On Thursday, May 11, The Child Center of NY, BOSS, KABOOM!, NY Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, and Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Kim Council joined together at The Child Center Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) to build a 9,000-square-foot outdoor playspace designed by the youth themselves.
More than 50 BOSS volunteers rolled up their sleeves and installed the new playspace, which will provide young New Yorkers in treatment at the RTF with a place to get active, build social bonds, and gather as a community. It features a customized football turf, basketball court, and more.
The Child Center’s RTF is a coeducational program in a welcoming, supportive environment that serves young people ages 12-18 who have had multiple psychiatric hospital placements or have been involved with the juvenile justice system. It is the only downstate RTF in the state that is a dual NYS Office of Mental Health/Office of Children and Family Services facility. The overarching goal of the RTF is for young people facing the toughest mental health challenges to acquire the tools and support to safely return to their communities, live as independently as possible, and realize sustained positive outcomes.
We think Daniel’s smile in this photo says it all about the joy the event brought to everyone involved—including the youth who were so happy to see their dreams literally be built.
Thank you to all those who joined the team of volunteers to support the youth of the RTF through the building of this magnificent playspace. To learn more about how you can support the youth of The Child Center through events like these, please email us at fundraising@childcenterny.org. We are always happy to welcome more dedicated folks to the Child Center community!
