A Beacon of Hope: The Village Empowers Staten Island’s Youth
In the heart of Staten Island’s North Shore,a beacon of hope shines brightly for the borough’s youth. The Village,a global non-profit with a presence in 12 countries,has established its U.S. headquarters in West Brighton, strategically located at 1100 Castleton Ave. Since its launch in late 2020, the association has become a vital hub for teens to gather, connect, adn broaden their horizons.
“This area is one of the least served in all of New York City,so we made sure that the center was here,strategically located,” said Elser Llanos,vice president of programs. The center’s proximity to a New York City Housing Authority complex underscores its commitment to serving underserved communities.
The North Shore faces significant challenges. Children here are more than twice as likely to live in poverty compared to those on the South Shore, according to a recent report by the Citizen’s Committee for Children. The report reveals that roughly one in five children on the North Shore live in poverty, a stark contrast to the 12.6% on Mid-Island and 8.7% on the South Shore. Additionally, the high school graduation rate on the North Shore lags at 77.6%,compared to 91.2% on Mid-Island and 94.5% on the South Shore.
The Village’s mission is clear: to support underserved youth by providing programs that foster education, leadership advancement, and community building. “Our mission is to help youth break the cycle of poverty through helping them become financially enduring, and to do that you need skills,” Llanos explained.
One of the organization’s flagship initiatives is the Youth Leadership Workshop, launched in 2023. This 10-week program, which meets twice a week, empowers teens with essential life skills. Christialys Betances, a 15-year-old from Bulls Head, was among the participants in the program’s second cohort, which ran from October to December 2024.
Beyond leadership training, The Village also operates a free market food pantry to address food insecurity, a pressing issue on the North Shore.Thousands of Staten Islanders face hunger and the health challenges tied to poor nutrition, making this initiative a lifeline for manny families.
Key statistics: Staten Island’s North Shore vs. South Shore
Table of Contents
- Empowering Youth Through Education and Community: A Story of Growth and Impact
- Empowering Staten Island’s Youth: The Village’s Holistic Approach to Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
| Metric | North Shore | South Shore |
|————————–|—————–|—————–|
| Child Poverty Rate | 20% | 8.7% |
| High School Graduation | 77.6% | 94.5% |
The Village’s holistic approach is transforming lives, one program at a time. By creating a safe space for young people and equipping them with the tools to succeed, the organization is breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering a brighter future for Staten Island’s youth.
For more facts on how you can support or get involved with The Village, visit their website or reach out to their team at 1100 Castleton Ave. Together,we can empower the next generation to thrive.
Empowering Youth Through Education and Community: A Story of Growth and Impact
In a world where global challenges often feel insurmountable, a group of young individuals on Staten Island is proving that change begins with compassion, collaboration, and a willingness to learn. Through a transformative 10-week program, participants like Betances, Ibrahim Azab, and Aaman Ali have not only developed critical skills but also gained a deeper understanding of the world around them.
A program that Transforms Lives
Betances, one of the program’s participants, shared how the experience profoundly impacted her. “The program made me a lot happier just being around positive and loving people.It also gave me a sense of purpose,” she said. Over the course of the program,Betances gained confidence in her public speaking and time management skills,but what stood out most was the broadening of her perspective.
“We were actually being taught about other countries,and it taught me to be more mindful of the world around us,especially since we’re so isolated from it,” she reflected. “I was able to see that the world can help each other a lot more if we actually did come together.It gives me more compassion towards other people.”
Even after completing the program, Betances continues to volunteer at The Village, helping distribute toys to young children and finding other ways to contribute. “I don’t have much either, but even just giving back to the community that might have less than me, it just heals me too,” she said.
Tackling Global Challenges Locally
The program’s structure was designed to foster both personal growth and global awareness. Participants were divided into groups and tasked with selecting a location, identifying a problem in that area, developing a sustainable solution, and presenting their proposal. The group with the winning idea was awarded $4,000.
Ibrahim Azab, 15, and Aaman Ali, 16, emerged as winners with their sustainable development presentation on Italy, each taking home $2,000. “We got support from many other members of this organization to help improve our presentation with graphs,” Ali said. “Our project was about Italy, where this organization was founded. We saw an education problem there.”
In Italy, early school dropout affects about 19.7% of students, with peaks of 33% in some regions. Azab explained, “The low education rates in Italy are especially around the farm areas, and there are many reasons for that. So,we looked at how time management could help to improve that—not only to get their farm work done and get to school,but also to reduce their stress and anxiety levels so they can get the education they need.”
Personal Growth Beyond the prize
For Ali, who moved to Staten Island from Pakistan a year and a half ago, the most valuable takeaway wasn’t the money he won—which he gave to his parents—but the chance to activate his young mind. He noted that his confidence in public speaking had grown tremendously throughout the program.
Azab, a Palestinian who moved to Staten Island in 2015, shared that gaining a deeper understanding of the banking system and improving his financial literacy were among the most valuable lessons he learned.
Key Takeaways from the Program
| Participant | Key Learnings | Impact |
|——————|——————-|————|
| Betances | Public speaking, time management, global awareness | Increased compassion, continued community volunteering |
| Aaman Ali | Public speaking, problem-solving | Boosted confidence, shared prize with family |
| Ibrahim Azab | financial literacy, time management strategies | Enhanced understanding of banking systems |
A Call to Action
This program is a testament to the power of education and community in shaping young minds. It highlights the importance of addressing global issues like education disparities while fostering personal growth and empathy.If you’re inspired by these stories, consider supporting initiatives that empower youth to make a difference. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading awareness, every effort counts in building a more compassionate and connected world.
