Image: Fiver Children’s Foundation
Living in one of the most populated cities in the world can come with many challenges, from getting a seat on the subway, to the brutal winters. Although these are challenges that are easily overcome by New Yorkers, the same cannot be said about the most prominent challenge for NYC youth: the lack of equitable access to opportunity within communities that are underserved and low-income.
Over the last decade, the wealth gap has widened significantly, causing a wide rift between the classes in New York, as well as the country as a whole. Wealth inequalities lead to even poorer lower classes, and make it much harder for families to leave the cycle of poverty. According to New York Data Sources, roughly 25% of children in NYC are living below the poverty line. This shows that some families in NYC are already struggling to meet their basic needs. Families with low-income are typically concentrated in boroughs like the Bronx and Brooklyn. Areas like this have the lowest median income in the entire city.
Youth in these areas are struggling as well. Research shows that growing up in high-poverty communities reduces a children’s long-term life chances. Neighborhoods with lower income are less likely to see students graduate high school, further their education, or even get a job. This is due to a massive lack of opportunity in underserved communities, such as the ones in the Bronx and Queens. Unfortunately it seems kids are being denied the chance at a successful working life by being born into these communities. But this is exactly why organizations like Fiver exists.
Fiver Children’s Foundation aims to provide opportunities and empower children from underserved communities throughout New York City, as well as central New York. Fiver shows their dedication to the kids and to the community by making a 10-year long commitment to the development of the child. Throughout the program children are presented with many opportunities that would be beneficial to their success, like free college access counseling and job training, community building events, and even a completely free summer camp experience in upstate New York. Throughout the Fiver experience, children receive individualized support and guidance along with social and emotional learning skills that children need in order to be the best version of themselves in any environment.
I feel very lucky to be helping Fiver make change in these communities as their training fellow for 2021. My focus will be on modifying the existing staff training program and creating a 3 year calendar that incorporates key dates, events, and workshops. Another of my main tasks will be creating a leadership track addition to the already existing staff training program. These projects will have a direct impact on youth by making sure that the staff are well-equipped to best serve youth. As a result of this, staff will feel better and have better work, meaning the kids feel better too.
There are many obstacles put in the way of youth, especially those from communities that are economically disadvantaged. I am so excited to work with Fiver this summer to help provide more opportunities to children who need them, and to better serve the youth and the community.