YOUTH PROGRAMS: JERSEY CITY

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Table of Contents

Free City Programs for Children and Teens *Parks and Green Space *Community centers *Free pools *Summer Fun program & Outdoor Activities

Other Family Centers and Resources *YMCA *Boys & Girls Club of Hudson County

Hudson County Department of Family Services

How American Public Schools Work PARKS AND GREEN SPACE

Leonard Gordon Park Manhattan Ave & JFK Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07307

Dr. Lena Edwards Park Johnston Ave & Pine Street Jersey City, NJ 07304 J. Owen Grundy Park Exchange Place Jersey City, NJ 07302

Van Vorst Park 83 Wayne St Jersey City, NJ 07302 Reservoir #3/ 201 Central Ave Jersey City, NJ 07307 RECREATION CENTERS

Homework Help and Recreation PS 5, 182 Merseles Street (201) 547-5003

The Jersey City Department of Recreation in partnership with the Jersey City Public Schools is offering homework assistance, mentoring, and recreational activities to children in grades 5-8. This program offers basketball, volleyball, soccer, and open recreation programs.

Homework mentoring: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 2:25pm - 5:00pm Tuesday, Thursday 3:45pm - 5:00pm

Recreational activities: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 5:00pm - 8:00pm Tuesday, Thursday 5:00pm - 8:00pm

PS 15, 135 Stegman Street (201) 547-5003

The Jersey City Department of Recreation in partnership with the Jersey City Public Schools is offering homework assistance, mentoring, and recreational activities to children in grades 6-8. This program offers basketball, volleyball, soccer, and open recreation programs.

Homework mentoring: Monday - Thursday 5:00pm - 6:00pm Fridays 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Recreational activities: Mondays - Thursday 6:00pm - 8:00pm Firdays 5:00pm - 8:00pm

PS 15, 135 Stegman Street (201) 547-5003

The Jersey City Department of Recreation in partnership with the Jersey City Public Schools is offering homework assistance, mentoring, and recreational activities to children in grades 6-8. This program offers golf, soccer, basketball, and cricket.

Homework mentoring: Monday - Friday 2:45pm - 5:00pm

Recreation: Monday - Friday 5:00pm - 7:30pm Mondays: Golf & Soccer Tuesdays & Thursdays: Basketball Wednesdays & Fridays: Cricket

Pershing Field Park 201 Central Avenue

The park at Pershing Field, which is located in the Heights section of Jersey City, covers over 14 acres of recreational space and includes tennis courts, a basketball court, bocce ball courts, baseball fields, a running track, a children’s playground with water sprinkler, a community center, an ice skating rink, and a swimming pool. COMMUNITY POOLS

The Department of Recreation offers open swim and learn to swim programs for residents of every age. The department utilizes various public school pools throughout the year. In addition, Pershing Field Pool is open all year round. Pavonia Pool and Lafayette Pool and Aquatics Center are outdoor pools which are open for the summer months. There is a fee required for Pershing Field Pool.

Lafayette Pool & Aquatic Center (303 Van Horne Street)

Pavonia Pool (West Side and Pavonia Avenues)

Pershing Field Pool (201 Central Avenue) DAY CAMPS AND TEEN PROGRAMS

The Jersey City Department of Recreation Summer Fun Day Camp, features field trips, arts & crafts, swimming, sports, dance, games, and more! This camp is for boys and girls age 7-13.

Camp Schedule 2017: July 5th - August 5th Monday - Friday: 9am - 3pm

Registration (PS #6, PS #9, PS #11, PS #23, PS #27, PS #8, and Pershing Field): For the these camp sites, you must register at:

Pershing Field Pool 201 Central Avenue

10am - 5pm Monday - Fridays

Registration (PS #15, PS #17, PS #22, PS #39, PS #40, and PS #41): For the these camp sites, you must register at:

JC Recreation at Caven Point 1 Chapel Avenue, 2nd Floor

9am - 11am and 1pm - 3pm Monday - Friday

Also 5pm - 7pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Must bring a a copy of Birth Certificate and Proof of Residency OTHER RESOURCES: Y.M.C.A.

Y.M.C.A. of Newark and Vicinity

600 Broad Street Newark, NJ, 07102

Phone: (973) 624-8900

Monday - Friday 5:30am - 9:30pm (Pool opens at 6:00am - closes at 9:00pm) Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm

Since 1881, the Newark YMCA has served the needs of the community through an array of programs and services. Our mission is to provide opportunities for individual growth, youth and family development and overall enhancement of the quality of life in our community through programs that include health, housing, recreation, education and social direction. We accomplish our mission through our areas of focus:

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT:

We have long had a firm commitment to strengthening the character and improving the education of youth. Our youth programs have grown dramatically, while holding fast to our core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We work tirelessly to close the achievement gap through after school enrichment, camp programs and family outreach. Our Camp Linwood in Susses County offers hundreds of children and families the chance to experience the thrill and challenge of the natural world.

