Our Children and Families

Judeen’s Story: Q&A with the President of the Parents As Partners Project

June 26, 2025 | Leave a reply

PAPP president Judeen poses standing with her third grade daughter at an afterschool event.

Judeen and her daughter, following an afterschool performance in which her daughter participated.

In 2023, The Child Center of NY received a grant from the MacMillan Family Foundation to support the launch of the Parents as Partners Project (PAPP) across the 20 NYC DOE-funded Community Schools in Queens and Brooklyn for which The Child Center serves as lead community-based organization. PAPP emphasizes that school success relies on collaboration among schools, parents, students, and other stakeholders. The primary objective is to train and empower teams of parent ambassadors from each of our Community Schools to learn from each other and lead parent engagement efforts on the ground. By facilitating a supportive network of engaged families, PAPP strengthens not only our schools, but also our communities at large, demonstrating that together we can build a brighter future for all our children.

Since parent voices are the foundation of PAPP, we asked Judeen, this past school year’s PAPP president and mom to a student at P.S. 123 in Jamaica, Queens, to share her thoughts on what PAPP is all about and why she and her family find it so meaningful. The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

The Child Center of NY: Can you describe PAPP from your perspective as a parent?

Judeen: PAPP is just a ball of information that helps parents achieve what they want to accomplish at their school. Parents get together and share their ideas and struggles related to their children’s schools. We share our goals, what we want to accomplish, and really discover how important parents’ voices are. We support each other, and it’s helpful to find out what’s worked and not worked at other schools.

We are also lucky to have Saran [Shields, Vice President of Youth Development], who has so much information and gives us incredible resources. With input from Saran and other parents, families are getting connected with resources like food pantries and housing.

We also do fun things like a sip and paint (with apple cider!) and a sports day barbecue for Father’s Day. We are working with our new physical education teacher, Mr. Chip Howell, to have another sports day, since it was so well-attended.

I have been active in the parents’ association at my daughter’s school since she was in kindergarten. All the information I learn from being a part of PAPP helps me be effective in my advocacy for my daughter and in my position in the parents’ association.

Can you give an example?

One of the most important ways it’s helped me is that I learned about the rights I have as a parent—how to be able to walk into the school and have a dialogue with the principal or assistant principal. Since being a part of PAPP, I have a great relationship with Principal [Anthony] Hooks. There was an issue where I didn’t think my daughter was placed in an appropriate class. She has high reading and math scores, and I thought she would benefit from being challenged more. I spoke to Mr. Hooks, he looked into the issue, and we got it resolved.

Being a part of PAPP, I learned how strong my voice is, and I’ve been able to convey this to other parents—how to have a meeting with the principal, how to support the school. I learned that it’s all about trust. If the principal and families believe that we all have the same shared goal, we can be there for the students, and I’m there to help the parents as best as I can. It’s a good relationship, and I love it. Getting information for myself and being an ambassador for other parents is the number one goal.

What are some of your proudest accomplishments as president of PAPP?

My proudest accomplishment is the friendships we’ve built! I have met parents whose children are in middle school, coaching me about what’s going to happen when my daughter reaches middle school. We all exchange information, and there’s so much of it. We always need, like, an extra 40 minutes at each meeting! And then we bring that information back to our own schools and PTAs.

I’m also proud of the ideas we’ve generated to get the parents out and not be afraid to advocate for their kids. English is not the first language for a lot of parents, and they don’t always feel comfortable speaking up. They want to be like Casper the Ghost, drop their kids off and pick them up and then disappear. Lita, another parent in the PA whose child graduated last year, and I worked hard to help them understand that they have rights; you have a child in the school and the right to speak to the principal or a teacher, and they want to hear from you.

A successful initiative we started was rewarding kids with “paws bucks” to use in the school store for bringing their parents to a meeting. We would talk in groups, and there is usually a parent in a group that speaks both languages and can serve as a translator. We discovered that the number one problem parents were having was common core math and how to help their children with it, since we were unfamiliar with it ourselves. We brought in a math coach to help the parents understand and teach common core math. We also had a literacy coach. In every meeting, we teach so that parents can implement the lesson at home. If a parent is stuck, we give them resources for seeking help.

We learned that the most convenient time for the meetings was during Saturday Academy, when students who are struggling with a subject can come in for extra assistance. The teachers are already there, and parents can ask questions and get resources. For example, many parents didn’t know how to log onto Raz math. The literacy coach showed them which books are good for their children to read and how to utilize resources at the school. Once parents started attending these meetings, they felt more empowered and became more engaged. And that’s what it’s all about.

What do you hope to accomplish in future years?

