THE COMMUNITY CENTER OF LAFAYETTE GARDENS

COMMUNITY CENTER OF 
LAFAYETTE GARDENS 
ADVISORY BOARD

The Community Center of Lafayette Gardens is under the direction and leadership of 
Denise Guess, Center Director
Shawanna Williams, Consultant
Carrie Walton, Food Servcie
Leron Obie, Caretaker

Consultants
The Bridge Program - Mayo Ito
The Write Girls Program - Madaffi Pierre
Young Leaders of Tomorrow - TYree Stanback

The month of April, traditionally the transitional month of winter to Spring is no exception this year. The arrival of warm weather and cheerful thoughts means the Community Center is in full swing with a host of Spring and warm weather events. most noticeably the election of our new Youth Association Officers who serve a term of 1 year from June until May. Congratulations to the newly elected
President - Kyi Kelly
Vice President - Kenya Bell
Secretary - Samaya Watkins
Treasurer - Ericka Bostick
Sergeant of Arms - Patrick Lawson
The new board will be sworn in at a celebration ceremony and reception in June. Please support and celebrate our young resident leaders.

The NYCHA Summer Camp Program again this year is $350.00 per child and slots go early, so if interested please any Community center staff for more information and an application packet. Those of us who are contemplating receiving or applying for assistance with the payment need to act quickly as all monies are required to be paid before enrollment is official.

The Lafayette Gardens After School Program is still in full effect for our young people ages 6 to 12 years of age. Each afternoon and early evening they enjoy reading, writing, fun, food, computers and The Bridge Program, The Write Girls and our Young Leaders of Tomorrow Mentoring Program. All programs are in cooperation with Brooklyn Community Operations, Our Community Partners and The Resident Association of Lafayette Gardens. The After School Program operates from September to June of each year. If you are interested in the program contact any Community Center staff.

The Youth Prom will be occurring again this June, it was a very popular and well attended event last Spring celebrating our young graduates and those moving on to the next grades. It is an affair for the young "Stars" to dress up and be recognized by their community.

The Youth Association will be adventuring to Washington, DC, our nations capital again this summer. There are limited seats and spaces available. We have requested tickets to tour the White House and as a result all attendees on the trip this year must provide certain information to the US Secret Service before entering the White House grounds. If you are interested in your child attending the tickets will be $25.00 per child, each child must be between the ages of  7 and 12 years of age, with a clean criminal record. To reserve a spot for your child, please see TYree in the Resident Association Office or Community Center.

The Community Center Teen Program and the Youth Association are currently assisting youth between the ages of 14 and 24 may apply for the various Summer Youth Employment Programs offered by NYCHA and DYCD. If you would like more information contact TYree or Mrs. Guess in the Community Center for more details.

Adult Nights offer an opportunity for the mature and sexy crowd of 21 and older to enjoy the center exclusively to themselves every Thursday evening for games, fun and food from 7:00 PM until 9:30 PM in the Community Center. Open to all adult members of the community.

Family Nights offer an opportunity for FAMILIES to enjoy the center exclusively to themselves the last Friday of each month for games, fun and food from 7:00 PM until 9:30 PM in the Community Center. Open to all families of the community.

The Write Girls Program will host a Family Literacy Night on the evening of April 25th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM in the Community Center. All Community Families are invited to join us as we make reading and writing a Family Affair!

YOUTH ASSOCIATION

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY BROOKLYN BASKETBALL

You are cordially invited to come out and join us for all the action, excitement and passion that is LIU Men's Basket ball on Thursday Night January 10th. We will depart the Community Center at 6:00PM for a 7:00 Tip Off. We are providing free bus fare and admission to the game! If interested, please sign up with TYree in the Association Office or see Coach Jerry.

EYE ON THE COMMUNITY

FREE THANKSGIVING DINNERS 

FOR EVERYONE

THANKSGIVING DAY IN BROOKLYN

NOW IS THE TIME! 

HOLIDAY TRAVEL PLANS

EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

FALL MEANS "GET IT TOGETHER AND PROSPER"

Fall is here and that generally means a return to school, work and training for a huge majority of us. The NYCHA Resident Training Academy doesn't want you to be idle and left on the side lines. They are offering 3 new and innovative programs for Residents across the city.