HEALTHY LIVING:

Last year, almost 1,200 members enjoyed the health and wellness benefits available at our facility: they swam laps in our heated pool, played basketball on our full court gym or spent their lunch hour playing racquetball, participated in fitness classes, used our treadmills and other cardio machines, lifted weights or enjoyed the sauna and steam rooms.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

For more than 100 years, the Y has found a variety of ways to meet the needs of the Newark community. The Newark YMCA offers safe, affordable housing and shelter to those who needed it through our housing programs, emergency shelter, crisis services for teens and much more.

AMENITIES: WEIGHT ROOMS RACQUETBALL COURTS SQUASH COURT SPINNING, FITNESS & AEROBIC CLASSES TOWEL SERVICE PUNCHING AND SPEED BAGS CHILD WATCH CENTER FITNESS ORIENTATIONS and ASSESSMENTS STEAM ROOM MASSAGE SERVICE (ADDITIONAL FEE) LOCKER ROOMS are available for members to use, depending on level of membership. In addition, lockers are available for rent on an annual basis.

CHILD WATCH service is provided for the children of members while the members are using our health and fitness facilities.

SPORTS EQUIPMENT is provided to members and guests.

PARKING is available to members and guests at no cost. Parking is located in the rear of the building. Please sign in at the security desk upon entering the facility with your vehicle information as well as the spot number.

MEMBER’S GUEST PASSES are provided to members; up to three guest passes each year (certain memberships qualify).

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: The Newark YMCA financial assistance program is available to families and individuals who are unable to cover the full cost of membership or program fees. Made possible through the generosity of our donors, our financial assistance program helps ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the chance to learn, grow and thrive at the Y.

MEMBERSHIP FEES:

Household (2 adults & up to 5 children under 18 years): $77 per month + $77 1-time fee Single Parent (1 adult & up to 5 children under 18): $60 per month + $60 1-time fee Adult Gold (ages 21 - 61): $52 per month + $52 1-time fee Adult Silver (ages 21 - 61): $42 per month + $42 1-time fee Senior Gold (ages 62+): $44 per month + $44 1-time fee Senior Silver (ages 62+): $37 per month + $37 1-time fee Young Adult (18 - 20 years old): $26 per month + $26 1-time fee Older Youth (13 - 17 years old): no montly fee, $15 1-time fee YOUTH (AGES 12 AND UNDER) CAN APPLY FOR AN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FOR $89 OTHER RESOURCES: BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HUDSON COUNTY

225 Morris Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07302

(201) 333-4100

School Year Monday - Friday 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Ages 5-12) Monday - Friday 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Ages 13-18) Saturdays - 10:30am to 3:30pm

Summer During the summer months the Club is open to youth participating in our Summer Day Camp program, which runs Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is early drop-off beginning at 7:30am to accommodate working parents.

Holidays the Club Will Be Closed: New Years Day Martin Luther King Day Presidents Day Good Friday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

*If the holiday falls on a weekend, it will be recognized the day immediately following or preceding that holiday. Notices will sent out with Members as reminders.

In Case of Severe Weather In the event that there is a declared weather emergency for Jersey City or Hoboken, the Clubs will be closed. The Clubs will remain closed until the weather emergency is lifted by the respective City.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County (BGCHC) was founded in 1893 to create a positive place for the youth of Jersey City, NJ. In the 124 years since, the Club has expanded its scope exponentially by offering a mix of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) nationally developed programs and activities unique to our Club. Today we serve more than 1,400 youth ages 5-21 annually in our Clubhouses in Jersey City and Hoboken, through our mission to enable all young people – especially those who need us most – to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens of the communities that we serve. There is no cost for annual membership for youth ages 13-18 during the academic year.

In our Licensed Childcare Program for children ages 5-12, a co-pay is determined by the Urban League of Hudson County's government subsidized childcare program. Parents who do not qualify for Urban League support are responsible for $65 per week throughout the academic year. OTHER RESOURCES: TEAM WALKER COMMUNITY CENTER & UNION CITY HISPANIC COMMUNITY CENTER

Team Walker 373 Ave Jersey City, 07304

201-433-1888

After School Tutorials As part of Team Walker's emphasis on education, children from Jersey City can take advantage of after-school tutoring and study hall sessions. Demonstrating that children can blend academics with recreation and improved life skills, Team Walker tutors work to assist children in academic disciplines and supplement their classroom instruction.

