The organization that I chose to further research was The Harlem Children’s Zone at http://www.hcz.org/home. The overarching goal of this organization is to be constantly changing the streets, community, and children of Harlem. Throughout the past, Harlem has been inundated with crime and violence due to drugs and gangs. HCZ is attempting to (and has had great progress thus far) decrease the crime and violence, specifically starting with children.
In Harlem, children – more specifically infants – tend to not get the appropriate and adequate care that they need. Because of this, HCZ started a project over ten years ago called “The Baby College.” The main objective of this project is to teach expecting parents and/or parents of children up to age three, learn more about how to care for their children. Today, it has helped over 870 participants better serve their children. This program was interesting to me because I have always cared for the wellbeing of infants. I think it is especially important that children have a support system in an area such as Harlem so that they can overcome the challenges of their community.
On the newsletter regarding “The Baby College” one author states, “We are expanding because we see a stark need in surrounding communities—we want to do our best for those in need, starting with the thousands of children who are living in poverty.” Because of this, I am led to believe that this project serves any ethnicity or race within the Harlem area. In terms of changing demographics, this organization is more concerned with the community as a whole rather than the varying ethnicities within it. I think this is a very proactive approach this week’s topic.
(The newsletter that corresponds with this information can be viewed at http://www.hcz.org/images/stories/pdfs/ali_summerfall2002.pdf)
What a wonderful program being offered by the Harlem Children's Zone. Often times time and resources are being spent on educating young people how not to get pregnant, that we forget that we also need to educate young people who do get pregnant how to be good caregivers not only to their children but to themselves. This program has a far reaching impact that looks into the future of the young women and men raising children and tries to give every child a chance. It is great that the program works with both mothers and fathers! The impact that the Baby College had on Gavin Turner was impressive. Reluctant at first, he did benefit from the program and wanted to improve his life as well; taking classes to learn more and grow professional as well as improving his life physically; taking care of himself and eating right. He wanted to be a good example for his children and family and seemed to understand that he was creating a path by which his children could travel to be successful learners and members of the community.
ReplyDeleteBeki,
ReplyDeleteThe "Baby College" sounds alot like the program I want to begin in my community. I will be contacting the HCZ for ideas and permission to use them. Thank you for providing this excellent and inspiring resources!