|
The Harlem Children's Zone Project is a multi-year comprehensive community building initiative of the Harlem Children's Zone. The HCZ Project's mission is to create significant, positive opportunities for all children living in a 100-block area of Central Harlem by helping parents, residents, teachers and other stakeholders create a safe learning environment for youth. We aim to improve outcomes for poor children and families in devastated communities, starting in Central Harlem.
Behind this mission lie two main tenets: First, children from troubled communities are far more likely to grow to healthy, satisfying adulthood (and to help build a better community) if a critical mass of the adults around them are well versed in the techniques of effective parenting, and are engaged in local educational, social, and religious activities with their children.
Second, the earlier a child is touched by sound health care, intellectual and social stimulation, and consistent guidance from loving, attentive adults, the more likely that child will be to grow into a responsible and fulfilled member of the community. Intervention at later stages is still important — and must be adjusted as the person progresses through the various stages of youth. But later intervention is more costly and less sure of success. Families will need these later efforts to a lesser degree and in declining amounts if the earliest intervention is effective.
These twin principles — a critical mass of engaged, effective families, and early and progressive intervention in children's development — are crucial to the mission of the Harlem Children's Zone. Our focus over the next several years will be taking the Harlem Children's Zone to its logical fulfillment — extending the Zone and reaching a greater percentage of residents in the Zone with a wider, more effective mix of services, particularly at earlier ages.
Thus, what began as a strategic plan in July 1997, has evolved into a resident-driven community-building initiative that serves over 8,600 children annually. The work over the past several years has reaffirmed our belief that in order to create positive opportunities and outcomes for all of the children who live in the Harlem Children's Zone Project, we must continue to develop an integrated network of services and support that provides: family stability; opportunities for employment; decent and affordable housing; a quality education; and youth development activities for adolescents.
|
This Executive Summary provided a brief overview of the Harlem Children's Zone Project strategy and recent progress. For a more detailed look at our plans for future expansion, please review our Business Plan:
Founding Financial Services Partner
|
