Thursday, March 20, 2014

Fight AIDS. Love LIFE.



The Brownsville Youth Court is fundraising for the 
NYC AIDS WALK 
on May 18, 2014


Members are selling red wristbands embossed with "Fight AIDS. Love LIFE."

Each wristband is $1 and can be purchased inside of the Youth Programs office in Suite 106.






Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Brownsville Youth Court: Recent Highlights

Youth Court members  preparing for a case.

                                 Overview 
Since opening in May 2011, the Brownsville Youth Court has heard 327 cases and has a compliance rate of 90%. Additionally, 107 young people have participated in the court. Civic Engagement is major component of the Youth Court. Since 2011, Youth Court members have conducted over 1400 hours of community service throughout the Brownsville community and spent more than 5000 hours hearing cases.




                                                                       

Youth Court members with the Honorable Judge Jeanette Ruiz
                 NYC Law Department Visit
On February 20, 2014, the New York City Law Department hosted a wonderful visit for our Youth Court members. The members met with major stakeholders in the juvenile justice system and received a detailed overview of how the juvenile justice system works. The presentations engaged the members in a informative discussion about how young people can reduce crime rates and be productive in their communities. The members were able to observe court proceedings and met with several judges.



Members at the Bake Sale
Fundraising 
On February 19, 2014, the Brownsville Youth Court hosted a successful bake sale. Community members and partners came out to support the fundraiser. The members offered homemade treats, which included cupcakes, cookies, and cake.  Seventy-five percent of the proceeds will go the member enrichment opportunities and 25 percent will kick start the member's NYC AIDS Walk fundraising initiative. 



MLK DAY painting project at the Brownsville Recreation Center
                          Civic Engagement
On January 20, 2014, the Youth Court members volunteered at the Brownsville Recreation Center for MLK Day of Service. The members transformed a once unusable room into a bright and inviting space for the young people who utilize the recreational center.  



Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Brownsville Learning Lab

Brownsville Learning Lab


Open and ready for business! The Brownsville Learning Lab is a place where learners between the ages of 12 – 24 can receive additional assistance with their educational or work related needs. The Brownsville Community Justice Center (BCJC) along with the Juvenile Robbery Intervention Program (JRIP) has provided a comfortable “home-like” computer lab, where learners can do homework, type up a paper, look for a job or just browse the web.  All of our free programming are geared to strengthen each student's ability to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in his or her individual voice.

What makes our lab unique is that we are not a traditional computer lab with strict rules and limited social engagement. We want to be able to keep our learners engaged by allowing them to be themselves and not limiting their greatness. Our Peer Mentors also sets us apart from the rest. Our Peer Mentors, who are well experienced with working with the BCJC and the JRIP, are Brownsville residents and have experience with many issues they face growing up in the community. They are able to keep participants focused and are always able to “bring it back” when discussions go off topic.

We offer drop-in hours on Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30-6:30PM. Peer Mentors are available at the lab and ready to assist students with homework, writing assignments, creative writing, and publishing projects. The Learning Lab also offers assistance with resume writing and job readiness skills. Although our target is young people 12 – 24, anyone from Brownsville can utilize this resource. In fact, it is highly encouraged that our young people interact with their elders in a positive educational setting.  All are welcomed!

Participants of the Learning Lab are eligible for internship opportunities with the lab and with other programs at the Brownsville Community Justice Center. 


Thursday, March 6, 2014

Law Internships with the Brownsville Youth Court

LAW INTERNSHIPS

FOR TEENS

Are you 14-18?

Are you currently enrolled in school or a GED Program?

Do you want to learn about the law?

Do you want to help other teens who have gotten into trouble?

 The Brownsville Youth Court Wants You!


Apply HERE or Download the Application HERE

Application Deadline is March 30, 2014