Downtown
Move over those tassels for a record-breaker! Fifty young people in foster care graduated college this fall, thanks to the American Dream Program sponsored by HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services — a wrap-around, educational, emotional support, and career-advancement program empowers older youth to overcome their personal challenges and excel as adults.
Youth age out of foster care at age 21, which means the government ceases all financial and other support during this critical transition to adulthood.
“Many of us are fortunate enough to be born into a family that supports us for our entire lives — kids in foster care don’t have that,” said Dawn Saffayeh, executive director at HeartShare. “Older youth face higher rates of homelessness, unemployment and criminal charges than their peers, while less than 2 percent earn a college degree by age 25.”
Mamadou, a former HeartShare scholar and group home resident, graduated from NYU Tandon School of Engineering this past May and now works as an associate engineer at Turner Construction.
“I didn’t have to worry about rent, cooking, or any other distractions from studying. HeartShare was like my family, and because of them I was able to succeed,” he said.
The group gives students the tools they need to become successful adults, said director of education Lauren Pettiette.
“We offer guidance and let them do the rest for themselves,” she said.
Pettiette oversees the program, which means she serves as a counselor and mentor to help each scholar stay on track academically.
Standing O wishes all the students “Congratulations and well-done.”
HeartShare Human Services of New York [12 MetroTech Center, Myrtle and Jay streets in Downtown, (718) 422–2339; www.hsvsn
Bay Ridge
Walk for a cause
Get those trainers laced up and ready to march for a meal. Join members of the Bay Ridge Center and the Bay Ridge Center Community Advisory Board on Sept. 17 for the 22nd Bay Ridge Center Walkathon.
The march raises funds to support the Bay Ridge Center Meals-on-Wheels program, which provides service to homebound and elderly residents in Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, and Gravesend.
Join the march or become a sponsor.
Marchers check in Sept. 17 at 10 am at the Bay Ridge Center. The walk starts at 11 am, treks for 1.9 miles along Third Avenue, and returns to the center where prizes will be awarded at 12:30 pm.
Bay Ridge Center [411 Ovington Ave. in Bay Ridge, (718) 748–0873].
Borough Wide
Wipe out ovarian cancer
Don’t forget the eighth-annual Brooklyn T.E.A.L. Walk-Run in Prospect Park on Ninth Street and Prospect Park West, on Sept. 10 from 8 am to noon.
Tell Every Amazing Lady About Ovarian Cancer Louisa M. McGregor Ovarian Cancer Foundation [533 16th St. at Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, (917) 310–4835; www.tealw
Crown Heights
Bikes and books!
Cheers to Interfaith Medical Center for hosting a Back-to-School Health Fair and bike launch at Bishop Orris G. Walker, Jr. Health Care Center on Aug. 26.
Attendees included Borough President Adams, community residents, doctors, and elected officials.
The Interfaith Medical Center’s “prescribe-a-bike” program, a collaboration with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Citi Bike, allows doctors at the Bishop Walker Health Center to “prescribe-a-bike” to patients. Members receive a free one-year membership to Citi Bike, a helmet, reflector arm band, access to group rides, and a journal to reflect on the experiences of their new membership.
“As a Brooklynite recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I know how vital it is to arm ourselves with the knowledge and tools needed to combat health risks that we are fighting to eradicate from communities across central Brooklyn,” said Adams. “As an avid cyclist, I equally appreciate the innovative ‘Prescribe-a-Bike’ program as a way to promote exercise while expanding transportation access to underserved residents.”
Interfaith Medical Center [1545 Atlantic Ave. in Crown Heights, (718) 613–4000].
