Quincy J. comes to BronxWorks to build a better future for daughter Soraya.

Quincy J. is a 23-year-old father to Soraya. He is an active member of the BronxWorks Fatherhood Center, a program offering services to eligible Bronx fathers age 18+ who are low-income and are the non-custodial, joint custodial, or sole custodian to a child under age 24. The Center works to reinforce positive parent-child and co-parenting relationships, expand opportunities to achieve financial stability, and improve parenting knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy.

Quincy, a lifetime Bronx resident, is no stranger to BronxWorks; he started attending the BronxWorks Jobs-Plus program as a teenager seven years ago and speaks very highly of all the services offered by BronxWorks and the Workforce Development Department. “I’ve known about BronxWorks for a long time,” he says. “The staff have always been around to help me through whatever stuff I was going through.” Through BronxWorks assistance, he received his security guard and OSHA30 certifications, increasing his employability.

Quincy started attending programs at the BronxWorks Fatherhood Center shortly after his daughter was born to learn how to become not only the best father he can be but also the best co-parent he can be to Soraya’s mother. “After Soraya was born, me and her mother fought a lot. Through the program, I’ve learned that I really need to listen to what the other person is saying without bias. I’ve learned to be less defensive,” he says. As part of the Fatherhood Center, members can regularly attend group sessions with other fathers. He says, “We talk about what we’ve been through, how we were raised, and then discover how that may have led to how I handle certain situations in my life. I’ve been able to take these lessons and share them with Soraya’s mother to strengthen our co-parenting relationship.”

Quincy would love to see programs like the Fatherhood Center grow and encourages other fathers young and old to check out the program. “If you need help with your life and you’re willing to put in the work, BronxWorks is the place to be,” he says. “They take the time with you to connect you with financial information and assistance, therapy, jobs, and all sorts of things. I’ve learned not only how to become a better father but a better person overall.”

The Fatherhood Center also welcomes mothers and parents of all genders.

To support BronxWorks programs helping families like Quincy’s, donate to the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal!

Quincy J. comes to BronxWorks to build a better future for daughter Soraya.

Quincy J. is a 23-year-old father to Soraya. He is an active member of the BronxWorks Fatherhood Center, a program offering services to eligible Bronx fathers age 18+ who are low-income and are the non-custodial, joint custodial, or sole custodian to a child under age 24. The Center works to reinforce positive parent-child and co-parenting relationships, expand opportunities to achieve financial stability, and improve parenting knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy.

Quincy, a lifetime Bronx resident, is no stranger to BronxWorks; he started attending the BronxWorks Jobs-Plus program as a teenager seven years ago and speaks very highly of all the services offered by BronxWorks and the Workforce Development Department. “I’ve known about BronxWorks for a long time,” he says. “The staff have always been around to help me through whatever stuff I was going through.” Through BronxWorks assistance, he received his security guard and OSHA30 certifications, increasing his employability.

Quincy started attending programs at the BronxWorks Fatherhood Center shortly after his daughter was born to learn how to become not only the best father he can be but also the best co-parent he can be to Soraya’s mother. “After Soraya was born, me and her mother fought a lot. Through the program, I’ve learned that I really need to listen to what the other person is saying without bias. I’ve learned to be less defensive,” he says. As part of the Fatherhood Center, members can regularly attend group sessions with other fathers. He says, “We talk about what we’ve been through, how we were raised, and then discover how that may have led to how I handle certain situations in my life. I’ve been able to take these lessons and share them with Soraya’s mother to strengthen our co-parenting relationship.”

Quincy would love to see programs like the Fatherhood Center grow and encourages other fathers young and old to check out the program. “If you need help with your life and you’re willing to put in the work, BronxWorks is the place to be,” he says. “They take the time with you to connect you with financial information and assistance, therapy, jobs, and all sorts of things. I’ve learned not only how to become a better father but a better person overall.”

The Fatherhood Center also welcomes mothers and parents of all genders.

To support BronxWorks programs helping families like Quincy’s, donate to the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal!

BronxWorks After-School Programs Provide New And Exciting Opportunities For Bronx Youth

BronxWorks provides high-quality after-school programs for Bronx youth of all ages, including three programs for middle school students. In addition to providing a safe place to go after school to spend time socializing and completing homework, BronxWorks makes every effort to provide new and exciting opportunities the students may not get in a normal school day.

Kendall B. is a 6th-grade student who attends a BronxWorks after-school program at her middle school. She started coming to BronxWorks this year for the first time. “My friends come here,” she said, “so I wanted to try it out. The staff here are so great. They give us the freedom to have fun but also know how to keep us focused and structured when we need to be.”