Time is of the essence for registration as classes will begin soon. If you are interested in Janitorial, Construction or Pest Control, why not call and get more details.

Still not sure speak to TYree in the Resident Association Office on the ground floor of 415 Lafayette or call 347 587-6443

YOUTH ASSOCIATION

KINGS COUNTY TENNIS LEAGUE 

presents the annual end of season tournament and jamboree. Come out and join our young people who worked hard and practiced all season for the big day at MARCY TENNIS COURTS on September 29th. There will be fun, food and plenty of tennis action for everyone. We will also have Social Service and Agencies on hand to register families for programs and handing out giveaways for the entire family. Come out and make it a family fun day all for FREE

YOUTH ASSOCIATION IN ACTION

2012 TENNIS SEASON KICKS OFF

The Tennis Club kicked off it's 2012 season with the staff and coaches from The Kings County Tennis League on Saturday afternoon!

A large group of young people, parents and on lookers came out on a beautiful and hot day to see all the action. The young stars had a great time learning and practicing the basics and just having a good time with friends and family!

The Tennis Club is FREE and open to all. we provide equipment, instruction and uniforms every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 -3:00 PM in the PS 270 playground area. We invite everyone 5 - 15 years of age to join us FREE OF CHARGE!

EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

PUTTING THE BEAUTY IN THE GARDENS

Saturday was our third Annual Spring Day Event. Many residents and especially our young people came out and helped us paint, pick up litter and spruce up the development in honor of the place we live!

The activities this year were sponsored by a generous grant from The Citizens Committee For New York City and Bank of America. Other activities were additionally sponsored by We Care For Our Communities and Our Girl Scouts!

It was an amazing day as everyone including our youngest residents got in the act! Special visitors who came out to lend a helping hand included our manager Rejice John, Master Grounds Keeper and Gardener Mr. Cook, District Leaders Walter Mosley, District Leader Olanike Alabi and Democratic Club President Reneee Collymore.

COMMUNITY CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE

"The Write Girls"

Helping girls write their way to more positive futures

OUR MISSION
Within a community of women writers, WriteGirl promotes creativity and self-expression to empower girls.

HOW WE DO IT
Through one-on-one mentoring and monthly creative writing workshops, girls are given techniques, insights and hot topics for great writing in all genres from professional women writers. Workshops and mentoring sessions explore poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, songwriting, journalism, screenwriting, playwriting, persuasive writing, journal writing, editing and more.

OUR GOALS
To introduce girls to a wide variety of writing genres;

To teach a robust set of writing and critical analysis skills;

To encourage girls to explore and develop their creative talents, both written and oral;

To nurture girls and promote healthy behaviors and life choices through positive mentoring relationships with women writers;

To assist girls in preparing for college;

To inspire girls to pursue careers in writing, such as journalism, public relations, screenwriting, songwriting, corporate communications, publishing, website content producing, editing or creative writing;

To equip girls with communication tools to confidently navigate the challenges they face; and

To produce a full slate of program activities throughout the year so that we may serve as many girls as possible (including seven full-day writing workshops annually, a gala public reading and publication of a book each season, college visits and other special outings, and ongoing creative writing mentoring).

HISTORY
WriteGirl was launched in December 2001 to bring the skills and energy of professional women writers to teenage girls who do not otherwise have access to creative writing or mentoring programs. After a mere six months, WriteGirl published Threads, our premier anthology of members’ work. A standing-room only public reading at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood helped to kick off the book’s release.

Our second season brought double the membership and the publication of a second anthology, Bold Ink. This book was ushered in with a sold-out event at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, a reception that confirmed the overwhelming support for WriteGirl’s unique programming and individualized mentoring services.

To date, WriteGirl anthologies have a total of 33 book awards. Keren Taylor and WriteGirl’s unique programming have received numerous awards and commendations for exemplary community service. While such recognition is much appreciated, WriteGirl is most proud of the accomplishments of its teen members…100% of our graduating seniors have entered college, many on full or partial scholarships

Our Write Girls Program celebrates the graduation of our first group of young ladies and the premiere of their self, written, produced and acted play.

THE YOUTH ASSOCIATION

SUMMER IN THE GARDENS JUMPIN' OFF

Its almost that time again, School is almost out and the fun is set to begin. That means it's SUMMER and that means "CAMP LG"!

