Red Hook Justice - Your Community. Your Court.: Thank You AmeriCorps Members

Red Hook Justice - Your Community. Your Court.: Thank You AmeriCorps Members: Last Friday we held a graduation for our AmeriCorps members, the last class of the New York Juvenile Justice Corps . Over the past year, the...

Red Hook's 19th Annual National Night Out Against Crime

We hope you can join us! There will be food, music, and a good time!

Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader

Joseph Addison once said, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”

On June 21^st, the New York Juvenile Justice Corps hosted their 3^rd Annual Kids Book Fair at the Red Hook branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Children came from all directions and gathered around our tables to pick out books to read over the summer. Our JJC members were more than prepared and greeted every child and parent that passed by our tables filled with books. The kids looked with awe and wonder as they saw books of mystery, of adventure, and of their favorite cartoon characters. Kids left the book fair with smiles on their faces and bags full of books. A 12-year-old at the book fair said, “My mom is going to be upset that I brought all these books in the house but, I don’t care, I love to read.” Corps members also gave out handmade bookmarks with quotes about the importance of reading and tips to prevent the “Summer Slide.”

Corps members gear up to help kids find the perfect summer reading book

 The “Summer Slide” is a slippery slope; it describes the 2 months of learning loss that occurs with children over the summer break. It causes a significant achievement and learning gap that causes children to fall behind on their studies. Our goal is to promote and encourage the excitement of reading and to increase access to age-appropriate books.

Corps member Lisa makes a recommendation to a pair of friends 

This could have not been a success without our supporters and partners. We would like to thank Tymberly Harris of the Packer Collegiate Institute for donating all of the amazing books. Thank you to Ronell Jack and Nelson Rivera and the Red Hook community service crews for their assistance moving the books.  A big thanks to Nate’s Pharmacy who donated wonderful tote and plastic bags for the youthful readers. Last but certainly not least, a thank you to the Red Hook Community Justice Center and New York Juvenile  Justice Corps members for supporting, organizing,  and for making this amazing day possible.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Closed.

Take a look below for some more photos of the wonderful day!



 

What is Your Teen Doing this Summer?

Summer employment and activities are critical to the social and economic development of our young people. The Wall Street Journal reported that in 2012, 16- to 19-year-olds in New York City have experienced an unemployment rate of above 30% for three years in a row, three times the city’s unemployment rate. One in five New Yorkers between 18 and 24 are out of school and out of work. A report issued this year by New York City’s Workforce Investment Board described the consequences of young adults struggling to find jobs. “Research has indicated that work is ‘path-dependent’: those who work at age 17 are more likely to work at 19, and more likely to work into their early 20s and beyond.” And unfortunately, many young people without employment, extra-curricular activities, or in school, get bored and get into trouble.
 

Our young people are eager to work, earn money, and learn new skills if given the opportunity. To that end, the Red Hook Community Justice Center is providing several exciting opportunities.
 

On May 7^th, the Justice Center hosted its Annual Summer Internship Fair for teens and young adults at the NYCHA Miccio Community Center. Over 200 young people came out to learn about exciting opportunities with organizations like: Exalt; Added Value; Groundswell Mural Project; Youth Made Media, and Green City Force.

  

The Justice Center will offer an exciting new photography program called JustArts: Photo Voice in partnership with the Brooklyn Arts Council. Twenty participants ages 16-24 will be selected to participate, and will receive a $600 stipend, metrocards, and a camera. Participants will learn the technical and artistic skills of photography and explore various themes through the photo voice curriculum, with the instruction of professional photographers.

The Justice Center will continue its successful collaboration with the local and renowned Red Hook gallery, Kentler International Drawing Space, and provide summer programming for local pre-teens though our JustArtsDrawing Program: Make Your Mark. Students will explore the many ways and artist can draw INSIDE OUT. The will learn to use their imagination skills and create drawings like never before. Students will be led by K.I.D.S. Teaching Artist, Meghan Keane. Participants must be 11-13 years old and preferably live in Red Hook.