I am hoping that the PAPP is here to stay! My goal for my daughter’s school is to have 50 regularly active parents. Right now, it’s about 30. I want to let them all know, you are part of the school, and your voice does matter.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I just love the team. Mr. Brian [Pantakoek, P.S. 123 Community School Program Director] is the bomb! He has so much energy. You can tell he loves what he does. He is always there for the parents and loves the students. Saran has so many resources and is always available. Mr. Hooks is great. And of course, the parents. You really feel that everyone is in it together for the kids, and it’s a great feeling.

Guadalupe’s Story

June 16, 2025 | Leave a reply

Wow! Where do I begin? I want to first say thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I am forever grateful for all that The Child Center of NY has done for my family and me. Before TCCNY, I had no idea the amount of impact an organization like this could have on a family.

My journey with TCCNY began in March 2021. After a pregnancy and birth during the pandemic and tons of baggage (trauma) that I carried with me my whole life, a social worker reached out during my postpartum hospital stay. She asked if I needed any resources, including therapy. Even though I knew I needed it, I was scared to say yes. Coming from a family steeped in trauma, I had a difficult childhood and adolescence, but we never considered therapy because of the stigma. My family thought therapy was for crazy people. So, I held off, even though I knew I struggled with depression, anxiety, and so many things throughout my life. But something changed after I gave birth. I had read a lot about postpartum depression and how it can affect women, especially if they have a history of trauma. I remember holding my daughter in my arms and thinking, “My child cannot grow successfully with a mom who hasn’t received the help she needs.” And so began my sessions with my therapist.

I was connected to Catholic Charities for other services, and they connected me to The Child Center’s Early Childhood Mental Health program for therapy with a clinician named Jazmin Fortuna.

From that first meeting with her, I felt trust. I was very shy and felt like she waited ages for me to answer a question or speak on a life event, but she was so patient and nonjudgmental. A postpartum evaluation revealed that I had more than the baby blues. A main goal of my therapy was dealing with my postpartum depression, and also with my older anxieties. After a car accident in 2018, just leaving home caused me tremendous anxiety. I wouldn’t go out without my husband or my mom. If I was halfway to crossing the street and thought a car was getting too close, I’d run back. Jazmin helped me with my anxieties around leaving my home, crossing streets, speaking up for myself, and being there for my family and people I love.

About five months in, my home flooded in Hurricane Ida, and we lost everything (I now have another trauma added to my list). Jazmin connected me to Family Peer Advocate Nodia Reyes, who helped me apply for another place to live. But my anxiety suffered a setback, as I became scared of weather, particularly storms and thunder. I also suffered a miscarriage. Jazmin and Nodia helped me through this tough time. Jazmin introduced me to coping strategies, including reframing and the 5-4-3-2-1 method, which helped with my current anxieties and would help me with future challenges. Jazmin always makes me feel like she truly cares, and not just because that’s her job. And Nodia, who is also a mom and shares a lot of life experiences with me, was able to help me see that a lot of my insecurities were not shortcomings, but rather just part of life. “That’s just motherhood,” she would say. Jazmin and Nodia are the team that put me back together and made me the person I am today.

They also helped me find The Child Center’s early childhood education programs. They suggested that Early Head Start (EHS) would be a good fit for my daughter. Home Visitor Norma Mejia was assigned to my family. We were concerned at first, thinking it was something akin to a wellness check by children’s services (even though we had nothing to hide). It still worried us to let a new person into our home. But those fears quickly dissipated. Norma is such a bright, loving person. She has been a tremendous part of our support system and never came from a place of judgment or malice.

Let me tell you, the change in my daughter after starting home visits with EHS was amazing. Allison was shy at first. She is a pandemic baby and didn’t socialize much, even when we took her to the park. As her home visitors could tell you, she wouldn’t leave our side. But by the time she ended the program, she was ready for school; her socialization skills went up 100 percent. By the last two sessions of socialization, she was a completely different child.

Just after Allison aged out of EHS, I found out we were expecting again. Very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the EHS program for my new baby, I spoke to the assistant director, and we started with home visits and socialization groups. I also self-nominated to be chairperson on the parent committee, and then the chairperson of bylaws and grievance on the policy council committee. It was a bit of a challenge to keep up sometimes, but I loved it. I remember my first policy council meeting happened about 12 hours after giving birth to my baby boy, and everyone was so excited to meet him! Filling these roles gave me an opportunity to be more involved with the education of my daughter and the kids she had socializations with. It also challenged me to work on speaking up and making changes to better support and help myself and others parent in the program. These were two more things I took on in order to challenge myself into speaking up.

