Assemblyman Boyland in Conjunction with Foster & Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. Hosts a Town Hall Forum on Foster Care & Adoption
Unfortunately there is a disproportionate amount of children from our community that are in the foster care system and many are not aware of the challenges and struggles that these kids have to encounter on a day to day basis. Reports indicate that our children are in foster care longer and are not receiving the services that they need in order for them to leave foster care and unite with a permanent and loving family. Assemblyman Boyland understands how important this issue is and with many residents in the 55th Assembly District contacting him about this, he decided to host a Town Hall forum on Foster Care in conjunction with the Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, Inc.
The Assemblyman wanted to empower the community to meet the adoption challenges that confront many adoptive families. Countless participants were able to get information on understanding the adoption process, special needs children, prevention, rehabilitation and concurrent planning and where adoptive families could access support through post-adoption services. The Town Hall was geared to explain the structure and key challenges that are involved in the adoptive process and to assist those families interested in adoption by empowering them in this life-changing experience. It was the hope of Assemblyman Boyland that through giving this information to constituents who were interested in becoming an adoptive parent that kids would have the opportunity to have a childhood that they never would have being a part of the foster care system.
PS 150
Assemblyman William Boyland has always made the education of children in the 55th Assembly District a top priority, so when he learned of the problems facing Public School 150 and its possible closure, he knew that it would take the involvement of many stakeholders to ensure that the creation of successful programs and services became a part of the turnaround at PS 150. The NYC Department of Education reported that 60% of the children there received failing grades and as a result, it was proposed that the school should be closed and replaced with two charter schools. This solution was unacceptable to Assemblyman Boyland and he initiated meetings with the community, parents and officials from the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Education together to work out a solution that would benefit our children.
After hearing the concerns of the community, the Assemblymember worked with both the Mayor’s Office and the NYC Department of Education to save PS 150 by allowing it to remain open. This hard work paid off with the great news released in May that PS 150 was among the most improved in fourth-grade reading tests. This news is a testament to the commitment of the parents and teachers of PS 150 who have given our kids an opportunity to succeed, and the excellent leadership of Assemblyman Boyland who knew that it would take all of us together to initiate the changes needed for the children of PS 150 to receive the sound and basic education that will meet their needs for the future.
Assemblyman Boyland remains dedicated to the children of the 55th and has remained a consistent supporter of educational policy initiatives that assist in the development of our future. His steadfast leadership will allow children and families to have the tools they need in order for success and will work tirelessly to address the educational concerns of his constituents.
Re-Entry
In January, Assemblyman Boyland hosted the Community Re-Entry Information and Resource Fair, an information fair for ex-offenders and their families at the Brownsville Multi-Service Center. As it stands currently, returning inmates are often left without transition plans that make their return to the community that much more challenging for them. The fair sought to address the important quality of life issues regarding prisoner re-entry and community reintegration for ex-offenders so that they would have the support to become lawful and productive members of society.
In order to address the high rates of recidivism that are caused by a combination of factors ranging from dysfunctional family lives, to a lack of education and skills that hinder the ability to find employment, Assemblyman Boyland joined with various social and community agencies to help ex-offenders successfully return to their communities. "Brooklyn has a high number of repeat offenders. My intent is to provide mentoring and transitional services to adult and juvenile offenders with little of no job skills and life skills. I have partnered with local organizations and businesses to assist parolees and their families with resources and contact information for jobs, vocational trainings and various professional services in the community," said Assemblyman Boyland.
Boyland believes that there is a need for successful re-entry programs that benefit the community by ensuring the safety of our residents coupled with the reduction of serious crime by giving ex-offenders a true opportunity for a second start with the support that they truly need. Through events such as the Community Re-Entry Information and Resource Fair, Boyland believes that we can achieve the best outcomes for this group, their families and the community as a whole.
Teacher’s Recognition
On May 28th Assemblyman Boyland honored the dedication of the parents and teachers who work daily to sustain student achievement and give our future the tools they need to be successful. The Teacher’s Recognition Awards recognizes two teachers and one parent from each of the schools in the 55th Assembly District who work together to provide the best learning atmosphere for our youngsters. This year the Award ceremony was held at the Dr. Rose English School (PS 327), and over 100 parents and teachers were honored.
Boyland believes that it is through the cooperative work of parents and teachers that a child has an opportunity to do their best in school and the career that they choose to pursue. The Award acknowledges how important teachers are in the education of our kids and recognizes the hard work and dedication of both parents and teachers in the development of our kids. As a parent, Boyland understands the role of parents in creating a home environment that promotes learning and how important it is for parents to become involved in their children’s education. Throughout his time as a Member of the Assembly, Assemblyman Boyland has believed in family-school partnerships that advance the best interests of our kids even in the face of adversity.
In numerous research studies there is a proven link between excellent student achievement and family involvement. Our children are our future and it is through the hard work of the parents and teachers in the 55th, that each child has an opportunity to do their best in school and beyond. Children who lack this support can suffer in the long term and Boyland believes that we all have a responsibility to build better lives for our children to help them achieve their greatest potential. Part of the foundation that helps our kids fulfill their dreams is the work of our parents and teachers who are invaluable resources in the 55th who in the end, enable our children to have the tools they need to succeed.
Schools Out
The summer is a celebrated season with our community. Most of us get to catch up on lost time with family, friends and neighbors. This is a time for block parties, picnics, barbeques and countless days spent at the beach. At the same time, keep in mind that though summer is a time for play, make sure to keep a watchful eye on your children at all times.
There are free summer food programs in which our children can receive free breakfast or lunch at the following locations:
Breakfast - 8-9:15
Lunch - 11-1:15
PS 219 - 1060 Clarkson Avenue - 718 342 0493
PS 298 - 85 Watkins Avenue - 718 495 7793
PS 327 - 11 Bristol Street - 718 495 7801
PS 41 - 41 Thatford Avenue - 718 495 7732
PS 66 - 845 E. 96TH Street - 718 927 5187
Breakfast - 7-9
Lunch - 11-1
Hope Center Development - 409 E. 95TH Street - 718 385 7305
Breakfast - 8-9:15
Lunch - 11-1:15
Kappa V - 485 Rockaway Avenue - 718 495 7833
Announcements
"Fresh & Affordable Fruits in Our Neighborhood"
Brownsville Community Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday Rain or Shine
July 11 - November 14, 2009
8:30am - 3:00pm
BMS Family Health Center
592 Rockaway Avenue
(Parking lot bet. Blake & Dumount Avenues)
Weeksville Heritage Center’s Farmers Market
Every Saturday
9am - 2pm
1698 Bergen Street
718 756 5250
Services Provided by the Office
Here a brief description of some of the services we provide at our office:
Any questions...don’t hesitate to call 718-498-8681.