The Justice Center has just finished recruitment for our Summer Internship Program for high school students. Teens will receive professional development training at the Justice Center and are then placed at local organizations and businesses. Nearly 200 applications were received for just 15-20 spots.

The Justice Center will also begin recruitment for its AmeriCorps program, the New York Juvenile Justice Corps shortly, so look out for more information.

 ~Jessica

 

Make Your Mark

In collaboration with the Kentler International Drawing Space (K.I.D.S.), the Red Hook Community Justice Center is excited to announce that we are recruiting for the JustArts: Drawing Program "Make Your Mark."

Students will explore the many ways and artist can draw INSIDE OUT. The will learn to use their imagination skills and create drawings like never before. Students will be led by K.I.D.S. Teaching Artist, Meghan Keane.

Participants must be 11-13 years old and preferably live in Red Hook. The program will meet at the Red Hook Community Justice Center on Monday, Tuesday an Wednesday from 11:00 - 12:30, from July 15 - July 31. For more information, contact Sabrina at 718-923-8261.

Find Your Photo Voice

In collaboration with the Brooklyn Arts Council, the Red Hook Community Justice Center is excited to announce that we are recruiting for JustArts: Photo Voice. Participants will learn the technical and artistic skills of photography and explore various themes through the photo voice curriculum, with the instruction of professional photographers. The photographs will be professionally exhibited.

Particpants will receive metro cards, a camera and a $600 stipend. Applicants must be 16-24 years old. Those not working or enrolled in school are encouraged to apply. The programs will run from July 29th - September 6th, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 2-5pm at the Red Hook Community Justice Center and the Brooklyn Arts Council in DUMBO Brooklyn. Residents from Red Hook, Gowanus, Sunset Park, and Park Slope are encouraged to apply. No previous photography experience is necessary. The DEADLINE TO APPLY IS FRIDAY JULY 12!

For more information and to apply, call Sabrina at 718-923-8261.

Photo Voice is funded by the New York City Center for Economic Opportunity.

Apply NOW to become a NYC Service Fellow

What does it mean to be a NYC Service Fellow?
The NYC Service Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to obtain practical City government experience in the areas of volunteerism and community service at the City level. The centerpiece of this year-long fellowship, offered to recent college graduates, is a work experience at NYC Service — Mayor Michael R Bloomberg’s comprehensive program to engage more New Yorkers in volunteer service and target those volunteers towards the City’s greatest areas of need.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for consideration as a candidate, applicants must meet the following requirements as of the time of their application:

• Applicants must be recent graduates, no more than two full years out of college. We accept applications from students who achieved their undergraduate degree in Spring of 2013, 2012 or 2011.

• Eligibility is based on when you achieved your undergraduate degree.

• Applicants must have one year service related experience.

• Fellows must be prepared to participate in the program on a full-time basis for one full year. While a NYC Service Fellow, fellows may not have any additional job and may not attend graduate studies. This Fellowship requires a full time commitment.

• Fellows must meet the eligibility requirements to work in NYC, i.e. full compliance with the I-9 form from US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

What do I get out of this?

Fellows, who in addition to meeting all other stated requirements, must have one year service related work experience are paid a taxable stipend of $45,768.

How can I get involved?

Check out the following link for more info and the application: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/html/work/nycservice.shtml or email urbanfellows@dcas.nyc.gov with any questions. The deadline is TODAY! Apply now and get involved!

Apply To Be A NYC Civic Corps Member!

Are you committed to making change in NYC? Are you interested in promoting volunteerism throughtout NYC? Apply now to become a NYC Civic Corps Member!

What is NYC Civic Corps?
The NYC Civic Corps, an AmeriCorps program run by NYC Service, unites a diverse group of professionals to serve full-time with partnering organizations, working to increase their organizational capacity to engage volunteers and build sustainable volunteer initiatives.

