Henry Street's Youth Services Division emphasizes the importance of academic success while helping to build a young person's social skills, leadership qualities and emotional well-being. All programs focus on educating, encouraging and enriching the lives of the individual youth and his or her supportive network. Close to 3,000 young people participate in Henry Street's Youth Services every year.
HENRY STREET SYEP PARTICIPANTS, ALUMS PROTEST BUDGET CUTS AT CITY HALL
About 30 participants, alumni and staff members of Henry Street’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) convened at City Hall on April 1 for the Save Summer Jobs Rally, a demonstration against SYEP funding cuts that drew a crowd of more than 200. Henry Street’s own Natalie Colon and Tamika Cruz (pictured, front and center) served as the Youth MCs of the event, which was sponsored by United Neighborhood Houses and Neighborhood Family Services Coalition. see more photos from the rally >>
EXPANDED HORIZONS PARTICIPANTS TOUR PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITIES
On February 17, some 39 participants of Expanded Horizons, Henry Street's college preparatory program, toured two Philadelphia schools, Villanova University and Temple University. Henry Street alumni scholar Brittney Fritz joined the group to offer advice from the viewpoint of a Temple freshman. In between tours, students and staff also enjoyed a bit of American history on a quick stop to the Liberty Bell.
ONION EDITOR, GRAMERCY TAVERN COOK SPEAK AT FIFTH ANNUAL CAREER NIGHT
Some 150 teenagers attended Henry Street Settlement’s Fifth Annual Career Night on February 4 to hear advice from a diverse group of professionals working in the legal, medical, media, business and construction fields. The event was hosted by the Settlement’s Adolescent Services program.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for the teenagers we serve to learn about career options, and the education and experience needed to pursue their passions,” said Ritu Sen, Henry Street’s Director of Educational Services. “We thank all of the speakers for taking the time to share their experiences.”
The 26 volunteer speakers included Joe Randazzo, the editor of the satirical newspaper The Onion, as well as Assistant District Attorneys Rosemary Yu and Amy Abrons Sharpe, Gramercy Tavern pastry cook Catherine Kemp, DJ Whutevva of radio station Power 105.1, architect Darris W. James, who helped design the JetBlue Terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Paul LaRosa, an Emmy-award winning producer at CBS News.
HENRY STREET RUGBY TEAM WINS VIDEO CONTEST, AUTOGRAPHED BALL FROM CLINT EASTWOOD
Henry Street Settlement’s after-school rugby team won first place — and a football signed by Clint Eastwood — in a video contest organized by Play Rugby USA, a national program to help and encourage youth through the sport. The competition, timed to coincide with Eastwood's rugby-themed film Invictus, challenged 36 youth teams nationwide to create videos showing why they love the game.
“It changes your attitude,” Billy Gonzalez, one of the Henry Street players, said in the video. “At first I had the biggest, baddest attitude, and I never accomplished anything. Now I’m a team captain.”
About 300 kids play rugby through Henry Street’s After-School Services every year, and many make the added commitment to play on the weekends. Henry Street began its rugby program five years ago at P.S. 110 through Play Rugby USA. After interest in the sport peaked, it expanded to all five of Henry Street’s after-school sites. The team participates in several tournaments each year, including New York’s Mayor’s Cup.
“This is a perfect game for everyone,” said Katha Cato, Henry Street’s Director of After-School Services. “Everyone on that field is extremely important, and it teaches kids the value of respect. You call the referee ‘sir,’ and even when he rules against you, you say, ‘Thank you, sir.’ I’m watching it transform lives.”