During one of the parent committee meetings, a job opportunity for the role of EHS family worker came up, and I applied. To my surprise, I was hired! Not only did I get the job, but my baby and husband were given the opportunity to continue the EHS program (which is amazing, they LOVE it) while I worked. Now my husband gets to do the home visits with our son, and I attend the socializations, which are family events for caregivers and children to connect. With Allison, my husband wasn’t as involved. Participating in the home visits with our son has been a great opportunity for them to bond and for my husband to be involved in his development. He’s done a whole 360, and I’m very proud of him.

Being an Early Head Start family worker is a great fit for me. Participating in EHS parenting workshops as a mom and as an employee, for example, has helped me in both roles. My supervisor said that she can see me picking up things and executing what I’ve been learning in workshops. Thanks to therapy with Jazmin, I feel comfortable speaking about my traumas and connecting with other parents about theirs. When I know something is affecting me, I’m no longer afraid to ask for help. Even on my first day of work, I wasn’t shy about speaking up!

It’s been an awesome journey so far. I’m both learning so much and helping so much. I hear from other people, “You’re so amazing,” and it’s hard for me to believe. It’s hard to see what people find so great about me. I know all the times I messed up and did things incorrectly. But working here and helping the families makes me feel like I’m doing something right.

To this day, I continue my therapy sessions, and even though we have a lot to work on, there has been an insane amount of growth and progress. I truly feel I have a home here that provides support, and that without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

A special thanks to my family—especially my husband, who has always been the biggest part of my support system, encouraging me not to give up and seeing the best in me—and to my therapist, God, and everyone who has been a part of my time at TCCNY. Thank you for reading my story.

FV’s Story

January 9, 2025 | Leave a reply

FV is a 10-year-old boy who receives therapy at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center. Through The Child Center of NY’s Behavioral Health Consultation model, The Child Center shares its expertise in mental health and provides support and training to community organizations like Kingsbridge. This means that people like FV can receive mental health care at a place they already know and trust, in their own neighborhood. This enables The Child Center to reach exponentially more New Yorkers with the care they need and deserve. Below, FV says in his own words what therapy means to him.

Therapy is cool because you get to talk to someone about your problems. It provides different opportunities to express myself. I like that I get to join different groups and use different techniques without having to speak 1:1 to someone. I can get involved in art, play, and social groups.

Therapy is also helping me reach my goals. One goal I have for myself is to continue learning how to use my art skills to grow my career and express my emotions more effectively. Another is learning to work on my spontaneous responses to unannounced or uncomfortable scenarios. And to make lots of friends. In therapy, I have learned to be more confident and more social.

I am a guy who likes to be silly. I sketch spontaneous things that come to mind and create digital art, listening to game OST [original soundtracks], for example, Palmtree Panic from the Sonic CD. That’s one of my ways of being silly!

Therapist’s note: FV was referred for therapy at KHCC because he was having difficulties adjusting to changes in the household, especially his father no longer living in the home. He was having challenges expressing and managing his emotions, especially anger, hyperactivity, and worries, so we have been working on coping skills and ways to manage feelings. FV loves art, so we leaned into that. Art and play therapy have really helped FV open up. These sessions have improved FV’s well-being and mood self-regulation skills. He also is participating in an EMDR art group and improving his mood levels by using bilateral stimulation (BLS) to process emotions with a coping mechanism. In addition, he has benefited from family sessions with his mother to improve their communication and relationship. He has been excited to socialize and express his artistic self through various activities. I am excited to share that he is now being discharged from services after meeting all his goals! –Yadirys Batista, Community Coordinator/Social Worker at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center.

Note from FV’s mom: When my son first came into therapy, he was frustrated and irritable. He was isolated and felt away from me. Now, he is more communicative, caring, and kind. He is able to resolve conflicts on his own without getting angry, and when he needs help, he seems more open to asking for my help. He seems more open with me in general, and he comes to me for anything that is happening in school or anywhere. He is more secure and strong-minded as he has improved his self-esteem. Now, he is a confident young man, which makes me happy.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story included references to Pepe the Frog. In the days following the original posting, we were saddened to learn that Pepe has been used as a hate symbol. Although this, of course, was not FV’s intention, and there have been efforts—including efforts by Pepe’s creator and the ADL—to reclaim Pepe, we decided to remove those images and references.

Ashely’s Story

December 10, 2024 | Leave a reply

Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center Youth Council President Ashely wearing the Rock in the Right Direction shirt designed by the youth council

Ashely rocks the “Rock in the Right Direction” shirt she and other youth council members designed. “We call it ‘Rock in the Right Direction’ because we’re from Far Rockaway,” Ashely explained, “and because the council is dedicated to supporting teenagers in the direction they want to go.”