Small teams of NYC Civic Corps members are assigned to partner organizations for 10 months of full-time service and charged with recruiting, engaging and managing volunteers and volunteer programs. Corps members help nonprofit organizations and City agencies meet New York City’s most pressing needs in:

• Economic Opportunity
• Environment & Clean Energy
• Education: Tutoring & Mentoring
• Health

What's in it for me?

• Educational grant award of $5,550 which can be used toward tuition or student loans
• NYC Civic Corps members receive a monthly stipend of $1,270, pre-tax
• Professional Development and Networking Opportunities
• Basic health coverage

What are the requirements?
Any individual who applies to be a member of the NYC Civic Corps must:

• Complete and submit an online application by July 10, 2013
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Hold a Bachelor's Degree (or expect to complete one by July 31, 2013) and be willing to provide a transcript to verify the completion of the degree
• Submit to a background check by the Office of the Mayor and NYC Service, pursuant to AmeriCorps regulations
• Attend NYC Civic Corps Orientation, to be held September 5-6 and September 9-10, 2013
• Be willing and available to serve full-time (40+ hours/week) for ten months, accruing an AmeriCorps minimum of 1700 service hours (qualifying corps members to receive the Segal Education Award of $5,550).
• Understand that the stipend for NYC Civic Corps is taxable, and is valued at $1,270 per month before taxes
• Understand that a basic medical plan will be available to NYC Civic Corps members, at no cost to Civic Corps members
• Certify that they meet the criteria listed above when completing the application.

How do I apply?
Check out the following link for more info and the application:
 https://a002-oom03.nyc.gov/IRM/Handlers/Html/WelcomePage.ashx?eventGuid=3821c896-1ad9-41b0-be2a-fa8da3d9d323
Applicants should contact NYC Service with any questions at corps@cityhall.nyc.gov or 212-788-3209.
The deadline to apply is July 10th, 2013.

 
 

14 Shades of Justice

Connecting art and photography as a means of communication and an exchange of ideas is at the core of 14 Shades of Justice, the latest exhibition from Red Hook’s JustArts photography program. JustArts: Photography is an after-school digital photography workshop for teens at the Red Hook Community Justice Center done in partnership with the Brooklyn Arts Council.

Participants found the power they have to tell stories, personal or representational, and learned to articulate their thoughts on what social justice photography looks like. This theme was examined during the course of the program, led by a professional teaching artist, through students’ work and ideas, teachings from professional photographers as well as lessons exploring historic photographs and photo essays. Students in this group exhibition participated in the spring 2013 JustArts: Photography program, meeting once a week, for 18 weeks in workshops that provided them with in-depth, hands-on training in shooting, editing, camera use and visual literacy. The students’ knowledge of the professional photography world was expanded through exposure to various artists, gallery visits and artist talks.

Brooklyn Arts Council will exhibit 14 Shades of Justice from June 6 through August 9, 2013, in their gallery space, BAC Gallery,  in DUMBO, featuring the work of 14 students ages 14-18. The BAC Gallery is located at: 55 Washington Street, Suite 218Brooklyn, NY 11201

About JustArts Programming and Positive Youth Justice Initiative

The JustArts: Photography program is part of the Red Hook Community Justice Center's JustArts Programing and Positive Youth Justice Initiative, which reframe the conversation about juvenile delinquency. Instead of pathologizing and criminalizing our teens for adolescent behavior, the Red Hook Community Justice Center works to serve all young people within a positive development framework, drawing on their strengths and contributions to their communities.  Proceeding from a strengths-based approach, the Positive Youth Justice Initiative provides services in four areas—opportunities, educational advocacy, clinical assessments and referrals, and family engagement—to youth on the entire spectrum of court involvement, from prevention to intervention.  They provide internship and employment opportunities and connect youth with creative outlets through JustArts programs, which include the photography program as well as drawing and mural projects.

