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In Harlem, Literacy Partners Opens PUSH: A Comprehensive Resource Center in Central Harlem

Posted June 2, 2013

In Harlem, Literacy Partners Opens PUSH: A Comprehensive Resource Center in Central Harlem Providing Pathways Out of Poverty Through Education and an Array of Services

Literacy Partners, in conjunction with local affiliates, will offer classes on basic education through GED and ESOL, plus referrals and case management services – specifically designed to create multiple pathways out of poverty for Harlem residents of all ages

July 25, 2011, NEW YORK, NY – This month, Literacy Partners, New York City’s only nationally accredited adult literacy program, unveils Partners United in Strengthening Harlem (PUSH). Located in the Oberia Dempsey Multi Service Center (127 West 127th Street), PUSH is designed to provide a complete array of education and support services to residents of the Harlem community. The new Family Welcome Center will be offered as the primary location for literacy programs and referrals for wrap-around services, furthering PUSH’s goal to help not only individual students, but to also create healthy families.

“Literacy Partners has provided free adult education classes to Harlem residents for over 10 years,” explains Executive Director Susan A. McLean. “PUSH will allow us to make an even greater impact on the community by connecting clients and their families directly to a full spectrum of resources. That access, coupled with strong case management, will help break down the barriers to education faced by many in Central Harlem. Ultimately, we are working on behalf of healthier families and to help people of all ages to find their way. ”

Beginning this month, PUSH case managers will offer personal needs and family assessments at the center’s Family Welcome Center. Once evaluated, individuals and their families will be connected with resources in addition to Literacy Partners adult education classes, incorporating health and financial literacy curricula, and on-going employment workshops and jobs counseling. Case workers will arrange appointments with other needed services and resources, manage progress and provide ongoing support and assistance through meticulous follow-up.

In the event that students, or their family members, encounter difficulties during her/his studies, PUSH case workers will make appropriate referrals through the center’s extensive network of Harlem-based partners or to other organizations around the city. PUSH will help community members overcome obstacles to obtaining an education, including challenges related to housing, medical, food, school, immigration, or entitlement issues.

According to Alexa Bonilla, Director of Education at Literacy Partners, “Most of our students lack access to the proper resources and have repeatedly fallen through cracks in the system. At PUSH, they will receive personalized attention and case management, which will result in regular class attendance and a significant increase in student retention. Ultimately, the resources and follow through from PUSH will help these individuals and their families improve their lives in a tangible way.”

Literacy Partners will begin offering a selection of courses, ranging from adult basic education and Pre-GED to classes leading to the GED, Monday through Thursday in morning (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) afternoon (1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and evening (5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) sessions. PUSH will host new client orientation on Fridays. PUSH will also host special workshops on Saturdays for students, their families, as well as the community at-large. Topics will range from budgeting and cash management for the holidays to interviewing skills to tips on managing parent/teacher relationships and conferences. The center also will make its’ computer lab available for writing resumes, applying for employment opportunities and conducting additional research.

Through PUSH, members of the Harlem Community and Literacy Partners students at the Oberia Dempsey Center will have direct access to the services of the following partner organizations: Bread and Roses Integrated Arts High School, Harlem Center for Education-Educational Opportunity Center, Harlem Children’s Zone, Harlem Children’s Zone- Promise Academy Charter Schools, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc., Harlem Stage, Harlem Vet Center, Latino Commission on AIDS, New York Cares, Northern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership, Inc., Project Enterprise, Reach Out and Read, State University of New York, Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center, The DOME Project, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation, Urban Justice Center, West Harlem Community Organization Head Start Pre-School Program, West Harlem Community Organization Inc. Head start Program and Women’s Prison Association.

For more information about PUSH, Literacy Partners or to interview Executive Director Susan A. McLean or Director of Education Alexa Bonilla, please contact Christie High at chigh@jgordonassociates.com or 212-871-3020 x114.

http://www.literacypartners.org/