HELPING MORE THAN JUST THE STUDENTS!

Sasha Diamond-Lenow (left) and Tai Garcia (right) pose with StreetSquash parent/guardians. From left: Olyn (Naheem Allen’21), Nodeline (Claudine Senat’19), Lavern (Caleb Basco ’17), Linda (Justin Torres ’19), Marcia (Zoe Albertinie ’17 & Mickella Albertinie ’16), and Jean (Imani Dawson ’16).

SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM

Since its inception in 2010, the StreetSquash Social Work Program has had a full time position and has worked with more than 6 masters level interns from local universities. During this time, the Social Work team has worked with students and families to improve and deepen the services and support that StreetSquash can provide. Specifically, we aim to address the needs of our growing community by providing individual and group counseling, sexual health education, mental and physical health education, crisis support and intervention, conflict prevention and intervention, leadership development and outside referrals for medical, educational and family needs. In the 2013-2014 school year, the social work team also implemented weekly girls and guys groups, leadership groups, a peer mediation club, and monthly parent nights and workshops. One of the programs highlights has also been a semester long parent group called “The Parent Journey” from which, to date, 15 parents/ guardians have graduated.

For the current year, we have just hired a second full time social worker and are welcoming two new interns from Fordham and Columbia. We are excited to be able to offer even more support to our students – including those in college! – and their families and look forward to another great year for this important initiative!

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