The JustArts Digital Photography is a program of the Red Hook Community Justice Center, in partnership with the Brooklyn Arts Council, and is supported by the New York State Council of the Arts and the Robin Hood Foundation.

~Jessica
RHCJC

Celebrating It's My Park Day and Red Hook Little Legague Opening Day

The New York Juvenile Justice Corps and our John Jay College of Criminal Justice partners joined the Brownsville Community Justice Center in celebrating “It’s My Park Day” on May 3^rd, 2013 in Betsy Head Park in Brownsville Brooklyn. New Yorkers across the five boroughs gathered to beautify their local green spaces and parks in celebration of “It’s My Park Day.” 

AmeriCorps members alongside members from the Brownsville Justice Community spent the afternoon scrapping and repainting a large retaining wall on the perimeter of the park. Visitors to the park are no longer greeted by a wall of peeling paint but a bright newly painted wall. Volunteers also worked in the garden weeding, removing debris, and laying wood chips. Members conducted park audits at several other local Brownsville Parks, assessing parks’ level of activity, quality, safety, signage, and aesthetics.





 

John Jay members working in the garden

JJC members scrapped and repainted a large retaining wall

JJC members after providing a fresh coat of paint

JJC members, John Jay members, and Brownsville Justice Community members after an afternoon of beautifying Betsy Head Park

 

The 16^th Annual Red Hook little league baseball season kicked off Saturday May 4^th, 2013. Opening Day commenced with Red Hook youth in their bright new uniforms bursting with energy to play. The opening balls were thrown by Councilwoman Sara Gonzalez, Honorable Judge Alex Calabrese of the Red Hook Community Justice Center, Captain Jeffery Schiff of the 76^th Precinct, and Jessica Colon Deputy Director of the Red Hook Community Justice Center. 

AmeriCorps members helped to found the League and continue to support every aspect of the league through their service coaching, recruiting, or distributing uniforms. Hyne’s Heroes and The Defenders quickly got to the business of playing ball. JJC members along with family and friends were happy to cheer on the players at their first game! 

Red Hook Little League 16th Annual Opening Day Hynes Heroes Vs The Defenders

Before thorowing out the Opeining Ball Honorable Judge Alex Calabrese of the Red Hook Community Justice Center
Council Woman Sara Gonzalez, Captain Jeffery Schiff of the 76^th Precinct


 

Let's Play Ball!!



JJC memebers cheering on the players



Making Justice Present on MLK Day

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice."
- Martin Luther King Jr., in a 1955 response to an accusation that he was "disturbing the peace" by his activism during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Montgomery, Alabama

Youth from Red Hook and throughout New York City made signs and participated in a peace march through the neighborhood to celebrate Dr. King's lecacy.

Monday was a big day for Red Hook. Over 200 volunteers came to the Red Hook Recreation Center to honor the birthday and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by pitching in towards the neighborhood's continued recovery from Hurricane Sandy, facilitating workshops on nonviolence and inequality, and participating in a peace march through the neighborhood. Choosing to make Monday "a day on, not a day off" when schools and many businesses are closed was particularly poignant in light of this year's MLK Day coinciding with President Obama's 2nd inauguration, the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the 20th anniversary of the murder of beloved local educator Principal Patrick Daly. 

The day began with a visit from Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who came to Red Hook to celebrate the service of AmeriCorps members from the New York Juvenile Justice Corps and volunteers from NYC Service. Volunteers donned face masks and plastic jumpsuits to scrape paint and restore the flood-damaged basement of the Recreation Center, an important community resource that has not been fully functioning since the storm.

