Narrative

The Roosevelt Island Youth Center, in its earliest inception, provided a safe haven for children
with a variety of engaging programs and activities designed to address the specific needs of
Island youth. Sadly, the services provided through the Youth Center have been virtually
nonexistent for the past 15 years, despite the efforts of parent volunteers and other youth
centered organizations to participate in its revival.
Island Kids is a well established organization with a 23-year history of providing high quality
programming to the children and families on Roosevelt Island. Our programs are fun and
affordable and provide children with a range of developmentally appropriate activities that
support physical, cognitive and emotional growth. In addition, we have a commitment to
ensuring that our programs reflect the socioeconomic and racial diversity that has existed on
Roosevelt Island since its inception. Island Kids has its roots as a toddler and preschool
enrichment program. Over the last 10 years, Island Kids has established a summer camp and
afterschool programming that has become essential to the community. Our summer camp, which
just celebrated its 10th anniversary, serves children 4-10, with an emphasis on 4 and 5 year olds
who have no summer camp options on the Island. Similarly, our afterschool program, in its 4th
year of operation, was designed to serve Kindergarten children who have no available
afterschool options. This year, due to demand (at the request of the PTA and in collaboration
with PS/IS 217), weve expanded the program to include children up to third grade. As both
programs require licensing by New York City and State respectively, we are very familiar with
the licensing requirements for both Summer Camp and School Aged Child Care. Summer Camp
permits are renewed annually and our School Aged Child Care (SACC) license was just renewed
for the next two years.
Over the last 10 years Island Kids has had significant growth programmatically and also
financially. The establishment of our afterschool program helped us to become financially
stable. Island Kids has remained a relatively small organization mostly due to our issues with
finding new space. Right now, we operate out of a community room at 536 Main Street which is
approximately 500 square feet. Although the management of the youth center seems like a big
leap for a small organization, we have important experience with team building and program
implementation that will make it an easy transition.
Similarly, our ability to fundraise has been hampered by our relatively small size and scope. We
maintain a relationship with a TransCanada and the Office of Councilmember Ben Kallos, both
of whom are long standing financial partners. RIOC has also been a partner through the Public
Purpose fund, increasing our ability to provide scholarships. We believe that receiving this
contract will increase our ability to appeal successfully to corporate sponsors and foundations as
our scope will significantly increase.
As mentioned, a core value of Island Kids is to provide scholarships to children who would
otherwise not be able to participate in our programs. This commitment has resulted in a program
that is diverse racially and economically, especially for a small program. In addition, we have a
commitment to ensuring that our staff is as racially diverse as the makeup of the children in our
program. In 2016, our summer camp staff was 73% African American and 27% Hispanic. Our
Afterschool follows the same pattern with 80% of our staff African American and 20% white. We

believe that this sends an implicit social message to children about unity and acceptance,
particularly to those who live in homogenous social groups.
Beacon Program
We feel it necessary to address the Beacon Program, located at PS/IS 217 which is funded
through the Department of Youth and Community Development. As we draft this RFP, we are
fully aware that there will be a duplication of services between the two entities, which could be
resolved if the organization running the Youth Center also has the Beacon contract. For instance,
since not all parents need full day summer camp, the full day summer camp program could be
run by the Beacon, under a completely separate funding stream, while the Youth Center would
offer shorter enrichment options for children who dont need full day care. Island Kids is ready
to respond to the Beacon RFP, if one should be released and have full support from the
administration at PS/IS 217 and other community organizations that are important to the future
of Roosevelt Island.

Programming Approach
We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to respond to this proposal with a plan for youth
services that spans the continuum from infancy through early adulthood. First and foremost, we
reject the notion that free programming cant be quality programming. We envision a full
community center providing top quality free programming throughout the year. The Youth
Centers primary focus would be to provide structured recreational programming with a second
level of support and education service. Using a Parents as Partners approach to leadership, the
program will be run by a combination of paid staff and parent and community volunteers as has
been the case historically. To address the varying social, emotional and cognitive needs of each
age group, weve created a five tier structure of service, using developmental research as the
foundation for programming on each level. The strength of our organization has been the
community partnerships that weve developed and we will continue these relationships with the
Youth Center. We have a close working relationship with PS/IS 217 which is critical in
developing a strategy on middle school engagement. Additionally, partnership with Public
Safety is a key relationship as we design leadership and support programming for Island youth
aged 14 through 21. Cornell will also be actively involved, providing tech centered
programming. Finally, we will create an Advisory Board of professionals at each tier of
programming to advise on best practices on each age level.
Engagement of children on the Middle and High School levels can be a challenge. Children in
this age group start to assert independence and peer groups become more important than family
input in many ways. To address this reality, we will conduct a series of focus groups and Pilot
Programs so that our enrichment programs are ones that middle and high school kids will
participate in. Additionally, we will conduct focus groups with parents of kids at this age level in
order to identify their concerns.
As the demographics of the Island are changing, it is a challenge to make sure that Youth Center
free programming is targeting the children who are the most economically disadvantaged. To
address this issue on Tier 2 and 3 programming, we would recommend that registration priority
be given to children who attend PS/IS 217 and who live on Roosevelt Island. A large group of
children residing in section 8 housing on the Island attend our local public school. We believe

this is the best strategy to ensure that services are being provided to children who otherwise
would not have access to high quality programming and support services. Tier 4 and 5
programming provides more of a challenge, as the children in this age group attend school off
Island for High School, they are seemingly less connected to the Island. To address this reality
Tier 4 and 5 programming is designed with a combination of high quality Leadership, Sports and
Arts enrichment programming and support services to address the needs of those who might be
struggling to navigate their future. Additionally, to provide a gathering place for teens, the youth
center will be opened into the evening hours, providing a safe place for them to socialize, while
providing them with structured activity options.
Strong partnerships are key to the success of this endeavor. Weve discussed our vision with
several on and off Island organizations and have received overwhelming support. They include:
Cornell Tech: Cornell Tech will provide tech based opportunities for children across age groups.
PS/IS 217: Island Kids works closely with PS/IS 217 and has an excellent working relationship
with the staff and PTA. We will work closely together to ensure that the youth center reflects the
needs of the students who attend the school.
Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance: In collaboration with the Main Street Theater and
Dance Alliance, we will offer enrichment classes including Hip Hop and Athletic Dance, Tap
Dance, Film Making and Improv Theater.
Environmental Science: In partnership with a popular Island organization, we will offer
enrichment sessions for youth to learn about science, math and the origin of food through plant
life.
Sports Programming: The sports program will be run by a staff Sports Director and parent
volunteers. Sports will take place on the following schedule:
Fall: Soccer
Spring: Baseball
Winter: Indoor Soccer and Basketball
Summer: Summer Sports Clinics
Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts: Island Kids currently hosts 4 Girl Scout Troops at our current location
and will continue to do so if we are chosen for the Youth Center contract. We also hope to
reinstate the Boy Scouts who were actively involved in the community for many years.
New York Public Library: In partnership with the Roosevelt Island library, the Childrens
Reading Foundation, and PS/IS 217, we will implement programs that encourage reading
including inter-generational and summer reading programs.
B.E.A.T NYC: is a non profit organization that empowers youth through creative expression.
Their programs are led by professional artists who provide committed mentorship in living art
forms such as beatboxing, breakdancing, freestyle/MCing, music production, and creative
writing. We are excited about the possibility of collaborating and have already discussed a Pilot

Program, in conjunction with PS/IS 217, called Beat Explorers. Designed for Middle and High
School students, this program combines two of the most fundamental aspects of song creation:
writing and producing. With a primary focus on creative writing and song composition, Beat
Explorers also introduces the foundational aspects of music production, beat making, and career
development. Students learn how to translate their creative writing, poetry, and lyrics into songs
using original beats produced by the students as well.
Global Kids: Global Kids provides Middle and High School students programming that
examines global issues, make local connections, and create change through peer education,
social action, digital media, and service-learning.
OWL Health Education Program: Our Whole Lives (OWL) curricula address, in age appropriate
ways, health, reproduction, sexuality, ethics, safety, and boundaries. There are curricula for
Kindergarten-1st grade, 4th-6th grade, 7th-9th grade, youth, young adults, and adults. The object
of OWL is to teach children facts, to give them tools for keeping themselves and their friends
safe, and to afford opportunities for students to think through scenarios and develop a set of
ethics around their own bodies and other bodies.
Below is our vision and mission statement for our proposed program and an outline of our five
tier programming model. Please note that we will take a conservative approach to program
implementation initially, taking the youth center renovation into consideration.
Mission
The Roosevelt Island Youth Center provides high quality enrichment programming and social
support to the children, young adults and families for Roosevelt Island
Vision
1. To provide high quality age appropriate enrichment and support services across the continuum
of infancy, childhood and early adulthood
2. To provide a safe environment for children and families that reflects the socioeconomic, cultural
and racial diversity of Roosevelt Island
3. To engage the parents and community organizations in programming implementation and design
so that it accurately reflects the needs of Roosevelt Island youth.

Tier 1 (Infants 4 years and their parents)

Programming approach: Exposure to high quality enrichment experiences is essential to the
cognitive development of young children. In addition, support for parents is critical as they
adjust to their new role. Island Kids has been providing both to Roosevelt Island children and
parents for over 20 years. We will continue to offer these services through the Roosevelt Island
Youth Center.

Enrichment Programming: (to take place during the day before 2:30pm)
Enrichment classes will run for 45 minutes to one hour and include Art, Tumbling, Music and a
Preschool Coop. In addition, we will collaborate with the Main Street Theater and Dance
Alliance to provide early childhood dance and theater classes.
Childrens Reading Foundation Partnership
Technology has taken over as the preferred method of engagement and reading of books has
taken a backseat in many ways. This limits a childs exposure to the six key components of early
literacy development including print and phonological awareness. To support a traditional
approach to literacy exposure, Island Kids will implement an intergenerational reading program
for toddlers and preschoolers. In collaboration with the Childrens Reading Foundation,
Roosevelt Island Public Librar and the Roosevelt Island Senior Center, Island Seniors will be
invited to read to children on a regular basis. This bridges the generational gap and enhances
community bonds while supporting childrens exposure to literacy.
Additionally, we will implement The Childrens Reading Foundation Ready for Kindergarten
Program. A research-based program that teaches parents how their children learn and develop, it
also provides literacy based tools and activities that parents and children can enjoy together at
home.
Support Programs
Baby Group (birth to 14 months): The Baby Group welcomes new Moms, Dads and Moms-tobe to join us each week to share stories, ask questions, give tips, and discuss a wide array of
parenting topics. These meetings are non-judgmental, friendly, and informative, and a wonderful
place to connect with people who are also experiencing the highs and lows of becoming a new
parent.
Toddler Open Play: Toddler Time is a once a week free playgroup for children aged 14 months
through 2.5 years. The program is designed as an extension of the Island Kids Baby Group and
provides an opportunity for parents and toddlers to socialize while engaging in age appropriate
playtime.
Postpartum Depression Support Group: Postpartum depression is a serious issue that affects the
whole family. In partnerships with the Postpartum resource center and Dr. Katherine Grimm, our
postpartum support group will provide Island parents with a safe place to share their experience
as well as mental health resources.
Parenting Seminar Series: Our year round parenting seminar series will consist of topics of
importance to new parents. Topics include sleep and feeding issues, developmental milestones,
toddler tantrums and entrance to preschool.
Young Mothers/Fathers Support Program: Young parents often lack the support necessary to
fully engage in their parenting role. In partnership with the Fatherhood Initiative, the young
Mother and Father Support Groups will meet separately and address issues such as the
importance of reading, developmental stages, discipline, stress, and communication.

Tier 2 (Children ages 5-10):

Programming approach: Island Kids has a proven track record of providing high quality
programming designed to bring together children across the socioeconomic spectrum of
Roosevelt Island. In addition, Roosevelt Island is home to families from a variety of cultural
backgrounds. From our experience in our after school program and summer camp, language
barriers can have negative social and emotional consequences for a child who lacks the ability to
communicate. Programs on this Tier 2 take into account the holistic needs of all children that
come through our program.
Afterschool Enrichment Programming
Our current After School Program serves children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade and runs
from 2:45 to 6:30 and is a paid program. Due to funding constraints, Youth Center enrichment
will initially consist of enrichment programs that runs 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Programs will
include Computer Tech programs with Cornell, Mad Science, PlayWell Teknologies, Chess
NYC, sports, cooking. Dance and Theater classes, in partnership with the Main Street Theater
and Dance Alliance, will also be incorporated into the program. Enrichment programming will
also take place on the weekends,
Our long term goal is to secure funding to offer a full afternoon after school program at the
Youth Center. This will be accomplished through raising the funds necessary to expand the
program through the Youth Center, or through obtaining the Beacon contract, which would
accommodate the full afternoon program at PS/IS 217 under a separate funding stream.
Summer Camp
As with our after school enrichment, summer programs for this age group will initially consist
of enrichment programming that runs 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Our long term goal is to secure
funding to expand the Youth Center into a full day Summer Camp. This will be accomplished
through raising the funds necessary to expand the program through the youth center, or through
obtaining the Beacon contract, which would accommodate the full day summer camp at PS/IS
217 under a separate funding stream. Programming partners will include Cornell Tech, Mad
Science, the Nature Company Animal Education Program, various sports programming, the Main
Street Theater and Dance Alliance and the Roosevelt Island Garden Club. Additionally, using
Childrens Reading Foundation Materials, we will implement a summer Read Up program,
designed to address summer learning loss due to lack of reading.
Support Programs
English Language Learner (ELL) Support: In conjunction with PS/IS 217, Island Kids will
develop support services for families of English Language Learners that is an extension of the
services that they receive at school. In addition, this program will provide support to the families
of ELL students who often have trouble with navigation of the public school system and
interpretation services. In addition, we will offer volunteer run ESL classes for parents.
Support Network for Children with Special Needs: Having served the community for many
years, we know that there are many families dealing with a child on the autistic spectrum or other

disabilities. With this in mind, we will develop an extension program similar to our ELL
program, that collaborates with PS/IS 217 and other parents from the community.
Parenting Seminar Series: Our parenting series will extend to Tier 2 programming and include
topics such as entering Kindergarten, transition to middle school and social issues appropriate for
elementary school children.
OWL Health Education Program: We will introduce the OWL Health Education program on Tier
2 programming. The K/1 curriculum supports parents in educating children about birth, babies,
bodies and families. Following a Parent Meeting and Parent/Child Orientation, the 8 sessions
engage children with stories, songs and activities and include a weekly HomeLink - a homework
project for parents and children to do together. The program promotes dialogue between parent
and child on topics of importance that parents often find hard to talk about. For older children
the 8-session program focuses on the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Participants
examine topics such as values and sexuality, communication and decision making.

Tier 3 (ages 11-13) :

Programming approach: Middle School engagement is especially challenging. Aside from the
physical changes children go through in this period, relationships with peers become a driving
force. Programming on this level was designed with this in mind, as they are more likely to
participate if their friends are doing it. Our relationship with PS/IS 217 is critical as we consider
ways in which to engage this population.
After School and Summer Programming
Teen Open Lounge: To address the increasing importance of social relationships in this age
group, teen lounge will be an open drop in program on the evenings on weekdays and on the
weekends. Teen Lounge will offer teens a safe gathering place combining with structured
activity options.
Bridging Education and Art Together (B.E.A.T, NYC); is a non profit organization that
empowers youth through creative expression. Their programs are led by professional artists who
provide committed mentorship in living art forms such as beatboxing, breakdancing,
freestyle/MCing, music production, and creative writing. We are excited about the possibility of
working with them as we think they will be well received by middle and high school students.
Global Kids Leadership Program: Global Kids provides middle and high school students with
leadership opportunities and training. Global Kids develops youth leaders through global
education and leadership development programs. This program is particularly applicable to
Roosevelt Island as has a vast multicultural make up.
Support Programs
Teen Friday Fun Nights; The goal is to have fun while providing support for issues critical to
teens (navigating sex, drugs, relationships, goals for the future). The program will be led by
volunteer community members who have a connection with the kids and understand the
emotional and social issues that they are experiencing.

Mental Health Family Intervention and Advocacy: Children in this age category are
experiencing many physical and psychological changes that can be confusing. The family
mental health component of our program will address issues of importance to this group and
provide referrals to services outside of our scope.
OWL Health Education Program: For middle school students OWL provides a sexuality
education program for youth that models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. It
is a holistic program that moves beyond the intellect to address the attitudes, values, and feelings
that youth have about themselves and the world. Unlike many other sexuality curricula currently
available, this program is comprehensive and progressive. In an inclusive and developmentally
appropriate manner, it addresses sensitive topics that are typically excluded.
SHSAT Test Preparation: Test preparation for the specialized high school exam will be provided
by teachers of PS/IS 217.

Tier 4 (14-18 years)

Program Approach: This is an age group that has been neglected the most as far as Island Youth
Services are concerned. The challenge for this group is that they go to school off Island and
participate in activities through their connections at school or outside of the community. For this
reason, programs will take place later in the day and on the weekends to accommodate their
school responsibilities. Programming will mimic the programming on Tier 3, adjusted for their
age considerations, and broken up by age so that kids are appropriately grouped.
After School and Summer Programming
Teen Open Lounge: As with middle school Teen Open Lounge will be open to youth aged 14-18.
To address the increasing importance of social relationships in this age group, teen lounge will be
an open drop in program on the evenings on weekdays and on the weekends. Teen Lounge will
offer teens a safe gathering place combining with structured activity options. This is a core
component of our services to teens aged 14-18.
Programming with B.E.A.T NYC and Global Kids will continue on this tier (see tier 3
descriptions)
In school Youth Program: Funded through the Federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act
(WIOA), the In-School Youth (ISY) program provides year-round services to High School
juniors and seniors who meet certain eligibility. ISY services are provided by community-based
organizations in all five boroughs of New York City. ISY programs help participants graduate
from high school, pursue college education, and develop career goals.
Work, Learn & Grow Employment Program (WLG): WLG is a New York City Council-funded
initiative designed to build off of the experiences gained in the Summer Youth Employment
Program (SYEP). WLG provides participants of the 2016 SYEP who are between the ages of 1424 and currently in-school with career readiness training and paid employment opportunities for
up to twenty five weeks from October to April.

Support Programs
Teen Saturday Fun night: Goal is to have fun while providing support for issues critical to teens
(navigating sex, drugs, relationships, and goals for the future). The program will be led by
volunteer community members who have a connection with the kids and understand the
emotional and social issues that they are experiencing.
Mental Health: Family intervention and advocacy (see Tier 3 descriptions)
Test Preparation: This will include GED, Regents and SAT preparation classes

Tier 5 (18-21 years)

Program Approach: Young people do not become adults automatically when they turn 18. This
major time of transition requires critical support as they look towards the practical aspects of
becoming an independent adult. Furthermore, some entering their early adult years might be
facing circumstances that they are emotionally unprepared for. Engagement on this tier provides
extension services to help young adults gather the emotional and physical resources to become
successful.
Support Programs
Mental Health: Family intervention and advocacy (see tier 3 description)
GED tutoring and preparation
College application support services
Resume help
Job interview preparation
Financial literacy

Additional Programming
Vocational training/Mentoring Program: In collaboration with the Department of Youth and
Community Development, we will implement the Out-of-School Youth Program (OSY). OSY is
a year-long program for low-income youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not working
and not in school. OSY provides services to help youth upgrade their job skills and find
permanent work. Additionally we will create a network of volunteer mentors that will provide
encouragement and resources to youth in this age category.
For those who are eligible Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young
people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For
eligible young people at least 16 years of age that qualify as low income, Job Corps provides the
all-around skills needed to succeed in a career and in life.