The Team Walker After School Program At The Team Walker After School Program, focus is placed on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programming. Activities and lesson plans are designed that promote critical and creative thinking skills as well as provide students access to the fields of education that are shaping our society. One exciting aspect of this program is a STEM live Video Link with NASA every week during the school year at our learning center.

Our goal is to create positive members of society. Aside from strict academics, we give attention to the entire student. We encourage cross-cultural awareness, promote self- esteem, and endorse respect of one's self and others. To be effective in this task we believe family member involvement is critical and provide monthly family member workshops to facilitate participation. We also provide opportunities for student participants to explore and learn through exciting programming and field trips. Past trips have included: Dorney Park, the NJ Nets, Solomon Smith-Barney trading floor, PSE&G Power plant, Columbia University, The Newark Museum, The Malcom Pray Achievement Center, America's Grow-A-Row, Liberty Science Center and The Museum of Natural History.

The Team Walker After School Program operates during the academic school year and is open to both boys and girls, grades 4 -10. Additionally, plans have been put in place to provide assistance to younger children. We currently accept students from the following schools: PS22, PS3, PS15, PS17, MS4, Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School, Jersey City Community Charter School and Lincoln High School.

After School Recreation Each afternoon, Mon to Fri, Team Walker supervises open gym activities at PS 22 School in Jersey City. Additionally, from 3-7 pm, grade school children are able to play pick-up basketball and enjoy the opportunity to burn some energy after a busy day in the classroom.

One of the most visible groups in Jersey City, The Team Walker Steppers provide young girls with the opportunity to develop dance and step skills while learning the value of discipline and teamwork. The steppers practice and perform year-round, and can be seen at parades, children's parties and the annual Team Walker Holiday Party. Academic criteria must be met to participate in the squad, with uniforms provided to each of the girls

One of our newest programs is a drama class for interested young boys and girls, tapping into the creative side of our children.

We also recently created a girls basketball team for the young ladies.

One program that combines both education and recreation is the free farmers market offered to the Team Walker community on Saturday mornings. In partnership with America's Grow-A-Row, our children have the experience of visiting a working farm where they can pick vegetables and learn about farming. The product from this farm is then offered at our farmers market.

Summer Camp Team Walker offers two summer camp experiences. One allows children to have summer fun in a safe, friendly environment. The second is our STEM summer camp offered at the Team Walker Learning Center. This camp provides an opportunity for children to continue the learning experience during the summer months.

Beginning in the month of July, children take to the outdoor courts of Dr. Lena Edwards Park for neighborhood basketball competition. Grammar school, junior varsity and senior varsity leagues compete to make the playoffs, with trophies going to the winners.

Union City Hispanic Community Center Inc 518 24th St Union City, New Jersey 07087

(201) 430-4043 Union City Hispanic Community Center Inc provides Activities, Support, Child Care Resources to it's customers.

HUDSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY SERVICES

Division of Social Services Director: Benjamin Lopez, Sr. (201) 420-3000 x 2075

Division of Welfare: (201) 420-3012 Division of Workforce Development: (201) 420-3000 x 2052 Workforce Investment Board (908) 447-5337

The mission of the Department of Family Services (DFS) is to provide and deliver services to the Hudson County Community at large. These services are economic assistance, health coverage through Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), Emergency Assistance (EA), and Temporary Rental Assistance (TRA). The Department is composed of two Divisions; the Division of Welfare and the Division of Workforce Development. The Division of Welfare provides intake and eligibility determination for economic assistance, paternity determination for Child Support, Home Health Care for seniors and the elderly, Social Services for all of its cases, as well as all emergency assistance.

The Division of Workforce Development is responsible for all case management activity and the development of an employability plan for all the mandatory to work clients receiving economic assistance. It develops individual service strategies to engage clients in work development activities which will lead to self-sufficiency.

• TANF – Workfirst NJ Temporary Assistance to Needy Families is a work program with a financial benefit. TANF provides cash assistance to eligible families. Payments are limited to a lifetiime total of 60 months.

• SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps eligible recipients buy food using a debit card. Benefits are provided based on family size, income, expenses, and resources.

