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Local Youth Program Funding Topic Of Nov. 9 Forum
Sections of Canarsie have been designated poverty zones and, as a result of the 2001 census, Neighborhood Development Areas (NDA) were created, entitling certain youth programs to receive an estimated $25,000. The youth organizations receiving the funds are the local chapter of New York Junior Tennis League, Sesame Flyers International and Camba (formerly called the Church Avenue Mer-chants Block Association). According to liaison Allyson Walker-Basden, "The needs of the community have already been assessed and the DYCD is at the end of the requests for proposals process by which youth organizations receiving funds must in-form the community NABs how they are effective." When Alan Shweky, president of the tennis program, which operates at John Wilson Intermediate School 211 and Isaac Bildersee Intermediate School 68, made his presentation, NAB chairman David Rybstein said he never heard of the program and asked why more grants were being requested when "this pre-existing program is already federally-funded." Shweky said. "With more funding we can have more teachers and tutors. We could also use more equipment." Board members were concerned about why the program only operates out of a few local schools - limiting the number of children who can take advantage of them. Shweky said that certain schools have provided the resources, but if there are other sites available with tennis courts, the program could expand. Camba operates out of IS 68 during and after school hours, teaching leadership and conflict resolution skills. It also provides services, such as tutoring, and helps students organize fund-raisers. Board members were seemingly not impressed by the presentations and Rybstein requested a breakdown of where the funding would be and has been allocated within the programs over the past years. "If I was told to bring our budget, I would have," said Coffey. "I can definitely provide you with that information." Board member Roxanne Persaud said, "The money needs to be going to the kids from these poverty areas. We also want to know how these kids' lives have changed and improved through these programs." Walker-Basden said organizations are monitored by the DYCD and must serve community youth to be eligible for funding. All Neighborhood Development Areas are required by the DYCD to have a Neighborhood Advisory Board, which is comprised of residents and organization leaders from low-income areas who can identify the needs within their community.
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