice Corps completed its first full year of operation with 81 members completing the 6-month program, and 40 securing permanent jobs or enrolling in an education program. Funded by the NYC Center for Economic Opportunity through John Jay College, the program helps court-involved young adults re-engage with the community and prepare for employment through skill-building service projects and professional internships. Internship sites have included Morrisania Revitalization Corporation, Wildlife Conservation Society, and NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation. Internships at Bronx Community Board 6, Mount Hope Housing, and B&F Architectural Support resulted in permanent positions.
• In 2009, the Financial Empowerment Center conducted 1,083 individual counseling sessions and maintained a roster of more than 350 active clients. Counselors guided 600 individuals in reviewing their credit report, and helped over 200 clients resolve specific issues or arrange payment plans for outstanding debt. The Center also added a third counselor and on-site services at several community partner locations. Created in partnership with the NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Financial Empowerment, the Phipps CDC site was established in 2008 as the City’s first Financial Empowerment Center. • Phipps CDC was selected to participate in the first NYC Civic Corps program, established to help nonprofits and City agencies recruit and utilize volunteers. Three Corps members developed a comprehensive Volunteer Tutoring program to support students enrolled in Bridge to College, the West Farms Teen Program, and Pre-GED programs through weekly sessions.
• Through its community service component, NYC Justice Corps partnered with Groundswell Community Mural Project, completing four beautiful and inspiring murals in nearby Bronx neighborhoods. Groundswell artists and team leaders prepared Corps members for each project with 3 weeks of brainstorming and skill-based/technical training. The most recent mural, located at the M.S. 219/Charles Drew Educational Complex, was unveiled at a dedication ceremony in early September and represents “community, education and fitness.” • Phipps’ Summer Youth Employment Program successfully placed 350 youth aged 14-24 in summer jobs for six weeks. More than 60 worksites participated in this year’s program, including CVS Stores, WQHT Hot 97 radio station, Regional News Network TV, New York Restoration Project and the New York Academy of Medicine. An additional week of workshops focused on college preparedness, career exploration, and financial literacy. • As part of their work readiness curriculum, 117 Back to Work clients successfully completed CareerTrack Customer Service Training, an 8-track series that teaches skills in client interaction and effective communication. Additionally, Phipps CDC helped 93 clients transition from welfare to paid employment, securing jobs as paralegals, home health aides, childcare workers, and administrative assistants with salaries from $7.25/hr. to $60K/yr.
• The Phipps Psychology Externship effectively served 37 clients and significantly improved the organization’s ability to identify and address mental health and behavioral issues in Head Start, after-school, and teen programs. An evaluation from 19 clients showed high satisfaction with services and positive changes as a result of early intervention and therapy. Parents also noted improved relationships and behavior in children receiving help. • The Phipps CDC Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program exceeded its previous year’s record, filing 1,500 standard returns and 600 EITC returns for the 2008 tax year. Four volunteer experts helped clients receive tax refunds and credits totaling more than $3.5 million, and also helped clients establish direct deposit bank accounts to receive funds securely and conveniently. • In response to findings from its 2008 Bronx Technology Survey, the Educational Technology program developed an Internetintense curriculum resulting in increased class attendance and greater understanding of current online tools. New topics featured training on popular and useful functions such as online bill paying and job search.
RESIDENT SERVICES & FAMILY SUPPORT
GREENING & NUTRITION
• In September, Healthy Families was introduced at two Phipps community education centers to connect walk-in clients with necessary social services and screens for public benefits they may not be receiving. By the end of 2009, 133 clients were assessed and nearly 50% were able to access benefits, or received referrals to additional educational, vocational, legal, and/or immigration services.
• Drew Gardens and its Community Gardeners prepared for the 2009 summer growing season with a New York Cares service day in April. Volunteers helped to process compost, mulch garden beds, and create a 400-foot-long walking path along the Bronx River bordering Drew Gardens.
• The Family Room resource and drop-in childcare center at the Phipps Opportunity Center provided services to 52 members, with 36 families utilizing the dropin childcare available for parents attending Phipps programs. Ongoing activities included a parentchild engagement course, weekly parenting classes, cooking and nutrition workshops by Cornell Cooperative Extension, and family-focused holiday celebrations. • A survey of 279 fathers, and men who play fatherly roles, assessed the effectiveness of Phipps CDC youth programs and indicated high satisfaction with programming among participants. Open-ended feedback is being used to improve the curriculum, develop and plan future activities, and increase fathers’ participation.
• The Phipps West Farmers’ Market completed its fourth season in October with total Market revenue reaching $15,230. Each Wednesday, community members enjoyed access to fresh, affordable produce, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition information. The Market was able to serve an increased number of customers utilizing benefit programs such as EBT Food Stamps and Health Bucks. • The Phipps Beacon at Bronx River Houses launched the Open Market Backpack program through a partnership with the Food Bank for NYC. Every Friday, kids and teens aged 5-15 were able to shop from a wide selection of fresh produce and healthy food items to take home in order to prepare balanced, nutritious meals over the weekend.
• Resident seniors at the Phipps Plazas and La Casa de Felicidad completed “Chronic Disease Self Management,” a peer-led wellness initiative in cooperation with the NYS Office for the Aging and the NYC Dept. for the Aging. The 6-week program provided 35 seniors with instruction on chronic disease management, emphasizing skills related to health and nutrition, medication management, and effective communication with family members and service providers.
Many thanks to our staff, program partners, community sponsors and donors, who all help to make our work possible! Learn more about Phipps CDC and how to support our programs at www.phippsny.org or call (212) 243-9090 x 355.
902 Broadway, New York, NY 10010 (212) 243-9090 • www.phippsny.org
