Youth Development Program to Assist Residents in Amsterdam Houses Community
A new program has launched on the Upper West Side to guide young NYCHA residents at Amsterdam Houses and Amsterdam Addition on the path to future success with academic and career development support.
On February 22, City Councilmember Gale Brewer was joined by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, NYCHA’s Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, and community leaders to kick off the Creating Opportunities for Amsterdam (COFA) program. Focusing on young adults in the community, the initiative aims to provide alternatives to street life with pathways to higher education, employment, and economic security. The program is a collaboration between the social services nonprofit Goddard Riverside and Positive Influence, a longstanding youth program at Amsterdam Houses.
Program funding was provided through a $100,000 grant from Councilmember Brewer’s office, with support from Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ Community Safety and Victims Service Initiative, and an additional $125,000 from State Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal’s office.
“COFA will connect youth in public housing — especially those who have been historically marginalized, underserved, and cut off from opportunities — to job experiences, learning opportunities, professional networks, and supportive guidance to create and pursue meaningful life plans,” Councilmember Brewer said.
Services will be available six days a week at the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center at Amsterdam Addition. Neighborhood youth will have access to a variety of programming, including job application support, workforce training, internships, recreation and arts activities, homework assistance, and college application support. The center also plans to host job fairs and recruitment events for program participants.
“NYCHA’s legislative partners and nonprofit institutions are vital to the Authority, always willing to lend resources and support when needed,” Ms. Bova-Hiatt said. “The tens of thousands of young people in public housing are in tremendous need of such support – and we are thrilled that Amsterdam Houses and Amsterdam Addition are continuing the legacy of positive youth programs launched at NYCHA campuses through the Creating Opportunities for Amsterdam initiative.”
Local youth will be encouraged to join the COFA program through door-to-door outreach at the developments and input from those involved in other community programs. A team of three outreach workers will collaborate with the partner organizations to offer academic and career counseling and connect the youth participants with the various services.
Professors from the nearby Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service will meet with staff and resident participants to evaluate the engagement effort and the program’s outcomes.
Photo caption: NYCHA’s Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt joined City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (left) and Councilmember Gale Brewer (right) to announce the opening of the Creating Opportunities for Amsterdam youth program.