My name is Ashely, and I’m a senior in high school. I’m also the president of the youth council at Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center. The role is about giving young people a safe place to have fun and make friends. It’s also so much more.

One day I was walking down the street, and Ms. Kia* said to me, “Ashely, I think you should come back with me to the center.” I had never been to the center before. But I’m always willing to do new things, and I’m not going to lie, I usually just would come home from school and do nothing. So I went to the center and met Ms. Nydriah** and Mr. Dennis*** and learned about the youth council. Ms. Nydriah explained that the youth council was an opportunity for teens to make decisions and develop leadership skills. We get to decide what’s important to us, what we want to do and learn about. It sounded beneficial, so I decided to join and serve as vice president of the council. That was in April, and now I’m president.

It’s a fun role. We have a say in the events we want to do and the trips we want to go on. We organized a couple events called Family Day. The whole community came together as one and celebrated like family. We also started a fundraiser for trips. We had a meeting about entrepreneurship to discuss things like, if you have a dollar, how can you use that dollar to make another dollar? We use the money to go on trips, like to RPM Raceway and Launch.

So the youth council is about having fun after school, but it’s also much more than that. It’s an opportunity for us to talk about what matters to us and make decisions that will move us forward in life, toward our own goals. Everyone needs a push in the right direction. What that direction looks like is different for everyone. As president of the youth council, I can help all of us teens find our own path—the one that’s best for us as individuals. Maybe it’s college; maybe it’s trade school. I want to talk about things that will benefit us in life. For high schoolers, we’re about to graduate, and we need to start thinking about this type of stuff before we get out to the real world.

Members of the youth council working on the shirts they designed.

Youth council members working on the “Rock in the Right Direction” shirts they designed.

That’s why one of my goals for this year is starting a podcast. We’ll invite teenagers to talk about career goals, the future, and our opinions on things that are important to us. It’s good to hear other people’s opinions on the issues affecting our world and learn about where other people stand and why. We had a meeting and came up with a lot of topics and learned that the center has the equipment for us. I’m ready for it to start! I have a lot I want to say, and I’m sure everybody else has a lot they want to say, and I’m excited to begin, because everyone should be able to have a voice.

Another goal I have is to promote the youth council to other students and try to get it bigger. Two weeks ago, we invited middle schoolers to listen in. They’ve come back to spend time at the center, which I think is great. The youth council is open only to high schoolers for now, but I told them, when they’re ready, the door is always open. For now, just the fact that they decide to come here to the center every day means a lot. They decide to come here and do something productive.

When Ms. Nydriah first started the youth council, I didn’t know anyone. Being on the council brought me closer to the people here and gave us a bond. I really enjoy being around them, even if we’re just playing a video game or hanging out in the game room. You can always meet new people here and make connections. Everyone deserves a safe space they can come to where they can make friends, because it’s not easy out there for us teenagers. I’m so glad this is a safe space for us to come if we need to talk. We are always here for them.

*Ms. Lakia Echols, community school program director, Rockaway Park High School for Environmental Sustainability

**Ms. Nydriah Collins, program coordinator, Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center

***Mr. Dennis Williams, security guard, Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center

Madison’s Story

November 5, 2024 | Leave a reply

The author, Madison, poses in a cap and gown on high school graduation day with her therapist, Jennifer Trujillo-Armijo, LMSW, from her school's school-based mental health center.

Madison, author, and her therapist, Jennifer Trujillo-Armijo, LMSW

Hey there,

If you’re reading this, perhaps you’re feeling weighed down by expectations, the scars of your past, or maybe even the uncertainty of the future. I’ve been there, and I want to share a piece of my story with you, in hopes that it reminds you, you are not alone. 

I grew up in a household where love became a battlefield. My parents’ divorce wasn’t just a chapter in my life; it felt more like a storm that uprooted my sense of security. I remember countless nights filled with the echoes of arguments, and how deeply I longed for stability. I found myself struggling with feelings of abandonment and an inability to express my emotions. 

It became evident that I needed support, particularly with managing my emotions, sharing my feelings, and respecting boundaries, especially after my parents’ divorce. I found myself struggling with anxiety about transitioning into high school and the complexities of family dynamics. My parents encouraged me to begin therapy, a journey I met with resistance. I had been down that road before and felt frustrated by therapists who, in my eyes, just didn’t get me.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, and like so many others, I found myself confronted with new challenges. The isolation hit hard, amplifying the weight of my struggles and bringing on anxiety in ways I had never anticipated. At first, the isolation felt overwhelming, being cut off from friends and normal routines. But when I finally returned to school, things didn’t get easier. I started experiencing issues with relationships at school and tensions at home, all of which piled up and triggered panic attacks. It reached a point where I had to be sent home because I was simply too unstable to be in that environment. The weight of emotional pain felt suffocating. The pandemic had flipped our lives upside down, and though the outside world was filled with chaos, the storm inside me felt ten times louder. I struggled to filter through the swirling thoughts and feelings that consumed me. School became a minefield, each day accompanied by the terrifying panic attacks that left me gasping for air and reeling in confusion. The simple act of socializing felt difficult, as if I were constantly on the edge of a cliff, unsure if I would soar or fall.