In the Recreation Center's gym, dozens of local youth and teen participants from the Center for Court Innovation's youth programs, including the Red Hook Youth Court, the Brownsville Youth Court, and the Harlem Youth Court, were treated to a presentation on Dr. King's life and lecacy, followed by workshops facilitated by AmeriCorps members that connected his achivements and activism to the role of leaders and role models in participants' own lives. Afterwards, AmeriCorps and Youth Court members served as role models themselves to younger participants by working together to create signs and crowns for our peace march, and to paint MLK-themed murals to be distributed to local community organizations. 

Check out photos of the workshops and art projects (click to enlarge):

In the afternoon, over 100 youth, AmeriCorps members, staff, and other community members braved the weather to brighten up the bitterly cold, gray day with colorful messages of peace in a march through Red Hook. The march was a powerful visual reminder to the community that Dr. King's legacy lives on, and an inspiration to continue to embrace his message of unity and nonviolence, and to persevere in achieveing "true peace."

Check out photos of the peace march (click to enlarge):

Juvenile Justice Corps members give tribute to volunteerism in the wake of Hurricane Sandy at AmeriCorps Kick-Off in Albany

New York Juvenile Justice Corps members awoke bright and early this morning to make a 6:00 AM bus to Albany for the annual AmeriCorps kick-off event hosted by the New York State Commission on National and Community Service. More than 1,000 AmeriCorps members from across New York State gathered at the Empire State Plaza for a jam-packed agenda, filled with fun, reflection, and of course, service. 

Among the highlights of the day were Juvenile Justice Corps members being selected to deliver a tribute to AmeriCorps service in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and share some personal testimony from their relief efforts in Red Hook. The full text of the speech delivered by Corps members Salam Mustafa, Pete Martin and Claudia Choi is below.

Additionally, Corps members took the AmeriCorps oath of service, pledging to "get things done for America!" A video of Corps members reciting the pledge is below.

Finally, Corps members had the opportunity to mingle with AmeriCorps programs from other parts of the state such as Buffalo, Rochester and Long Island during the service fair. Corps members also participated in numerous service projects with other AmeriCorps programs, including gift-wrapping holiday presents for children of military families and writing letters to service men and women abroad. Photos from these projects are displayed in the slideshow below.

Congratulations, New York Juvenile Justice Corps members on a fantastic start to your service year! We could not be more thrilled to have you aboard!   

“A Tribute to AmeriCorps Service in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy”

Three weeks ago today, millions of New Yorkers woke to find their community forever changed. Many lost loved ones to the storm. Flooded neighborhoods were barely recognizable. And lifetimes’ worth of worldly possessions were lost in corrosive seawater. In addition, millions of people were left for weeks without power, heat, or running water. In the face of heartbreak and devastation, we witnessed something powerful: volunteers mobilized, donations poured in, and communities learned what they were really made of, as they pulled together to rebuild.

Good morning everyone. My name is Salam Mustafa and I am here with Claudia Choi and Pete Martin. We are members of the New York Juvenile Justice Corps, which is based in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Red Hook is a small waterfront community that was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. Our offices were flooded with 5 feet of water and remained without power until last week.

Although most of us hadn’t set foot in Red Hook before last month, because Red Hook has had an AmeriCorps program for the past 18 years, our bright shirts immediately made us a welcome and familiar sight in the neighborhood. I want to share one story to illustrate that:  

Two days after the storm when it was first reported the National Guard would be coming with food and water, Red Hook residents lined up for hours in near freezing temperatures, hoping the goods would arrive before dark. As frustrations mounted, we walked up and down the line trying to reassure everyone that help was on its way. Toward the back of the line, a woman caught sight of us and called out “AmeriCorps is here! Now you know it’s gonna be okay!” That made us feel very proud, but also humbled, realizing the powerful legacy we’ve inherited by joining AmeriCorps.

We are here today to recognize the many AmeriCorps members who rose in service after Sandy. The subway shutdown in New York City could not stop us from being at the frontlines of relief efforts from day 1. We rode bikes, took multiple busses, and drove across town on that last quarter tank of gas – whatever it took to get there!