Camp LG is the range of activities and events sponsored just for the young people of Lafayette Gardens at a very low cost or free of charge including breakfast, lunch and transportation.

Activities already scheduled include

Brooklyn Children's Museum

Sony Wonder Lab

Staten Island Baseball

Coney Island Cyclones

Fishing Program

Tennis Program

Softball Program

Evenings at the Beach

Concerts in the Park

Explore New York Trips and Adventures

Sewing, Knitting and Fashion Design Classes

Spanish Classes

The Youth Association

YOUTH ASSOCIATION

SUMMER CAMP TENNIS

KINGS COUNTY TENNIS LEAGUE

BEGINS MARCH 26TH

SATURDAYS 12:00 - 3:00 PM

Don't just stand there and watch, join in the fun! New this year the Summer Camp program is offering tennis for coed ages 5 up to 15 years of age. Sponsored by the Kings county Tennis League, City Councilman Al Vann and C Town.

Free uniforms, classes and equipment or all participants attending the program! Come out and hit a few balls, learn a new sport and make some new friends from the community.

Every Saturday afternoon beginning May 26th on the tennis courts of PS 270 from 11:00 until 3:00 PM. for more information call the Resident Association Office or come to the first class on Saturday!

NYCHA CITY-WIDE TALENT SHOW 2012

NYCHA TALENT SHOWCASE

Talent Search Competition/Talent Show

For the past 42 years, NYCHA's Talent Shows have been delighting audiences and launching the careers of up-and-coming performers who reside in public housing. Auditions of over one hundred performers are held in each borough. Twenty five to 30 acts are selected to compete in the final show which is held in the spring. During the demanding rehearsal schedule participants are given instruction in voice, stage presence choreography and dramatic delivery.

It's time again for the NYCHA Talent Show Competition. Featuring residents with that little extra special something in dance, drama, music, or spoken word, the 42nd annual Competition will be held at the Red Hook East Community Center on April 21st, 2012.

The competition is the culmination of the Performing Arts Program and over three months of citywide auditions and rehearsals led by a group of professional consultants in nearly everything, including choreography, voice, stage management and presence, make up, and lighting. Last year’s competition included some truly amazing performances, several of which are up at the StudioNYCHA website.

Winners in each category receive a special prize related to their talent and performance like dance classes, vocal lessons, or theater training- guaranteeing them the chance to continue to develop and expand their talent. And in addition to competitors the Talent Show features performances by previous Talent Show winners, professional guest artists, and the NYCHA Youth Chorus and NYCHA Senior Chorus.

Auditions are open until the week before the competition, so it's not too late to try out. If you are interested in auditioning, call (212) 683-3647 or email your audition video links to Juan.Santiago@nycha.nyc.gov.

Reserve your tickets at (212) 683-3647.

EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

WHO KNEW SO MUCH! AND EVEN MORE
NCYHA FAMILY SERVICES CAN HELP!

NYCHA operates social service programs with our professionally trained and certified social workers and paraprofessional staff. Our social services staff members conduct outreach, crisis response, and preventative services to enhance the quality of life for NYCHA residents and help maintain viable communities in a safe and secure environment.

If you need help in a crisis, you can turn to NYCHA’s social services programs. NYCHA’s professionally trained social services staff can work with you in your home or the social services office in your borough to develop a service plan, advocate on your behalf, and refer you to the appropriate service provider from a broad continuum of community-based and city-wide agencies.

NYCHA has tailored its programs to meet the needs of our diverse population, and we also partner with a myriad of social service providers to make sure all resident needs are accommodated. Our Services include household management assistance, transitional and supportive services, outreach and referral to community organizations, prevention services for substance abuse, child abuse and elder abuse assistance, domestic violence intervention, crisis response, and referrals for mental health services.

In addition to the services listed below, we also provide several specialized senior services geared to the unique needs of the elderly population.