It was in that darkness that a new therapist, Jen, entered my life. My mom had discovered that I could go to therapy at my school through its school-based mental health wellness center. She wouldn’t have to drive me to therapy, and the therapist would be someone who was familiar with teens like me. I decided to give it a try.

When I first stepped into that small, softly lit room at my school’s wellness center with Jen, my heart raced, pounding like a drum, echoing my unease.

At our intake meeting, Jen had suggested that therapy should concentrate on emotional regulation and the challenges of high school, alongside family therapy to address the different parenting approaches and foster understanding, ultimately creating a more positive environment. I felt vulnerable, trapped behind a wall built from years of unexpressed fears and emotions, refusing to let anyone in. I was stubborn and held my guard up like armor, convinced that therapy was a waste of time. Little did I know, healing often requires us to lay down our defenses.

Jen not only saw me, but also truly listened. With her warm smile and patient demeanor, Jen gently began to dismantle my barriers. Time, I came to learn, is a powerful healer, and as moments turned into hours, I found comfort in sharing my struggles, my questions, and my unfiltered self.

Slowly, I began to peel back the layers I had so carefully constructed. We set goals together: learning to communicate my feelings, expressing my needs, and building coping skills that I could use when anxiety crept in. I began to open up, and through that openness, I found strength. I learned how to manage those panic attacks and improve my relationships with my mom and dad. I started to embrace that while I couldn’t control everything, I could control my own reactions.

Therapy was not a magical cure; there were no overnight transformations. It was a process, filled with setbacks and hard truths. I learned to articulate the emotions that had once threatened to consume me, to express my needs without fear of judgment. For the first time, it wasn’t just about surviving the storm; I was learning to navigate through it. My therapist armed me with coping skills that felt like sturdy life jackets, tools I could use when anxiety crept in like an unwelcome guest.

Gradually, I began to see the positive results and benefits of the hard work I had put in. Panic attacks became less frequent, the fear that once gripped my chest relaxing its hold. The conversations I once dreaded became moments of connection, both with my mother and father. I learned that it was OK to communicate my needs, to lean on loved ones while also recognizing the importance of letting go of what I could not control. The beauty of growth is often found in the quiet spaces of understanding, and I finally started to appreciate the strength in vulnerability.

As I graduated high school and stepped into college life in Ohio, the world opened up in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I carried the tools I had gained in therapy with me. The change felt daunting, but I was determined to lean into the lessons I had learned. The bond I now share with both my parents is stronger. They both taught me that seeking help is courageous, not a sign of weakness. I built and embraced new friendships, while nurturing the relationships I had back home in New York became a source of encouragement. I found joy in community, and every connection reminded me that we all share struggles, even if they look different on the surface. Each moment became an opportunity to form connections, to challenge myself, and to celebrate the progress I had made. 

Today, I have grown from reluctant participant to passionate advocate for mental health. To every person out there who feels lost in the chaos of life, remember it’s OK to not have it all figured out. You are a work in progress, and that’s perfectly fine. Embrace the journey, lean into therapy, and know that healing is not linear. With each step you take, you move closer to a brighter, more fulfilled life. There’s a relief in recognizing that seeking support is a sign of strength. Therapy isn’t a stigma; it’s a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. 

Looking back, I am filled with gratitude that my parents pushed me to seek help. I appreciate my therapist beyond words; her support has transformed my life. Without Jen’s compassion and guidance, I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today: resilient, hopeful, and ready to embrace everything life has to offer. My heart swells with appreciation for the wisdom she shared, for the tools she equipped me with, and for the safe harbor she provided on the stormy seas of adolescence. 

I believe that everyone, at any stage, can benefit from therapy. There’s no shame in seeking help. It’s a sign of strength and a commitment to your own well-being. I understand that life may still throw turbulence my way, but now I know I have the inner resources to navigate it. And for that, I will always cherish the lessons learned and the support received. With newfound confidence, I move forward, ready to face whatever comes with open arms and an open heart. You are worthy of love, connection, and healing. Keep going. 

