Partnership with Children Initiates Innovative Mental Health Afterschool Programs

Innovative Afterschool Programs by Partnership with Children

In a groundbreaking move, the Partnership with Children (PWC) has announced the launch of three new afterschool programs aimed at fostering mental health and well-being among students in Brooklyn and the Bronx. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as it overlays trauma-informed practices for children who face socio-economic challenges, thus redefining what afterschool support should entail.

Founded over 118 years ago, PWC remains steadfast in its mission to enhance the mental health and wellness of schoolchildren across New York City. The new programs come as a response to the growing need for mental health support among middle school students grappling with various stressors related to poverty. According to the PWC CEO, Wesner Pierre, there’s a profound opportunity here to integrate mental health support within the already existing ecosystem of services focused on young people's development.

PWC plans to offer these services at three selected schools, including South Bronx Academy for Applied Media and Riverdale Avenue Middle School, which are the leading community schools in their respective districts. These programs will be included in the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) COMPASS initiative, effectively adding around 10,000 afterschool seats this year.

holistic approach to mental health

PWC specializes in embedding trauma-informed mental health care in every interaction with students and their families. This includes training for social workers, specialized leaders, and staff members involved in the program. By doing so, PWC ensures that mental health considerations are not merely added services but are integral to the entire educational experience. This approach acknowledges that children carry their emotional needs with them throughout the school day, and therefore the support should not cease when the traditional school day ends.

One successful model for this initiative can be seen at PS 194 in West Harlem. In collaboration with PWC, this community school has effectively demonstrated that integrating mental health and wellness into afterschool programming can significantly impact students' academic performance. According to Wanda Acevedo, the principal of PS 194, they have witnessed exponential gains in reading and math proficiency, while also noting a decrease in behavioral incidents among students.

PWC's holistic programming takes into account various aspects of a child's life, creating a seamless network of support that extends not only to the students but also their families. For example, PWC’s in-school social workers carry their efforts into the afterschool setting, interacting with students in a familiar and supportive environment. Additionally, the afterschool staff join the school community early in the day, which allows them to better understand the students' needs and establish effective strategies for support.

Moreover, the afterschool teams actively work to build trust with parents. By following up on appointments and providing resources, they alleviate some of the pressure that parents face amid their busy lives. These collaborative efforts are paramount in reshaping how educators and caregivers interact with children, fostering an environment where students feel empowered to pursue academic and personal goals.

measurable success

The impact of this model is quantifiable. Among the schools served by PWC, 89% of teachers reported that students made progress towards their academic or mental health goals. Furthermore, 85% of educators noticed an increase in students’ motivation and contentment regarding their educational experience. Additionally, 87% of parents voiced their appreciation for their children’s active participation in their education, while 84% felt more confident in their ability to support their children’s learning at home.

In summary, Partnership with Children's efforts to launch these innovative afterschool programs highlight the critical intersection of education and mental health. By evolving the traditional afterschool model, PWC aligns its mission with the pressing needs of today’s youth, addressing barriers to learning and emotional wellness with proactive, community-based initiatives. As the organization continues to serve over 20,000 students and families, they fundamentally empower young people to break free from poverty cycles while equipping them to advocate for their own communities through the skills they develop.

For more information about Partnership with Children and their programs, visit Partnership with Children.