Areena is continually adding partner organizations to expand our reach and impact. Thanks to the counsel of Andrea Shapiro Davis, CUNY’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Corporate, Foundation and Major Gifts Development, we are proud to announce a partnership with that university’s Fatherhood Academy.
Here’s a story from CUNY’s website that illustrates the value of this program:
“Jesus Benitez knew he wanted to make a change in his life. The 21-year old had dropped out of high school in his senior year when he became a father at 17 and for the past four years was working full-time as a cashier.
“I didn’t want to keep working for a $200 check,” said the Bronx resident who is raising his son on his own, “and I wanted more for my son.”
Upon researching GED and college prep programs, he decided last March to enroll in the CUNY Fatherhood Academy at LaGuardia Community College, a free 16-week program funded by New York’s Young Men’s Initiative and the Open Society Foundations to help young fathers gain academic and parenting skills. Offered are classes in GED preparation, college discovery and parenting, along with work experience through part-time jobs or internships.
Jesus earned his GED in June, enrolled in the college’s College Discovery program in the summer and this September will be a full-time LaGuardia student pursuing a degree in computer programming and systems.
“It has changed everything,” said a grateful Jesus who extended a thank you to Mayor Bloomberg for initiating the program. “The support and encouragement that the faculty and staff gave me helped to boost my confidence and to show me I can make a better life for me and my son.” With a touch a pride, he added, “I also received a parenting diploma.”
Areena’s female members and advisors have been integral to our rapid growth. Our primary membership focus has been men, however, because men are not doing their part in the community! Our partnership with CUNY’s Fatherhood Academy will allow our members to ensure the next generation of young men are both good citizens of the world and dedicated and responsible fathers.
What could better fit our mission to “leave an enduring legacy”?
In the coming months we will be working with CFA to ensure these young men are prepared for the working world – both with the right attire and right state of mind.
Our members – restaurant owners, building supers, corporate lawyers…etc. – will open their doors to these young fathers, exposing them to industries to which they’d otherwise struggle to gain access.
We’re excited and honored to join forces with this worthy program. It’s why we exist.
Art Gurwitz
Founder. Areena.
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