With all my heart,
Madison

Brendaliz’s Story

August 9, 2024 | Leave a reply

As dictated by the client and lightly edited.

I’ll be honest, I did not like therapy at first. I hated it. I didn’t want anybody in my business.

I also didn’t think my therapist would be on my side. That’s because the way I ended up at the [Jamaica Family Wellness] Center was because I had an ACS case open, and they recommended it to me. My husband was into drugs, we were losing our house, and I was smoking weed to deal with my problems. I thought ACS sent me to the Center so they could get evidence to take my kids away. I didn’t want to speak to [my therapist] Maricela because I thought she would use what I said against me. It took a while to open up to her. But little by little, I realized she wasn’t looking for a reason to take my kids away. She was there to help me and my family. She actually listened, and instead of looking at me negatively and judging me, she heard me, helped me, and made me realize that I could make changes in my life.

For example, I didn’t know that I had anxiety and depression. I had an idea but wasn’t really sure. Now that we know what it is, we can treat it. In addition to therapy, I take medications and have medication management appointments with the on-site nurse practitioner.

Maricela also helped me with a lot of practical problems I was having. My life was a mess. I didn’t have ID. I didn’t have my kids’ birth certificates. I didn’t know where to start. Maricela helped me with a lot of it. She helped me get my paperwork, my ID, and food stamps through Benefits Access. Maricela helped me with the paperwork because my reading isn’t that good. Sometimes I don’t understand what I’m reading, and Maricela would help me. She also introduced me to a group at the Center for people with addictions, and it helped me get off weed.

My motivation was my kids. I didn’t want to lose them. I always knew I had to do better, but I didn’t know how. I would smoke weed to deal with my past trauma and emotional issues. During treatment, I gained coping skills and techniques that have helped me manage my feelings and emotions in a healthy, positive way and make good choices. I started taking up drawing and coloring, which helps take me out of that “zone.” And Maricela is always there for me.

I have been in therapy for a few years, and I’m happy to say that my relationship with my kids is great now. Before, my depression was taking over. It was hard to attend to the kids while dealing with the issues I had, and I would just shut down. But with Maricela’s help, I learned to handle it. I try to be open with my kids so they will talk to me when they have a problem. When they do need me, I can be there for them. Instead of looking for reasons to take my kids away, Maricela was there to make sure I could be the best parent I could be.

Now that I’ve been in therapy for a while, I am ready to start working on my own goals so I can be the best I can be for myself, too. My goals include getting a house that I can pay for and going back to school for home decorating. I also want to improve my reading skills. I couldn’t focus on that when I had so much going on with my addiction and my kids, but now I’m ready.

I have a new way of thinking. I used to be really negative. I would look at myself like I couldn’t do anything right. I thought I wasn’t smart enough. I put myself down. Now I don’t see myself like that. I know I am capable of improving, and even though I’m older, I still can have goals and reach them. I may not be as smart as I want to be, but I am a smart woman and can try. Before, I didn’t even want to try. Now it’s different: I go out, I spend time with family, and I push myself. Before, I didn’t want to go to school. Now I can’t wait to go back. I am good at art, at decorating. My cousins and aunt who came to visit saw my artwork and said it looked so pretty and asked to have it. Now it’s hanging in their homes.

I have a totally different view of therapy than I did when I started. With a person who is not a part of your everyday life, you can put yourself out there a little bit more, and they won’t judge you. If you get a good counselor, it will help you change your family and your way of thinking. And changing that is what makes other changes possible.

La Historia de Aleides

July 31, 2024 | Leave a reply

Aleides con su hija, Jismerlyn. El Build-a-Bear en la caja que sostiene Jismerlyn fue un regalo de fin de año del programa extracurricular del Centro Infantil de Jismerlyn.

English Version

Cuando emigré a los Estados Unidos, pensé en un futuro mejor para mi hija, con mejor educación y oportunidades, algo de lo que carece mi país.

Mi hija Jismerlyn acaba de terminar el primer grado y participa en el programa extracurricular COMPASS del Child Center of NY en P.S. 56Q. Me gusta el programa COMPASS porque ha ayudado a las habilidades sociales de Jismerlyn, y la ayuda con las tareas que forma parte del programa la ha llevado a tener un buen desempeño en su educación. Además, puedo trabajar en paz sabiendo que mi hija está en un entorno seguro.

A Jismerlyn le encanta el programa porque puede estar con sus amigos y también aprender nuevas habilidades. Su desarrollo con la lectura es mejor que el año pasado, debido al programa de palabras a la vista. A Jismerlyn le encantan los libros, y la pillo leyendo en casa a menudo. La he visto crecer con su interacción diaria con sus compañeros y en casa. A Jismerlyn le encanta todo lo relacionado con el programa. Y me encanta que mis sueños para ella ya se estén haciendo realidad.

