COMMUNITY PARTNERS

THE Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center

The Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center (Mary Mitchell) opened in 1997 to serve the Crotona community of the South Bronx. Programming is born out of the struggle to improve the neighborhood, after arson and property abandonment in the 1970’s resulted in hundreds of vacant lots and galvanized many of the residents to reclaim their neighborhood. Over the past thirty years, Mary Mitchell has advocated to have lots turned into ball fields and community gardens, and to see local parks restored for soccer, tennis, and football. They have also provided a venue and other needed supports to over twenty-five small, volunteer-run groups working to improve the lives of Crotona residences. 

Children in grades K-6 who participate in the Mary Mitchell after school program are picked up from school, have a healthy homemade meal, receive tutoring and homework help, and participate in fitness, arts, and community improvement activities. Teen members of the Mary Mitchell Food Justice Club (FJC) advocate for their right to grow, sell, and eat healthy foods and learn about related issues including food deserts and child obesity. During the summer, FJC members work with the nearby La Familia Verde Farmers Market to sell the produce they grow in the Mapes Community Garden where they also teach other youth how to maintain these important community resources. 

Mary Mitchell is in walking distance for most of our participants, and during our Summer Camp the Center provides classroom space and hot lunches as an in-kind contribution to our partnership. 

Phipps Neighborhoods’ Beacon at Wings Academy 

Phipps Neighborhoods’ Beacons programs, in partnership with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, are school-based community centers that serve both youth and adults. Beacons operate in the afternoons and evenings, on weekends, school holidays, and during school vacation periods (including the summer). Youth programs are designed to help participants acquire the skills and attitudes they need to graduate from high school, succeed in their chosen career, and give back to the community. Adult programs enhance skills and promote social interaction, community engagement, and physical activity. 

The WomanHOOD Project Winter-Spring and Fall-Winter Programs are operated in partnership with the West Farms Beacon at Wings Academy (The Beacon). Our partnership with The Beacon provides The WomanHOOD Project with classroom, gym, dance studio and art room spaces, lunches, and snacks, NYC Transit passes for field trips, and an adult assistant able to accompany us on trips outside of the building.