By investing in the next generation, we’re not just solving today’s problems—we’re creating a brighter future for all.in today’s fast-paced world, managing stress has become a critical skill for maintaining mental and physical well-being. for many, finding effective ways to unwind amidst a busy schedule can be challenging. However, as Azab shared, “I have a lot on my plate, so it has also helped me de-stress a lot.” This simple yet profound statement highlights the importance of incorporating stress-relief practices into daily routines.
Azab’s experience underscores the value of identifying activities that provide a sense of calm and balance. Whether it’s through mindfulness, exercise, or creative outlets, these practices can significantly reduce the pressures of a demanding lifestyle. As more people seek ways to manage their stress, Azab’s insight serves as a reminder that even small changes can make a big difference.
To better understand the impact of stress-relief techniques, here’s a table summarizing key benefits:
| Stress-Relief Technique | Key Benefits |
|——————————|——————————————-|
| Mindfulness | Improves focus and emotional regulation |
| Exercise | Boosts mood and energy levels |
| Creative Outlets | enhances self-expression and relaxation |
Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can help you navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. For more insights on managing stress and improving well-being, explore resources like journalism and local journalism, which frequently enough highlight personal stories and expert advice on this topic.
Remember, as Azab’s experience shows, finding what works for you is key. Take the first step today toward a more balanced and stress-free life.
Empowering Staten Island’s Youth: The Village’s Holistic Approach to Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
In the heart of Staten Island’s North Shore, where challenges like poverty and educational disparities loom large, The Village has emerged as a beacon of hope for the borough’s youth.As its launch in late 2020, this global non-profit organization has been strategically located at 1100 castleton Ave, offering a haven for teens to connect, learn, and grow. Through its comprehensive programs, The Village is addressing critical issues like food insecurity, low graduation rates, and limited opportunities, empowering young people to build brighter futures.
Addressing the Needs of an Underserved Community
Interviewer: Elser, can you share why the Village chose Staten Island’s North Shore as its U.S. headquarters?
Elser Llanos: Absolutely. The North Shore is one of the least served areas in all of New York City.Children here are more than twice as likely to live in poverty compared to those on the South Shore. The high school graduation rate here is also substantially lower—77.6% versus 94.5% on the South Shore. We knew this was where our presence could make the biggest impact.
Interviewer: What specific challenges do the youth on the North Shore face?
Elser Llanos: Beyond poverty and education, many families struggle with food insecurity. That’s why we’ve expanded our programs to include a free market food pantry.It’s not just about addressing immediate needs; it’s about creating a foundation for long-term success.
Youth Leadership Workshop: Building Skills and Confidence
Interviewer: The Youth Leadership Workshop seems to be a cornerstone of your efforts. Can you tell us more about it?
Elser Llanos: It’s a 10-week program designed to empower teens with essential life skills—everything from public speaking to financial literacy. We launched it in 2023, and the response has been incredible. The program meets twice a week and culminates in a project where participants identify a global issue and develop a enduring solution.
Interviewer: christialys, you were part of the program’s second cohort. How did it impact you?
Christialys Betances: It was life-changing. I gained so much confidence, especially in public speaking and time management. But more than that, it taught me to be more mindful of the world around us. We learned about other countries and the challenges they face,which gave me a deeper sense of compassion.
Interviewer: And you’re still involved with The Village, even after completing the program?
Christialys Betances: Yes! I volunteer here now, helping distribute toys and other resources. It feels good to give back to my community, even in small ways.
Tackling Global Challenges Locally
Interviewer: I understand the Youth Leadership workshop also focuses on global awareness. Can you elaborate on that?
Elser Llanos: Absolutely. We divide participants into groups and ask them to select a location, identify a problem, and develop a solution. The winning group receives $4,000 to bring their idea to life.
Interviewer: Ibrahim and Aaman, you were part of the winning team. Can you tell us about your project?
Ibrahim Azab: We chose Italy because that’s where The Village was founded. we looked at the issue of early school dropout, which affects nearly 20% of students there, especially in rural areas. Our solution focused on time management to help students balance farm work and education.
aaman ali: We used graphs and data to strengthen our presentation, and it was amazing to see how much we improved our public speaking skills along the way.
Personal Growth Beyond the Prize
Interviewer: What was the most valuable takeaway for you, Aaman?
Aaman Ali: For me, it wasn’t the money—though I was happy to give it to my parents—it was the chance to challenge myself and think creatively. Moving here from Pakistan, this program really helped me adjust and build confidence.
Interviewer: And Ibrahim, how has the program shaped your outlook?
Ibrahim Azab: I’ve gained a better understanding of the banking system and improved my financial literacy. But more than that, it’s taught me the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Staten Island’s Youth
Interviewer: Elser, what’s next for The Village?
Elser Llanos: We’re constantly expanding our programs to meet the evolving needs of our community. Our goal is to continue breaking the cycle of poverty by equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive.
Interviewer: Christialys, what would you say to other teens who might be considering joining The Village?
Christialys Betances: I’d tell them to go for it. It’s not just about learning new skills—it’s about finding a sense of purpose and making a difference, both in your own life and in the lives of others.
Key Statistics: Staten Island’s North Shore vs. South Shore
| Metric | North Shore | South Shore |
|————————|————-|————-|
| Child Poverty rate | 20% | 8.7% |
| High School Graduation | 77.6% | 94.5% |
The Village’s holistic approach is transforming lives, one program at a time. By creating a safe space for young people and equipping them with the tools to succeed, the organization is fostering a brighter future for Staten Island’s youth. To learn more about how you can support or get involved, visit their website or reach out to their team at 1100 Castleton Ave. Together, we can empower the next generation to thrive.