AmeriCorps Members organize Red Hook's National Night Out Against Crime!

Yesterday the Red Hook community came together to celebrate our 18^th annual National Night Out Against Crime. This long-standing event is in partnership with the Red Hook Community Justice Center, the NYPD 76^th Precinct and PSA 1 Housing Police, Kings County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Office of Court Administration, and the New York Juvenile Justice Corps.  This event provides an opportunity for residents, law enforcement and local organizations to come together, break down barriers, and take a stand against violence in our communities.

Hundreds of neighbors gathered in Red Hook’s Coffey Park for the festivities, food, positive messages, and a community resource fair with over 40 local organizations. Some highlights from the day included an anti-violence poetry slam by our local young poets, an exhibit of art work by young teens from the Justice Center’s art program, a Cops and Kids baseball game, and a teen dating violence PSA from the Justice Center’s Youth Echo program. And of course, there were plenty of fun activities including, pony rides, face painting, cotton candy, Youth Olympics, and an impromptu electric slide dance-off!

Local dignitaries and elected officials also came out and called for the community to come together and work with law enforcement to combat violence. Speakers included Brooklyn District Attorney, Charles Hynes, Senator Velmanette Montgomery, 76^th Precinct Police Captain Jeffrey Schiff, City Council Members Sara Gonzalez and Brad Lander, Housing Police Captain Carlos Valdez, Felix Palacios of Council Speaker Quinn’s Office, Andrew Olsen of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, and our own, Honorable Judge Calabrese.

Collaboration and unity like we saw yesterday in Coffey Park has been critical to making the 76^th precinct among Brooklyn’s safest and will continue to strengthen our community in years to come.

The pictures were taken by local teen participants in the Justice Center's JustArts Photography Program

Cops and Kids Baseball Game

  A Corps member shares his poem during the Anti-Violence Poetry Slam

Residents and Volunteers Join in for an Impromptu Electric Slide Dance Off!

The Red Hook Baseball League thank Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes and City Council Member Sara Gonzalez for their continued support of the league and the neighborhood.

Pony Rides are always a hit!

Residents Celebrating a beautiful evening in Red Hook.

Apply to be a New York Juvenile Justice Corps member!

Do you want to serve your community and make a difference in the lives of New York City youth and families? Apply to be an AmeriCorps member with the New York Juvenile Justice Corps today!

What is the New York Juvenile Justice Corps?

The New York Juvenile Justice Corps is an AmeriCorps national service program and project of the Center for Court Innovation. The Juvenile Justice Corps places Corps members at full-time, year-long job placements in courthouses, detention centers, schools and community centers throughout New York City. Corps Members provide wraparound interventions and positive programming to divert young people out of the justice system and break the cycle of unmet needs and delinquent behavior. Throughout the year, Corps members participate in meaningful service projects to have a visible impact in the community as well as monthly trainings to support their professional development.

What are the benefits?

• Educational grant award of $5,550 which can be used toward tuition or student loans
• Living stipend of $12,100
• Basic health coverage
• Childcare reimbursement
• On the job and supplemental job training
• Professional development and networking opportunities
• 85% of Corps graduates go on to a full-time job or college!

What are the Requirements?

• Commit to serve for 1 year from October 1^st 2012 – September 30^th 2013
• Serve a minimum of 35 hours per week (for a total of 1,700 hours in 1 year)  
• Participate in monthly trainings and service projects with the Corps including some weekend and evening obligations
• High school diploma or GED
• Must be at least 18 years old by October 1^st 2012
• An interest in public service, youth development, law and community service
• United States citizen or legal permanent resident with a green card
• Bi-lingual skills a plus 

How do I apply?

Please review positions available online at www.courtinnovation.org/employment and submit a resume and cover letter directly to the hiring manager. For questions about benefits, eligibility or the application process contact Viviana at VGORDON@courts.state.ny.us or 718-923-8274. The deadline to apply is September 1^st, 2012.