Kendall has really loved learning more about cosmetology through the program. “The instructor comes in and teaches us how to do different hairstyles on mannequins. I never get to do this sort of thing in school.”

Kendall also has participated in the Misty Copeland Foundation BE BOLD program, a recent partnership with BronxWorks. BE BOLD teaches basic ballet concepts to students ages 5-12, connecting positive youth development, social emotional learning, movement, music, and culture to make ballet and dance inclusive and accessible to students of different backgrounds. “The dance classes have been great,” Kendall said. “I like being able to stretch out and loosen up after school. School hours are a lot of work so it’s really nice to just relax.”

Luis G. is an 8th-grade student who also attends a BronxWorks after-school program. A friend of his introduced him to the program last year. “When I first came to BronxWorks I was nervous and skeptical,” he says. After getting to know the staff and making some new friends, he now comes every day. “I love coming here to do the different activities we do, and I also get to use some free time to play basketball one-on-one with my friends,” he said.

This year, Luis and his classmates got an opportunity to work with Building Beats, who came to BronxWorks to teach students about music production. “I learned a lot of cool skills with Building Beats. It seems like a cool job,” Luis said.

Students from multiple BronxWorks programs also had an opportunity this year to attend a basketball clinic hosted by the Jr. Knicks, giving students a unique experience to run basketball drills and meet with former New York Knick and NBA legend John Starks for words of encouragement and other lessons.

Luis said, “The clinic was a pretty special opportunity. We ran a lot of drills that focused on things like shooting mechanics but also how to increase balance. It’s my dream to be an NBA star, like a small forward or point guard, and the clinic was definitely something that happens once in a lifetime.”

To support BronxWorks programs for youth like Kendall and Luis, donate to the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal!

BronxWorks After-School Programs Provide New And Exciting Opportunities For Bronx Youth

BronxWorks provides high-quality after-school programs for Bronx youth of all ages, including three programs for middle school students. In addition to providing a safe place to go after school to spend time socializing and completing homework, BronxWorks makes every effort to provide new and exciting opportunities the students may not get in a normal school day.

Kendall B. is a 6th-grade student who attends a BronxWorks after-school program at her middle school. She started coming to BronxWorks this year for the first time. “My friends come here,” she said, “so I wanted to try it out. The staff here are so great. They give us the freedom to have fun but also know how to keep us focused and structured when we need to be.”

Kendall has really loved learning more about cosmetology through the program. “The instructor comes in and teaches us how to do different hairstyles on mannequins. I never get to do this sort of thing in school.”

Kendall also has participated in the Misty Copeland Foundation BE BOLD program, a recent partnership with BronxWorks. BE BOLD teaches basic ballet concepts to students ages 5-12, connecting positive youth development, social emotional learning, movement, music, and culture to make ballet and dance inclusive and accessible to students of different backgrounds. “The dance classes have been great,” Kendall said. “I like being able to stretch out and loosen up after school. School hours are a lot of work so it’s really nice to just relax.”

Luis G. is an 8th-grade student who also attends a BronxWorks after-school program. A friend of his introduced him to the program last year. “When I first came to BronxWorks I was nervous and skeptical,” he says. After getting to know the staff and making some new friends, he now comes every day. “I love coming here to do the different activities we do, and I also get to use some free time to play basketball one-on-one with my friends,” he said.

This year, Luis and his classmates got an opportunity to work with Building Beats, who came to BronxWorks to teach students about music production. “I learned a lot of cool skills with Building Beats. It seems like a cool job,” Luis said.

Students from multiple BronxWorks programs also had an opportunity this year to attend a basketball clinic hosted by the Jr. Knicks, giving students a unique experience to run basketball drills and meet with former New York Knick and NBA legend John Starks for words of encouragement and other lessons.

Luis said, “The clinic was a pretty special opportunity. We ran a lot of drills that focused on things like shooting mechanics but also how to increase balance. It’s my dream to be an NBA star, like a small forward or point guard, and the clinic was definitely something that happens once in a lifetime.”

To support BronxWorks programs for youth like Kendall and Luis, donate to the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal!

Anthonia A. uses BronxWorks Saturday programming to get closer to her dream of becoming a full-time nurse.

Anthonia A. is a mother of four, who escaped “a bad situation” for promise of a better and safer life. Anthonia currently works in a nursing home as an aide but is looking to further her career by becoming a nurse. “I want to help people. I can do more at the nursing home and be an actual nurse if I have a GED,” she says.