Seeing that we were in need, AmeriCorps members from across the country also organized and deployed to New York. They came from Missouri, Vermont, Montana, Washington State, Minnesota, Iowa, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico  – not to mention hundreds of FEMA Corps members who came up from Washington DC just a few weeks into their service year!

Can we see a show of hands, how many in this room have been a part of Sandy relief efforts in the past 3 weeks? Look around… That’s amazing! Give yourselves a round of applause!

In this room alone are AmeriCorps members who have supported countless relief efforts across the state. We wish we could share all of your stories but only have time to give few brief snapshots here today.

In the hardest hit sections of New York City, Civic Corps and Juvenile Justice Corps members worked side by side with the National Guard to distribute essential items- including water, ready-made meals, and wool blankets. Corps members of City Year led craft-making, and fun activities for children while they waited with their parents in long distribution lines.

Corps members went door to door in New York City Housing Authority developments, checking on seniors and homebound individuals. These deliveries involved climbing as many as 14 flights of stairs in a pitch black, narrow stairwell, balancing cases of water, boxes of food, and a flashlight. Everyone who was home opened their door with bright eyes and great appreciation.

Civic Corps members made city evacuation centers comfortable for families by giving out warm clothes and personal items. On Long Island, AmeriCorps members with the Red Cross dispatched to a high school being used as a shelter for one of the hardest hit beachfront communities. 

Civic Corps members also led massive beach cleanups in the Rockaways, Coney Island, and Brighton Beach. AmeriCorps members from Green City Force and the New York Restoration Project picked up chainsaws, rakes and shovels and removed literally tons of downed trees and debris from city parks and green spaces. New York Restoration Project Corps members actually couldn’t make it to Albany today because their service is still so critically needed on the ground.

Our volunteer service does not only have an impact on communities, it impacts us as well. We are going to share a few reflections on the meaning of service in the aftermath of Sandy. 

As the storm hit, I watched my city shut down, and then become overwhelmed. The destruction was painful to watch, and I didn't want to sit by, doing nothing in response to such tragedy so close to home, so I jumped at the opportunity to help.In Red Hook, the differences between the National Guard and groups of volunteers diminished and we were just people working together to be stronger than we each could be individually. It was amazing to be surrounded by other individuals who wanted to help as much as I did. I think we were all inspired by one another to get as much as we could done.

I found it very gratifying to see the warm response from the community and to be greeted by huge smiles and sometimes even hugs. Though many were without water or electricity, our outreach comforted them in the sense that they were not going to be ignored. For me personally, I was humbled by the experience and proud that I was able to be part of history and contribute my efforts to help New Yorkers get back on their feet.

I was really excited about being able to give of my time and not looking for anything in return, I mean it just touches my heart to see the relief on peoples' faces when I delivered the packages to them. I never in my life would had thought that it would be so fulfilling doing volunteer work and see how many people came out to help. I always had love for people no matter who they are and to be apart of something so wonderful is a blessing, and I'm proud to be a AmeriCorps member. Thank you, AmeriCorps, for showing me what it truly means to give of yourself selflessly! 

As we speak, many New Yorkers are still without power, heat and water. Even when those services are restored, rebuilding will take years. At a community meeting in Red Hook last week, one resident stood up and said “Sandy brought us together, but let’s stay together!”

We say the same. If we continue work together like we have the past 3 weeks, there is no limit to what we can do. Thank you everyone for all you have done. And thank you for making us so proud to be a part of this program that lets us be of service where our communities need us most. 

The Meaning of Service Post-Sandy: AmeriCorps Members Reflect

Members of the New York Juvenile Justice Corps have been key to the volunteer efforts in Red Hook, one of the New York City neighborhoods hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy and home to the Red Hook Community Justice Center, our AmeriCorps' program's home base. Here is their story in their own words:

Gregory Mason:  I was really excited about being able to give of my time and not looking for nothing in return, I mean it just touched my heart to see the relief on people faces when I delivered the packages to 
them. I never in my life would had thought that it would be so fulfilling doing volunteer work and seeing how many people came out to help. I always had love for people no matter who they are and to be apart of something so wonderful is a blessing, and I'm proud to be an AMERICORPS member.

