Drop Out Prevention Programs

Our Drop Out Prevention programs are combating the Latino school drop-out epidemic on the front lines at three New York City public schools, (Christopher Columbus High School, PS 333/335, and MS 391) by providing the following to participating students:

• Individual and group counseling
• Family involvement
• Cultural and recreational enrichment
• Educational workshops

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Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program

Offered at Walton Educational Campus and MS 391, our adolescent pregnancy prevention program was designed to teach students how to make informed decisions that will lead them to a positive and healthy lifestyle from adolescence through adulthood. The program provides:

• Workshops
• Individual & Group Counseling
• Peer Education
• College, Career, and Recreational Trips
• Young Men's Accountability Groups
• Young Women's Empowerment Groups

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After-school Programs

CHCF is dedicated to providing safe and developmentally appropriate after-school care at two school sites in the Bronx, PS/MS 279 and PS 59, for approximately 320 children. The program is conducted on school grounds and provides the following:

• Homework Assistance
• Arts in Education
• Visual Arts
• Theatrical Play
• Physical Education
• Family Literacy
• Technology Instruction
• Counseling
• Community Building
• Character Education
• Science
• Annual Performances

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Responsible Fatherhood Program

CHCF offers the Responsible Fatherhood Program at Grace Dodge Vocational High School and Christopher Columbus High School. Non-married fathers and expectant students are offered "Preparing for Fatherhood" workshops and preparation for the varied responsibilities of parenthood.

A variety of parenting skills workshops are provided to the students. Topics include:

• Child Abuse and Neglect
• Positive Discipline
• Financial Management
• Job & Career Advancement
• Conflict Resolution

CHCF also offers workshops that educate the students on the importance of communicating effectively and building self esteem to create fulfilling relationships and reduce conflict.

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Healthy Living Program

Obesity is a major problem for Latinos. It raises the risk of many serious health complications, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, depression, and even cancer.

This program combines nutrition and exercise to equip Latino families with skills and tools they can use to prevent or combat obesity.  Studies show that interventions that involves the whole family and/or community are effective at improving obesity rates.  

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Program Enhancements:


Family Literacy Program
(A component of our after-school programs)

Academic underachievement, stemming from socioeconomic and other factors, prevents many Latino children from realizing the American dream. Parent involvement in a child’s education is crucial for positive outcomes but recent data show that Latino parents are the least involved of all ethnic groups.(1) Family Literacy programs are effective in bringing parents and children together to improve basic skills and instill positive attitudes toward reading and learning.

By incorporating the tradition of oral storytelling into literacy development, parent-student teams in our innovative program work together to write and illustrate their own original storybooks and present them at a variety of public readings.

A study of family literacy programs in several states found that parents who participated took their children to the library twice as often (compared to their pre-program habits). They also purchased or borrowed books for their children 40% more often. In the same study, children in the program asked their parents to read to them 20% more often as well as read books and magazines 40% more often.(2)

Studies have also shown that family literacy programs improve parent-child communication and parent involvement in their children’s education (i.e., talking to teachers, asking children about school, helping with homework, volunteering at school, attending school events).(3)

CHCF offers this enhancement to its after-school programs only when funds are available. To make a donation to support this valuable component of our work with children and families, please click here. Be sure to enter "Family Literacy" under Designation!

Family Literacy Program Books:

Our Summer Trip to Mexico by Victoria Saldana

Remembering Grandfather by Mercedes Garcia, William and Wilmer Perez

Why I Love My Dad by Crystal Martinez

Christmas with the Montalvo Family by Kelly and Monika Montalvo

 

“Abriendo Puertas al Futuro/Opening Doors to the Future”

Our “Abriendo Puertas al Futuro/Opening Doors to the Future” Program provides internship opportunities to the students in our Responsible Fatherhood Program. Providing these young men with an introduction to the world of work offers an opportunity to plan ahead and to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.  The project includes a comprehensive college and work readiness curriculum, and is enriched with life skills workshops designed to develop and encourage the values and behaviors of responsible men.

Circles of Support/Circulos en Apoyo

These non-traditional mental health support groups were designed to teach participants skills to relieve the effects of depression, anxiety trauma, and stress.

The groups use therapeutic methods that resonate with Latinos who may not be as responsive to traditional talk therapy. Through the use of visualization, massage therapy, aromatherapy, tai chi, meditation, and breathing exercises, participants learn tools they can use outside of the groups during times of stress or to relieve the symptoms of trauma. The groups develop bonds that continue long after the program ends.

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