Like so many other people her age who must work full-time to pay their bills, getting the necessary training to pass the GED test is easier said than done. Anthonia faced multiple barriers, including finding a class that was affordable and available during a time that she could attend. “I looked for a program for more than a year. It was so difficult,” she says.

Her oldest daughter recently graduated nursing school and is about to start her career at a local hospital. While talking with her daughter and her daughter’s friends last year, Anthonia mentioned how she also would like to be a nurse. Her daughter’s friend told Anthonia to check out BronxWorks.

In 2022, BronxWorks launched the Saturday Family Wellness Program. The program aims to support maternal and family well-being through a holistic combination of activities. The program is a collaboration between the BronxWorks Health & Wellness Department, which hosts nutrition classes, exercise classes, and other wellness workshops, and the BronxWorks Workforce Development Department, which provides GED prep classes specifically for adults 25 & over.

The Saturday morning GED prep classes were a lifesaver for Anthonia, who is now very close to obtaining her diploma. “Having these classes is a big relief,” she says. “I don’t think I would be able to get the training to pass my test otherwise.” While Anthonia comes specifically for the adult education classes, she loves the other programming available on Saturday mornings. “I love the wellness classes. I love doing Zumba and I especially love the nutrition classes. I came here for the GED but I learned a whole lot more than just what’s on the test.”

To support BronxWorks programs helping people like Anthonia, donate to the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal!

Anthonia A. uses BronxWorks Saturday programming to get closer to her dream of becoming a full-time nurse.

Anthonia A. is a mother of four, who escaped “a bad situation” for promise of a better and safer life. Anthonia currently works in a nursing home as an aide but is looking to further her career by becoming a nurse. “I want to help people. I can do more at the nursing home and be an actual nurse if I have a GED,” she says.

Like so many other people her age who must work full-time to pay their bills, getting the necessary training to pass the GED test is easier said than done. Anthonia faced multiple barriers, including finding a class that was affordable and available during a time that she could attend. “I looked for a program for more than a year. It was so difficult,” she says.

Her oldest daughter recently graduated nursing school and is about to start her career at a local hospital. While talking with her daughter and her daughter’s friends last year, Anthonia mentioned how she also would like to be a nurse. Her daughter’s friend told Anthonia to check out BronxWorks.

In 2022, BronxWorks launched the Saturday Family Wellness Program. The program aims to support maternal and family well-being through a holistic combination of activities. The program is a collaboration between the BronxWorks Health & Wellness Department, which hosts nutrition classes, exercise classes, and other wellness workshops, and the BronxWorks Workforce Development Department, which provides GED prep classes specifically for adults 25 & over.

The Saturday morning GED prep classes were a lifesaver for Anthonia, who is now very close to obtaining her diploma. “Having these classes is a big relief,” she says. “I don’t think I would be able to get the training to pass my test otherwise.” While Anthonia comes specifically for the adult education classes, she loves the other programming available on Saturday mornings. “I love the wellness classes. I love doing Zumba and I especially love the nutrition classes. I came here for the GED but I learned a whole lot more than just what’s on the test.”

To support BronxWorks programs helping people like Anthonia, donate to the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal!

Mirna C. and her family have loved coming to BronxWorks for years.

Mirna C. lives in the Concourse Village area of the Bronx with her three children. Her oldest son, Yahir, currently participates in BronxWorks COMPASS After-School program. When he was four years old, Mirna enrolled in the BronxWorks Home Instruction For Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program.

HIPPY is a home-based early childhood development and parent education program that gives parents the tools to be their children’s first teachers. A HIPPY parent educator works with each family, visiting their home to provide support and introduce new lessons.

Mirna was pleased with the HIPPY program. “The program was so helpful for my son in getting him prepared for elementary school, and so helpful for me to be able to teach him at home,” she said. She loved the program so much that when her daughters, Brianny and Regina, each reached age 3, she enrolled them in the same program.

“The kids love coming here,” Mirna said. “I keep bringing them back because they have so much fun, they learn a lot, and they feel safe. The after-school program gives my children a place to come and learn so much.” With the launch of the Saturday Family Wellness Program in 2022, Mirna now has a place to spend time with her entire family on the weekends.

Now that the Community Center pool has reopened, Mirna enrolled her children in swim classes. “My children all want to learn how to swim, and it’s important for them to have that skill,” she said. Yahir is already swimming in the deep end of the pool.

Mirna, who also participates in the BronxWorks Community Food Pantry, feels like BronxWorks is not just a place to go, but a part of her family. “My entire family has learned so much here!” she said. “We would not know what to do if it weren’t for the things BronxWorks provides.”