Aleides’s Story

Aleides with his daughter, Jismerlyn. The Build-a-Bear in the box Jismerlyn is holding was an end-of-year gift from Jismerlyn’s Child Center afterschool program.

When I immigrated to the United States, I thought of a better future for my child, with better education and opportunity, something that my country lacks.

My daughter Jismerlyn just finished first grade and is a participant in The Child Center of NY’s COMPASS afterschool program at P.S. 56Q. I like the COMPASS program because it has helped Jismerlyn’s social skills, and the homework help that is a part of the program has led to her doing well in her education. Also, I can work in peace knowing that my daughter is in a safe environment.

Jismerlyn loves the program because she can be with her friends and also learn new skills. Her development with reading is better than last year because of the sight word program. Jismerlyn loves books, and I catch her reading at home often. I have seen her growth with her daily interaction with her peers and at home. Jismerlyn loves everything about the program. And I love that my dreams for her are already becoming true.

Alejandro’s Story

July 18, 2024 | Leave a reply

Alejandro, a student at August Martin High School who was a WIOA participant and will be a freshman at Cooper Union, stands outside The Met to receive his St. Gaudens Medal.

Alejandro at The Met to receive his St. Gaudens Medal

When I was in middle school, my mother and I moved to the United States from Haiti. It was initially exciting to live in new places, but I also felt sadness due to missing my close family members back in Haiti. The COVID-19 pandemic made things more difficult, especially as a ninth grader at August Martin High School. I found it challenging to adapt to remote learning and didn’t feel like I could express my true personality.

In 10th grade, I discovered a passion for architecture through a Google quiz. I spent the entire summer researching and learning about architecture, which ultimately led me to make a firm decision to pursue a career in this field. Despite facing obstacles in my art classes, I was determined to pursue my goal.

In my 11^th grade year, I encountered some unexpected obstacles on my path to pursuing art. Despite the initial setbacks, I remained determined, which ultimately led to a remarkable opportunity. After showcasing my artwork to the art teacher, she offered me the chance to take AP Art, which was a level above what I had originally intended. Being the first student at my school to take AP Art in junior year was a proud accomplishment for me.

Also that year, I was exposed to two programs offered by The Child Center of NY at August Martin: Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and WIOA. SYEP allowed me to spend the summer gaining professional skills and hands-on experience while working as an office assistant. It was a chance to learn various professional skills, enhancing my knowledge and capabilities. Additionally, I seized the opportunity to take a class at The Cooper Union over the summer, further expanding my skills and knowledge.

I was just months away from officially starting my senior year when the WIOA staff reached out to me with an opportunity to join the program. Upon hearing about the program offerings, which included earning college credits, gaining internship experience, receiving financial literacy support, and even earning a stipend, I eagerly signed up. I was motivated to prepare for my future career and college journey.

Ms. Roberta, the WIOA program case manager and college advisor, provided invaluable assistance with college applications and played a pivotal role in guiding me through the FAFSA process. Her support and mentorship helped me navigate through the complexities of the college admissions process, easing my worries and boosting my confidence, especially in preparing for my Cooper Union interview.

Participating in the workshops that WIOA offered opened up new learning opportunities for me. I gained insights into financial matters such as credit cards, loans, and credit scores. Additionally, the workshops focused on professionalism and proper work attire, equipping me with important life skills. Moreover, my involvement in the ambassador program at school, under the guidance of Mr. Herman [Fogah, assistant principal], helped me develop crucial leadership skills. The culmination of these experiences led to me being elected as the student leader and serving as the media co-president. These leadership roles further honed my abilities and instilled a sense of pride in being able to make a positive impact within the school community.

I know these skills will help me in college—which is where I will be in September. I am excited to report that I was admitted to Cooper Union, my dream school, with a full scholarship.

I am also proud to share that I recently received an art award from the School Art League at The Met. It’s called the Saint Gaudens Medal, and it’s awarded to seniors in New York City public high schools who have completed an art program with excellence.

As I begin a new chapter, I know I am fortunate to have had so many people support me on my journey. Ms. Roberta’s unwavering belief in me and her guidance and encouragement were instrumental in my success. Her assistance extended beyond academics, helping me navigate challenges related to mental health and self-advocacy. My mother, Alexandra Joseph, has been one of the greatest support systems in my life. She has been there for all my adventures and has seen me fall away and climb back up. Her encouragement has helped me push through. I am filled with gratitude for my mother, mentors, and the invaluable experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.

