[Seattle-editorial] YOUTH SERVICES FORUM

Thu Nov 13 13:24:58 PST 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2003
PRPD-001-03
www.nyc.gov/dycd

NEW YORK CITY
DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 
AND NYPD CO-SPONSOR YOUTH SERVICES FORUM

The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) in cooperation with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) sponsored a Youth Services Forum today that brought together police officials and officers and representatives from youth-serving community-based organizations to discuss community relations, share information, introduce resources and promote ways to develop and enrich services for youth in the borough of Staten Island.  Similar forums have already been held in the Bronx and Queens, and are being planned for Brooklyn and Manhattan.

"With high visibility in the community, NYPD youth officers are in frequent contact with the same youth that receive services from the community-based organizations that we support.  Our youth forums encourage the NYPD and CBOs to expand their dialogue, and can only enhance the delivery of services to Staten Island youth," said Miguel Almodovar, DYCD Assistant Commissioner for Youth Employment, in his welcome remarks. "Through this series of forums DYCD, its funded agencies, and the NYPD are committed to strengthening existing relationships and welcoming new partnerships that will have a positive impact on youth, families and their communities," Assistant Commissioner Almodovar added.

At today's forum, representatives of youth-serving organizations and the NYPD exchanged ideas, best practices and strategies on how to work together on issues of common interest, where and how to most effectively refer youth for services, and ways to promote better communication and develop stronger alliances. "The New York City Police Department offers a range of programs and services for New York City youth with the goals of improving police-community relations, promoting positive youth development, and aiding the NYPD in its recruitment efforts.  These programs alone cannot meet the needs of all Staten Island young people.  It is essential that this collaboration that we are fostering between police officers and youth-serving organizations at today's event continues to grow and flourish," remarked Joyce Stephen, Deputy Chief, NYPD.

Hosted by Cromwell Recreational Center at Pier 6 in Staten Island, this was the 3rd in a series of collaborative forums between DYCD-funded CBOs and the NYPD.  Previous forums have been held in the Bronx as part of Bronx Week's Bronx Youth Day, and in Queens, and will be replicated in Brooklyn and Manhattan.  "It is crucial for all of us to work together to create a seamless garment of care and respect for our youth.  We must establish an environment for young people to fully utilize the talents and gifts they bring to our world by providing opportunities for advanced learning and placement with just wages in our workforce," noted Reverend Terry Troia, Executive Director of Project Hospitality, a grassroots interfaith service provider in Staten Island.

Other speakers and guests joining DYCD Assistant Commissioner Almodovar, NYPD Deputy Chief Stephen and Reverend Troia were Marsha Meyer, Liaison for Education from the Office of the Staten Island Borough President; William F. Calhoun, NYPD Assistant Chief; Amin Kosseim, NYPD Commanding Officer, Youth Services Section; Marcos Zosaya, Student at the College of Staten Island, Institute of Civic Leadership; Anthony Licciardello, Mayor's Community Assistance Unit and Carl Calderone, NYPD Program Division Unit.

Earlier in an October 23, 2003 event, DYCD and the Office of the Staten Island Borough President announced the Tottenville High School Violence Prevention and Peer Mediation Program.  DYCD had drafted and submitted a Violence Prevention and Peer Mediation Grant, on behalf of the Staten Island Borough President's Office, to the New York State Division of Criminal Justices.  The three year $450,036 award will expand services already offered at the DYCD Beacon Program at Tottenville High School in Staten Island.  "At today's Staten Island Youth Services Forum, I am pleased to renew my office's commitment to working with DYCD and the NYPD for the benefit of our Borough's young people," said Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro. "We are currently collaborating on the Tottenville High School Violence Prevention and Peer Mediation Program.  Expanding after school programs and extra-curricular activities while integrating the school into the local community is vital to enhancing the overall quality of life here on Staten Island."  The Police Athletic League of Staten Island will provide services meant to foster positive interaction among teen participants, with a focus on understanding, acceptance and respect for cultural, ethnic, religious and social differences.  DYCD will provide technical assistance and program oversight.

Community-based organizations with interest in reviewing contracting opportunities with the Department of Youth and Community Development should visit the website at www.nyc.gov/dycd.

For additional information contact:

Department of Youth and Community Development
Michael Ognibene
Deputy Chief of Staff
(212) 442-6009
mogniben at dycd.nyc.gov

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