To support BronxWorks programs helping families like Mirna’s, donate to the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal!

Watch Mirna’s Story:

Mirna C. and her family have loved coming to BronxWorks for years.

Mirna C. lives in the Concourse Village area of the Bronx with her three children. Her oldest son, Yahir, currently participates in BronxWorks COMPASS After-School program. When he was four years old, Mirna enrolled in the BronxWorks Home Instruction For Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program.

HIPPY is a home-based early childhood development and parent education program that gives parents the tools to be their children’s first teachers. A HIPPY parent educator works with each family, visiting their home to provide support and introduce new lessons.

Mirna was pleased with the HIPPY program. “The program was so helpful for my son in getting him prepared for elementary school, and so helpful for me to be able to teach him at home,” she said. She loved the program so much that when her daughters, Brianny and Regina, each reached age 3, she enrolled them in the same program.

“The kids love coming here,” Mirna said. “I keep bringing them back because they have so much fun, they learn a lot, and they feel safe. The after-school program gives my children a place to come and learn so much.” With the launch of the Saturday Family Wellness Program in 2022, Mirna now has a place to spend time with her entire family on the weekends.

Now that the Community Center pool has reopened, Mirna enrolled her children in swim classes. “My children all want to learn how to swim, and it’s important for them to have that skill,” she said. Yahir is already swimming in the deep end of the pool.

Mirna, who also participates in the BronxWorks Community Food Pantry, feels like BronxWorks is not just a place to go, but a part of her family. “My entire family has learned so much here!” she said. “We would not know what to do if it weren’t for the things BronxWorks provides.”

To support BronxWorks programs helping families like Mirna’s, donate to the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal!

Watch Mirna’s Story:

Tia C., a young mother, brings her son Damari to BronxWorks to give him a head start on his education.

Tia C. is a 24-year-old mother to son Damari, age 4. Damari is in his second year at a BronxWorks Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC).

BronxWorks operates two NAEYC-accredited ECLC programs, offering high-quality, full-day childcare facilities with classrooms serving children ages 3-5 years old, with a heavy emphasis on age-appropriate learning and social skills development preparing children for elementary school.

Tia, who works full time as a home health aide, speaks excitedly about the ECLC program at BronxWorks and how important it is to her son’s development. “Pre-K is so often overlooked, and it really is so important,” she says. “I feel like my son is way more prepared for kindergarten next year than he would be otherwise. They do way more here than I can do at home. I feel comfortable knowing he is here.”

Damari, who is full of energy, also loves coming to BronxWorks. If the program closes for a holiday, his mom says he gets sad. “I like playing with my 14 friends,” he says, speaking about his entire class. “I like going to the parks.” A highlight was in April when Tia and other parents of the students all went to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation for the annual trout release. ECLC children raised trout from eggs and then released the young fish into the wild, learning more about the environment and living things.

Knowing her son is learning the necessary skills he needs to prepare for school has allowed Tia to take her evenings to go back to school part time for cosmetology. “This program is so important,” she said. “The students are safe and comfortable, and it makes them want to come to school.”

To support BronxWorks programs helping families like Tia’s, donate to the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal!

Tia C., a young mother, brings her son Damari to BronxWorks to give him a head start on his education.

Tia C. is a 24-year-old mother to son Damari, age 4. Damari is in his second year at a BronxWorks Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC).

BronxWorks operates two NAEYC-accredited ECLC programs, offering high-quality, full-day childcare facilities with classrooms serving children ages 3-5 years old, with a heavy emphasis on age-appropriate learning and social skills development preparing children for elementary school.

Tia, who works full time as a home health aide, speaks excitedly about the ECLC program at BronxWorks and how important it is to her son’s development. “Pre-K is so often overlooked, and it really is so important,” she says. “I feel like my son is way more prepared for kindergarten next year than he would be otherwise. They do way more here than I can do at home. I feel comfortable knowing he is here.”

Damari, who is full of energy, also loves coming to BronxWorks. If the program closes for a holiday, his mom says he gets sad. “I like playing with my 14 friends,” he says, speaking about his entire class. “I like going to the parks.” A highlight was in April when Tia and other parents of the students all went to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation for the annual trout release. ECLC children raised trout from eggs and then released the young fish into the wild, learning more about the environment and living things.

Knowing her son is learning the necessary skills he needs to prepare for school has allowed Tia to take her evenings to go back to school part time for cosmetology. “This program is so important,” she said. “The students are safe and comfortable, and it makes them want to come to school.”

To support BronxWorks programs helping families like Tia’s, donate to the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal!