Surrounding Youth and Families with Services
Good Shepherd’s community-based programs in Brooklyn and the Bronx are located in neighborhoods stressed by poverty, school failure, substance abuse and crime. Children and youth living in these communities face tough odds in their journey to become successful, independent adults. We surround young people and their families with a whole network of services to address their needs so that no matter where a problem occurs – in the classroom, at home, or in any sphere – we’re ready to intervene. We foster real change by looking at what’s right, not what’s wrong, helping our program participants recognize and build on their strengths and providing support that endures. Our web of supports extends from childhood through middle school, high school and beyond because we know that’s what it takes to achieve lasting change.
Program Highlights
School-Based Support Services
We work in public schools to help students who are falling behind to overcome the issues that are getting in the way of academic success and set them on a trajectory to complete their education.
Transfer High Schools
Our three transfer high schools for youth who have given up on earning a high school diploma provide opportunities for young people to have a second chance at finishing high school and moving on to college and/or careers.
Family Support Programs
We build stronger families by helping them find solutions to immediate and long-term challenges. As a result, families are able to stay together and avoid foster care placement.
College Access and Retention
Many of our young people are both the first in their families to graduate from high school and to consider post-secondary education. The transition from high school to college can be difficult so we help youth through the application process and provide support to help them succeed in college.
Our Strength-Based Approach
Self
We help young people come to new understandings of themselves and their relationships. We expect more, putting youth in the driver’s seat and respecting their voice and contributions. In this way, they come to recognize their unique talents and develop confidence and new skills for future success.
Family and Friends
Relationships are key to nurturing youth and helping them succeed. By promoting positive, enduring relationships for our young people with staff, volunteers, or family members, as well as their peers, we lay a firm foundation upon which they can shape their lives and build a strong future.
School and the Community
Whether we are working withholder adolescents or children, we make school work for students by creating a supportive environment where kids can learn. We build a bridge between home and school and let youth contribute their talents to the broader community, while also benefiting from the rich resources within it.