• Medicaid programs 1. NJ Family Care is a Federal and State funded health insurance program created to help NJ residents receive health coverage. Children, pregnant women, parents/ caretaker relatives, single adults and childless couples (64 years and younger), if financially qualified, are eligible toreceive health coverage. 2. Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled covers individuals who are 65 years or older as well as individuals determined to be blind or disabled. 3. Medicaid in Community is for individuals who do not receive SSI, but have income and resources under the SSI standards. Gross income is equal or less than $764.25 or $1,125.36 for a couple. The current resource maximum for an individual is $2,000 and $3,000 for a couple. 4. NJ Care is for individuals with gross monthly income that is equal or less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level of $990 per month for single or $1335 for a couple. The maximum resource for an individual is $4,000 and $6,000 for a couple. 5. NJ Workability program offers full NJ Medicaid health coverage to people with disabilities who are working, and whose earnings would otherwise make them ineligible for Medicaid. You must be under the age of 65 years to be eligible for this program. 6. MLTSS/Nursing Home Care are for individuals who need nursing home placement or home and community based services. An applicant must be clinically and financially eligible. Each of these eligibility processes is complex and must be evaluated according to the applicant’s individual circumstances.

• Social Services The Social Services program offers individuals eligible for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income or individuals on limited income with the following social services:

1. Adult Social Services – These units handle all application requests, and on–going cases related to elderly, blind or disabled adults. Evaluates and offers appropriate social services such as homemaker services, and medical transportation. 2. Adult Protective Services – These units are responsible for investigating any allegations of abuse, neglect or exploitation of the elderly, blind or disabled in the community. This service is provided regardless of income. 3. Rapid Rehousing Programs – Emergency Assistance staff assesses emergency situations, and provides appropriate services such as shelter and food 4. Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment Program – Assures Medicaid eligible children of yearly medical screening examination. 5. Family Planning Program – Instructs all TANF applicants and other interested individuals on the benefits of family planning 6. WorkFirst NJ Program – Through the assistance of case managers, provides TANF and GA recipients with the opportunity to gain the job skills, experience and education they need, while making accessible to them the special support services required to permit them to take the responsibility for full time employment and economic self- sufficiency for themselves and their families. 7. The WorkFirst NJ Refugee Resettlement Program provides cash and medical assistance to individuals who fled from and cannot return to their place of national origin because of fear of persecution due to race, religion, or political opinion. All refugee cases, including GA-type, are administered by HCFS for an 8 month period of possible eligibility. All refugee cases are 100% federally funded. HOW AMERICAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS WORK

In the United States, education is available to all children, regardless of ability, gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or social class. Public school is free, and there are laws and customs regarding public schooling. School is mandatory for children of certain ages starting in childhood and continuing through their teen years. Exact ages for mandatory education is determined by each state. Schools expect that parents will be involved in their children’s education by ensuring that they attend class and helping them in a variety of ways.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH Public schools are available throughout the country free of charge. By law, public schools cannot have any religious affiliation. Private schools are also available in most areas, and some have religious affiliations. Private schools charge tuition, which can be very expensive.

There are four levels of education for children in the United States. Children in the same grade may be different ages, although most children are usually within 1 to 2 years of each other in age. In public schools, boys and girls attend classes together.

Students with a high school diploma and a good academic record often continue their education at a college or university, but higher education is not free. Post-secondary vocational training is also available and is less expensive than colleges and universities.

THE FOUR LEVELS OF EDUCATION Preschool. This level is for children 3 to 5 years of age. It is not required by law, and it is usually not free.

Elementary school. This level begins with kindergarten (age 5) and continues through fifth or sixth grade (age 12).

Middle or junior high school. This level usually includes sixth or seventh through eighth or ninth grade, for children ages 12 to 14.

High school. This level usually includes ninth or tenth grade through twelfth grade, for children ages 14 to 18. Students who complete school requirements at this level receive a high school diploma.

CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT U.S. schools generally have a very participatory and interactive classroom environment, as opposed to the lecture and recitation teaching methods used in some other countries. There is also a high value placed on original thinking and individual effort. Group work is important, but students are largely assessed based on their own achievements.

There are many ways that parents can help and support their children even with limited English. Here are some ways refugee parents can get involved with their children’s education:

• Find out if the school offers school tours or an orientation in the summer before school begins. • Ask your child what s/he learned about in school that day. • Ask your child what they have for homework or check their assignment book or homework folder. • Attend ESL classes, if offered, at your child’s school. • Attend parent-teacher conferences. • Help with an extracurricular activity such as a school sports team or an art club. • Volunteer in your child’s classroom. • Walk your child to the bus or school. • Work with your child on her/his homework.

ADULTS Americans believe that a person is never too old or too young to learn new things. There are many educational opportunities for adults and young adults, but refugees should consider the pros and cons of studying versus working. Studying may lead to better job opportunities in the future, but refugees need to work right away to support themselves and their families, and adult education in the United States can be expensive. For many refugees, the best option may be to work full-time while going to school part-time.

Most communities offer many different kinds of educational opportunities for adults including: • English language and literacy classes • Training courses in areas such as computer technology, foreign languages, and secretarial skills • General Education Development (GED) diploma classes for adults who do not have a high school diploma