COVID-19 in the South Bronx
Data-driven solution-building is integral to the work of collective impact. Last year, as we began to see the disruptive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and families, we knew that in order to move forward, we needed to understand what was happening on the ground.
In response to the insufficient real-time neighborhood and city-level COVID-19 data, SBRT convened advocates and educators interested in crafting a common needs assessment for all caregivers in New York City. Our aim was to create a standardized survey tool for our partners to distribute that was accessible to all parents and caregivers regardless of their background and could be completed in under 10 minutes. In October 2020 we launched the survey that covered online learning, child care, food access, housing stability, and mental health issues.
Last week, we released a report that took a specific look at the responses coming from Bronx Community District 3 — one of the hardest hit communities by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report includes a set of policy recommendations we believe that, if adopted, can significantly improve outcomes for historically neglected communities that have, as a result underinvestment, disproportionately bared the worst of the pandemic. With meaningful policy change and increased investment, Bronx communities will be better positioned to withstand the next major economic or public health crisis.
Healing-centered Schools Pilot
South Bronx Rising Together has developed a four-month healing-centered pilot program for schools in Bronx Community District 3. Through continuous improvement strategies, technical assistance, and capacity building efforts, we aim to support schools in building healing-centered environments, whether in school or virtually, to support the social-emotional development of students. This program will be tailored to each school’s current programming and center the social-emotional needs of English Language Learners (ELLs)/Multilingual Learners (MLLs) and Students in Temporary Housing (STH) during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
We are excited to work closely with C.S. 44, C.S. 61, and Fannie Lou Hamer Middle School throughout the pilot process!
RFP: Civic Engagement Consultant
SBRT seeks an experienced consultant to develop and execute an anti-oppressive civic engagement curriculum for 25 students in 11th and 12th grade. This consultant will lead a series of workshops and trainings for students, liaise with SBRT staff to align curriculum with other civic engagement activities, and develop a set of recommendations for continued youth engagement post-program. Additionally, the consultant will work with SBRT staff to ensure curriculum reflects a healing-centered and trauma-informed approach in its design.
Upcoming Events
Bronx Impact Food Access Collective: February 16 at 12:30pm
This group of community advocates is working to realize a collective vision of food justice for all Bronx residents by identifying policy and programmatic strategies to address the structural inequities which repress equitable access to food and nutrition. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 12:30pm.
COVID-19 Vaccines: A Parent Community Workshop: February 16 at 5:30pm
Join the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and SBRT for a discussion about what vaccines are, their side effects, who is currently eligible to be vaccinated, and where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Family Child Care Collective Response Convening: February 22 at 1pm
Join family child care providers and advocates working to streamline resources and communication across NYC to support the workforce that provides early education to our youngest children!
South Bronx Cafecito: March 10 at 6pm
Parents and caregivers! Let’s talk about our kids, our community, and the future we want for the South Bronx. Join the conversation to identify the most pressing concerns for your family and help to build the solution.
Partner Corner
Trailblazers 2021: Program & Award Ceremony in Honor of African American History Month: February 17 at 6pm
NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer is partnering with Congressman Jamal Bowman to host Trailblazers. This annual event celebrates/ highlights the incredible achievements of Black New Yorkers within their communities. This year, the focus is people that live or work in the Bronx who fight for equity and representation in education. The program is jam packed with inspiration and a special performance!
Workshops: Parent Guide to Remote Learning with Representative Adriano Espaillat
Starting in February, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will host live and asynchronous workshops to support parents and caregivers navigating the new world of remote learning. These workshops will be held on a weekly basis, starting February 4 at 5:00pm with recordings of the sessions being made available for asynchronous participants.
Thursday, February 25, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Special Education: “Supporting Families in Navigating Remote Learning for Students with Disabilities”
Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Multilingual Learners: “Supporting Families in Navigating Remote Learning for Multilingual Learners”
Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Student Services: “Supporting Families with Stress Management during Remote Learning”
Thursday, April 15, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Teaching and Learning: “Supporting Families in Fostering Student Independence during Remote Learning”
Thursday, April 29, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Special Education: “Supporting Families of Students with a Disability in Fostering Student Independence during Remote Learning”
Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Student Services: “Supporting Families by Strengthening Coping Skills through Mindfulness”
Professional Development Series with Third Ave BID
The Third Avenue BID, in partnership with the Bronx SBDC and Lehman College, is providing the Bronx community with a FREE, six-part professional development series and community certification to help Bronx residents get into the job market.