White Plains Holds My Brother’s Keeper Summit
The City of White Plains Youth Bureau hosted a Summit answering the My Brother’s Keeper national call to action announced by President Obama. My Brother’s Keeper is a national initiative to help address the educational, social, and emotional needs of young boys and men of color.
The summit was held Dec. 6 at Highlands Middle School and was attended by more than 100 community leaders, service providers, parents and youth. The Westchester Children’s Association provided data that highlighted the need for the initiative in White Plains.
Breakout sessions were also held on several topics: Getting a Healthy Start and Entering School Ready To Learn; Graduating from High School/ Completing Post Secondary Education Ready for College & Career; Successfully Entering the Workforce; Keeping Kids On Track and Giving Them a Second Chance.
The workshops were led by Head Start Professionals Ms. Vernex Harding and Ms. Enid Foster, White Plains Library Youth Services Manager Mr. Joshua Carlson, Westchester Community College Representatives Mr. Donnie Simmons & Dr. Peggy Bradford; Ms. Ebony White of the Business Council of Westchester; and Mr. Jim Isenberg, Director, NAFI. Workshop participants discussed challenges and appropriate action plans.
The White Plains Youth Bureau work group will meet next week to create a White Plains Action Plan.