Outreach and Support
Supportive Outreach Services (SOS)
Emergency Transfer Program
Witness Relocation Program
Furniture Distribution Program
Mediation Program (SafeHorizon)
Anonymous Resident Referral for NYCHA Social Services NEW

Domestic Violence Programs
Domestic Violence Aftercare Program
Domestic Violence Intervention, Education and Prevention Program (DVIEP)
Safe Horizon

Outreach and Support

Supportive Outreach Services (SOS)

Residents needing assistance coping with everyday situations or stressful events are referred to Supportive Outreach Services by NYCHA Development Management, neighbors, family members, other NYCHA staff, or upon requests from the residents themselves. Social services staff members provide resources and assist clients in developing necessary coping and problem solving skills for daily living. Our staff meets with each client, assesses the situation, assists them in developing a service plan and provides referrals and advocacy and supportive services as needed. Our staff also intervenes in crises involving acute psychiatric emergencies, traumatic incidents, family crises, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, elder abuse/neglect and substance abuse.
If you or someone you know requires Supportive Outreach services please call us at:

Bronx 718-409-8699
Brooklyn 718-498-3243
Manhattan 212-334-2506
Queens 718-206-3286
Staten Island 718-816-1521
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Emergency Transfer Program

NYCHA is concerned about the safety of our residents and we offer an opportunity for residents who qualify as victims of domestic violence, intimidated victims, intimidated witnesses or child abuse victims to quickly and confidentially relocate from their present development, to another NYCHA development. The documentation requirements for victims of domestic violence have recently changed. Please see the the latest victim of domestic violence documentation requirements.

Residents who need an emergency transfer should contact their Development Management Office to complete an emergency transfer application. Residents will also meet with a Safe Horizon Case Manager or District Attorney liaison who will assist the resident in completing the application process.
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Witness Relocation Program

The District Attorney or U.S. Attorney’s Office, in coordination with NYCHA, can fast-track applicants for Public Housing or Section 8 (pursuant to voucher availability), who need to be safely and confidentially relocated to continue participating in the prosecution of criminal cases.
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Furniture Distribution Program

NYCHA acquires and distributes gently used furniture items to residents in need. Priority is given to residents who have relocated from a homeless shelter, victims of domestic violence, and families impacted by disasters. Furniture distribution is available to NYCHA residents in all five boroughs. Please call us for more information:
Bronx 718-409-8699
Brooklyn 718-498-3243
Manhattan 212-334-2506
Queens 718-206-3286
Staten Island 718-816-1521

Anonymous Resident Referral for NYCHA Social Services

You can now make a referral for a NYCHA resident whom you think would benefit from NYCHA’s Social Services. Just complete the Anonymous Resident Referral for NYCHA Social Services Form and either e-mail it or (if you wish to remain anonymous) fax the form to the number listed for the Social Services Borough Office in the borough where the resident lives. NYCHA’s Social Services staff will then follow up with the resident. You do not need to give your name.

Domestic Violence Programs

Domestic Violence Aftercare Program
The Domestic Violence Aftercare Program is a valuable source of support for victims and witnesses of domestic violence and their families, assisting them with the transition to a new community. Victims of domestic violence who are approved for an emergency transfer receive the support of trained social workers, who provide psychosocial assistance and concrete services to help victims break free from the cycle of violence and adjust to life in a new community. Domestic violence victims approved for transfers and who accept these services are referred to the Human Resources Administration (HRA), which runs the Aftercare Program and is where they receive counseling, case-management, safety planning, and assistance with daycare and after-school programs. In addition, by calling HRA at 212 331-4538, victims can be referred to other services from the Department of Education, City hospitals and community-based providers.

Domestic Violence Intervention, Education and Prevention Program (DVIEP)
The NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) also administers the Domestic Violence Intervention & Prevention Program, which is operated by Safe Horizon. DVIEP uses Safe Horizon Case Managers, the nation’s leading nonprofit victim assistance, advocacy, and violence prevention organization, and the NYPD Housing Bureau’s Domestic Violence Officers to conduct outreach and provide assistance to victims of domestic violence who reside in NYCHA developments citywide. DVIEP case managers work with clients to identify their most urgent needs and provide information and services, safety planning, and referrals to other agencies for a broad range of comprehensive and supportive services. In addition, DVIEP provides Emergency Transfer assessments, community awareness presentations, and police sensitivity training. Residents may call or walk in for services. The DVIEP Program is available at the following Police Service Areas:

PSA 1 (Coney Island, Brooklyn) 2860 West 23rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11224 718-265-7357 (M, W, F only)
PSA 2 (East New York, Brooklyn) 560 Sutter Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11206 718-922-3985
PSA 3 (Bushwick, Brooklyn) 25 Central Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11206 718-386-9674
PSA 5 (East Harlem, Manhattan) 221 East 123rd Street
New York, NY 10035 212-426-6390
PSA 6 (Central Harlem, Manhattan) 2770 – 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10039 212-690-3012
PSA 7 (South Bronx) 737 Melrose Avenue
Bronx, NY 10451 718-402-1722
PSA 8 (North Bronx) 2794 Randall Avenue
Bronx, NY 10465 718-409-3672
PSA 9 (Flushing, Queens) 155-09 Jewel Avenue
Flushing, NY 11367 718-969-9361
Safe Horizon Hotline 1-800-621-HOPE

Safe Horizon is the nation’s leading nonprofit victim assistance, advocacy, and violence prevention organization with more than 80 programs throughout New York’s five boroughs and a staff of 800 dedicated professionals. NYCHA has partnered with Safe Horizon for more than 20 years to ensure that NYCHA residents who report domestic violence victimization receive the emotional and practical support they need. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact Safe Horizon’s Domestic Violence Intervention, Education and Prevention (DVIEP) program hotline number 1-800-621-HOPE, or call your local Safe Horizon Community Office listed below.

Safe Horizon Community Offices

Brooklyn 718-834-6688
Bronx 718-933-1000
Manhattan 212-316-2100
Queens 718-899-1233
Staten Island 718-720-2591

THE YOUTH ASSOCAITON

SUMMER EMPLOYMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES!!

Young People Opportunities and

Summer Employment in Brooklyn

YouthBridge-NY is now accepting applications for their

2012-2013 fellowship year.

Application submission deadline is March 30, 2012.

Brooklyn Summer HEAT Youth Employment Program.

Application submission deadline is March 14, 2012.

“The ongoing revitalization of Coney Island has resulted in millions of dollars in private investment, record attendance at the amusement parks, and most importantly, hundreds of new jobs for local residents,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky. “Thanks in part to our annual recruiting efforts, more Coney Island residents than ever will be aware of the many new jobs available, giving more a chance to benefit from the area’s continuing economic growth.”

“Combining the job placement expertise of the City’s Workforce1 Career Centers with EDC’s economic development projects provides a great opportunity to help connect more New Yorkers with available jobs,” said Rob Walsh, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “Matching qualified candidates to Coney Island’s more than 450 available summer jobs is not only good for job seekers, but for Coney Island businesses, and developing the neighborhood overall.”

“The New York City Housing Authority is proud to partner with the EDC, SBS, and our resident leaders, as well as others, to connect NYCHA residents to local economic development and employment opportunities for the third year in a row,” said NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea. “Last year, along with our partners in private, public, and nonprofit sectors, and through extensive efforts in getting the word out in public housing developments, NYCHA placed more than a thousand of its residents into jobs, including more than 500 jobs right here in Brooklyn. Bringing employment opportunities to our residents to help them gain self-sufficiency is a top priority for NYCHA.”

YOUTH ASSOCIATION IN ACTION

NCAA BASKETBALL ACTION UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Some excited and enthusiastic basketball fans had an opportunity to witness NCAA basketball up close and personal at the "Battle For Brooklyn" Sunday evening at Long Island University as the Blackbird Men took on the St. Francis Terriers.

It was an exciting and nail biter right up to the last seconds of the game before LIU was able to apply the pressure and win by four to advance to 14-1 on the season and keep their hopes alive for another NCAA round robin appearance.

The Blackbirds looked great and hungry for the playoffs heading into "March Madness". The youth of Lafayette Gardens had a good time and enjoyed the McDonald's after party. If you would like to join us for the next game on February 20th contact Coach Jerry or TYree in the Resident Association Office.

EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Welcome to Toys for Tots NYC The holiday season is now in full swing. The Youth Association is expecting to have a limited number of toys and gifts for our youth ages 0 to 12 years. Our generous sponsors Toy's for Tots & The PSA 3 Community Affairs Department is proud to help The Youth Association of Lafayette Gardens each year. Parents and guardians of youth who want to receive a gift should submit their child's or children's names, sexes and ages to TYree in the Resident Association Office or Mrs. Guess in the Community Center before December 10th. Toys and gifts will be available for pick up from the Resident Association Office on December 21st. If you would like more information contact TYree in the Resident Office before the deadline.