A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

"The Project for Rockaway Youth in Safety and Education"
Ozone Park, New York

Rockaway Peninsula, a strip of land 11 miles long at the southeast corner of New York City is the setting of the Project for Rockaway Youth in Safety and Education (PRYSE). Its residents live in low income, high density public housing, nursing homes, and half-way facilities. More than 24% of Rockaway?s population falls below the poverty. Sixty one percent of the adults do not have a high school diploma and the unemployment rated is 10%. School District 27 has two high schools, three intermediate, and 10 elementary schools—all of which are involved in this project. Almost three-quarters of the children in school qualify for free meals. There is a high incidence of youth crime, substance abuse, social isolation of families, as well as a large number of children who are emotionally disturbed or at risk.

A coalition of representatives of the partners, involved agencies, families, students, community, and law enforcement groups will govern the project. The partners will work primarily with Bank Street, Far Rockaway Inwood Ministerial Coalition, FEGS Afterschool Program, and Baruch College.

PRYSE will fund services targeted to high risk families and mothers that will support healthy development of young children and equip them to enter school ready to learn. This includes family support in the home with early prenatal services and parenting support services. Training will be provided for staff to facilitate family support groups for informal care child care providers as well as services for a mentoring program for parents. Comprehensive prevention and early intervention services will involve families and the community through the Rockaway Family Resource Center and a Mediation Center for students and parents. Funding will also support enhanced services for victims of child abuse and programs for at risk youth, including an entrepreneurship program. Onsite mental health counseling services will be available through PRYSE in seven schools. The program will fund an effort that matches a youth returning from the juvenile justice system with a college student mentor, supporting safe school policies. There will be expanded after-school opportunities and alternatives to typical disciplinary actions. PRYSE will enhance the safety of targeted schools and surrounding neighborhoods through a combination of policing tactics and additional safety personnel and equipment.

The evaluation will be conducted by staff of Baruch College. The evaluation plan will be informed by the national evaluation and the development of a local program theory and outcome measures.

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