Danny Conyers: On Wednesday October 31st, a day after hurricane Sandy I came to Red Hook seeing the damage it had taken. After seeing the devastation left behind by the storm I knew there would be a lot of work to be done. Residents lost power, heat, and running water by the storm but manage to stay calm and work together during the struggle. Volunteering with Red Hook Justice Center, the National Guard and other community based organizations we manage to serve over 500 residents daily with food, water and other supplies. Making home deliveries to home bond residents, walking up 14 stories in the dark to residents who couldn’t leave their homes because of medical reasons or didn’t feel safe coming out of there apartment. The relief effort was a lot of work but worth it, as residents managed to get what they needed till things are restored. Volunteering during the aftermath of the storm it felt good to serve the residents in this time of need.

Salam Mustafa: Moving to New York from California was an adjustment for me and I did not know what to expect from New York and the AmeriCorps experience. I had only been in the Big Apple for a few months when Hurricane Sandy hit the Tri state area. I was lucky enough to not lose power or water but many New Yorkers were not as lucky. From the television and radio, I heard reports of fires destroying neighborhoods and families displaced with nowhere to go. It wasn’t till I got the call from Viviana that the AmeriCorps members were going to Red Hook to help the National Guard. As part of the volunteer efforts we helped distribute food and water, and make home deliveries to the elderly and disabled. It was very gratifying to see the warm response from a community and to be greeted by huge smiles and sometimes even hugs.Though many were without water or electricity, our emergency meals and outreach comforted them in the sense that they were not going to be ignored and it helped raise community morale among all residents of Red Hook.  For me personally, I was humbled by the experience and proud that I was able to be part of history and contribute my efforts to help New Yorkers get back on their feet.

Rebecca Schwartz: Volunteering in Red Hook and at other sites after Hurricane Sandy was an eye opening and heart warming experience. Prior to volunteering in Red Hook, I sat paralyzed in front of the news watching my city shut down and be overwhelmed. It was very painful to watch but feel helpless in the face of such tragedy so close by, so I jumped at the opportunity to help. The differences between those in the National Guard and each other group of volunteers diminished and we were just people working together to be stronger than we each could be individually. It was wonderful to be surrounded by other individuals who wanted to help as much as I did, and I think we were all inspired by one another to get as much as we could done.

Corps Members Volunteer for Local Firefighters in honor of 9/11 Day of Service

In remembrance of the anniversary of September 11^th, the New York Juvenile Justice Corps organized a service project to benefit local firemen and family members affected by the attacks. Corps members spent the morning volunteering at Friends of Firefighters, a community-based organization formed by a small group of volunteers in the days after September 11^th. Friends of Firefighters is based in a recently renovated 1800s era firehouse, a setting where many firemen feel comfortable seeking mental health and wellness services at no or low cost. Services include talk therapy, biofeedback, massage, acupuncture and peer support group workshops. Many active and retired firemen continue to volunteer with Friends of Firefighters, restoring the building and staying connected to the brotherhood that still provides them with so much strength and comfort. Corps members did a deep clean of the space, sweeping, mopping, organizing and dusting, and then ventured outside to do a community clean-up of the neighboring blocks. 

Everyone was grateful for the opportunity to be of service at a time when the pain of 9/11 is on all of our minds, and to contribute in a small way to the important work Friends of Firefighters does every day of the year.  

 Corps members volunteered alongside active and retired firemen to help complete the renovation of the office space.

 Corps Members in front of Friends of Firefighters, formerly an active firehouse from 1873-1960.
  

Cops Members with Friends of Firefighters founder and executive director, Nancy Carbone.

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.