La Historia de Lorena

June 4, 2024 | Leave a reply

Lorena and her family. The three children have all been students at Escalera Head Start.

De izquierda a derecha: Cándido (padre); Jennifer, de 7 años; Ximena, de 9 años; Lorena; Alexis, de 4 años. Lorena sostiene el certificado de premio de Alexis por juegos de rompecabezas.

English Version

“Tengo tres hijos que han sido estudiantes en Escalera Early Childhood. Mis hijas estuvieron en el programa hace un par de años. Mi hijo comenzó en Early Head Start de Escalera cuando tenía dos años y ahora está en la clase UPK. Comenzará el jardín de infantes en el otoño.

Todos mis hijos no son tan tímidos como antes. Mejoraron en el aprendizaje de la escritura, en el aprendizaje del abecedario y en la participación en todos los libros que leyeron.

Yo también mejoré como padre. Escalera me ayudó a hablar con mi hijo cuando estaba llorando, y pronto dejó de llorar. Me ayudaron a ayudar a mi hijo a compartir cosas, recoger el desorden, comer, vestirse, ir al baño y cruzar la calle cuando van al parque a divertirse, el equipo de Escalera me ayudó con todas estas cosas, me ayudó a ver cuánto podía ayudar a mis hijos a hacer.

Escalera ofrece muchas maneras de apoyarnos con la crianza de los hijos, y yo aproveché muchas de ellas. Estoy en el Comité de Padres, lo cual decidí hacer para poder retribuir al programa, organizar eventos y tener experiencia en un comité como este. Participé en las excursiones de la clase Health Bucks al mercado de agricultores, donde podía elegir frutas y verduras saludables para mi familia, y en las actividades del aula. Disfruté participando en las actividades de la clase ayudando a hacer las piñatas para cada una de las clases.

Una cosa que estoy muy contenta de haber hecho, fue asistir a ParentCorps, que Escalera ofrece en el centro. ParentCorps me ayudó a ser más paciente con mis hijos, a ayudarlos a controlar sus rabietas y su ira. Aprendes muchas maneras de criar a tu hijo de una manera diferente a cuando creciste.

¡Mis hijas están en 2º y 3º grado ahora y les va muy bien! El programa los preparó para el jardín de infantes, y ahora sé que mi hijo estará preparado y listo para hacerlo bien. Los maestros ayudan hablando mucho con los niños, haciéndoles saber que son adultos y que van a cambiar de escuela y de maestro. Ayudan a los niños a escribir su nombre, a saber los números y el abecedario, y a compartir cosas.

Escalera es una muy buena escuela, con buenos profesores que ayudan mucho a los niños. Son muy pacientes y no tienes que preocuparte de que te juzguen. Simplemente te ayudan a ser el mejor padre que puedes ser para tus hijos.”

Lorena’s Story

From left to right: Candido (dad); 7-year-old Jennifer; 9-year-old Ximena; Lorena; 4-year-old Alexis. Lorena is holding Alexis’ certificate of award for puzzle games.

“I have three children who have been students at Escalera Early Childhood. My daughters were in the program a couple of years ago. My son started in Escalera Early Head Start when he was two years old and now he is in the UPK [universal pre-kindergarten] class. He will be starting kindergarten in the fall.

All my children are not as shy as they were. They improved in learning to write, learning their ABCs, and participating in every book they read.

I improved as a parent too. Escalera helped me talk to my son when he was crying, and he soon stopped crying. They helped me to help my son share things, pick up clutter, eat, get dressed, go to the bathroom, and cross the street when they go to the park to enjoy themselves. The Escalera team helped me with all these things, helped me see how much I could help my children do.

Escalera offers many ways to support us with parenting, and I took advantage of many of them. I am on the Parent Committee, which I decided to do so I could give back to the program, organize events, and have experience being on a committee like this. I participated in Health Bucks class field trips to the farmer’s market, where I could choose healthy fruits and vegetables for my family, and in the classroom activities. I enjoyed participating in the class activities of helping to make the piñatas for each of the classes.

One thing I am really glad I did was attend ParentCorps, which Escalera offers at the center. ParentCorps helped me to be more patient with my children, to help them control their tantrums and their anger. You learn many ways to raise your child in a different way than when you grew up.

My daughters are in second and third grade now and doing so well! The program prepared them for kindergarten, and now I know my son will be prepared and ready to do well. The teachers help by talking to the children a lot, letting them know that they are grown up, and that they are going to change schools and teachers. They help the children write their name, know the numbers and ABCs, and share things.

Escalera is a very good school, with good teachers who help the children a lot. They are very patient and you don’t have to worry they will judge you. They just help you be the best parent you can be for your children.”