The Co-op City Intergenerational Outreach Center, Inc.

In September 2005, the Co-op City Intergenerational Outreach Center, Inc. (CCIOC) was established. The primary purpose of the Center is to deliver quality services, which will enhance the daily lives of community members.

The Center will benefit the community by offering opportunities to engage in educational, cultural and social activities. The Corporation will also provide employment opportunities to community members and will become a resource for the improvement and enjoyment of their lives. Through its development of varied yet specialized programs, the Center will be able to address the needs of children, youth and adults of all ages.

Here are some of the initiatives that are currently under development and/or consideration with the Center:

Economic

- Approximately 50 jobs will be created through the establishment of committees that will be staffed with program directors and assistants.

- There will also be semi-retirement and retirement opportunities to engage our senior citizens who are often neglected in the quest of enriching our communities with their life experiences, skills, knowledge and network of professionals.

Education

- Tutoring programs for children, including preparatory courses for SAT exams and entrance to specialized high schools, will be provided.

- An Adult Literacy Program will be developed along with other adult enrichment programs centered around raising our youth, elder care education and computer navigation.

-- Musical Instruction for children in voice, as well as wind, strings and percussion instruments will supplement the musical curriculum that many New York City public schools are lacking.

Health

-- “Fit after 50” Program will offer physical fitness training and important health and dietary information to older adults in the community.

-- Preventive health-wellness testing and referral services will be provided by licensed, health care professionals. Diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental illness, will be some of the key areas of focus.

-- Drug addiction counseling will offer treatment for the abuse of both prescription and illegal drugs. Group and individual counseling will be available. Special sessions for family members impacted by the drug abuse of a loved one will also be held.

Social Supports

- Daycare and After School programs will be managed by licensed childcare providers to provide quality childcare for working parents in the community.

- A Domestic Violence Prevention Program will offer ongoing education to the community on this growing epidemic. Additionally, the program will provide monetary assistance and temporary safe domicile referrals to victims of abuse.

- Mentoring Program will pair youth in the community with caring, responsible adult mentors with whom they can develop meaningful relationships.

- Reclamation programs for at-risk youth will provide various life skills and business training for individuals age 16 through 24.

- Meals on Wheels program will provide free, healthy, balanced meals for area seniors.

- Soup Kitchen and Nutritional Assistance Programs for homeless people will serve the immediate needs of people for sustenance, while educating this segment of the population about foods that are relatively inexpensive yet highly nutritional.

- W.I.S. E. (Wisdom is senior experience) Program will focus on the maintenance and improvement of the quality of life of senior citizens, as well as provide them with opportunities to contribute to the development and enrichment of our community by sharing their educational, career and personal experiences with others in a structured forum. The program will also help our experienced citizens adapt to life after retirement from their careers, while engaging them in a life of dedication and service to the community.

Personal Development/Leisure Activities

-- Culture and Arts Awareness Program will enhance community members’ exposure to the beauty and intellectual stimulation of the humanities.

-- Rites of Passage Program will be designed to develop self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence in children ages 10 to 14. Youth will be encouraged to participate in myriad activities, including public speaking exercises, communication and conflict resolution seminars, team projects with a philanthropic thrust, and cultural development forums that will use the exploration of literature, art and music to facilitate knowledge and pride in ethnic heritage. At the end of the series of sessions, a final ceremony in the presence of family, friends and community members will be held.

-- Financial Management Program will offer both youth and adults education and services to enhance their economic stability and direction.

· Youth – Programs will familiarize young people with financial terms (e.g., CDs, exchange rate, FICO, IRAs, etc.). Community youths will also gain increased understanding of savings and checking accounts, investment options, as well as the implications of future plans (e.g., financing a college education, a new business, mortgage, etc.)

· Adults – Workshops and seminars will provide an environment for mid-career and older professionals to share ideas, concerns and resources. They will be able to explore money management options in response to a bear market, downsizing, disability, and retirement.

-- Entrepreneur Program will offer both youth and adults education to acquire and enhance business skills needed to start a new business, improve an existing one and/or develop a spirit of entrepreneurialism that can invigorate the work experience.

· Youth – Seminars and workshops will teach young professionals how to create a viable business plan. Forums will also facilitate an understanding of the innovative process, as well as the implications of marketing strategies, product resources, employee issues, financial accountability and management and leadership techniques.

· Adults – New and experienced entrepreneurs share experiences, resources, ideas and political policies that affect contemporary business functioning (e.g., offshoring, outsourcing, advanced technology and market globalization).

-- Cadets Program will vigorously recruit area youth seeking to have fun while receiving physical, mental and intellectual training and discipline.

-- Book clubs for children, women and men will provide a forum where people can relax, have fun and develop friendships while discussing interesting literature.

-- Summer Day Camp will offer area children from grades K through 6 enriching social and recreational activities that allow them to experience the myriad facilities and landmarks of the City, under the supervision of trained, licensed professionals.

-- A Community Center, which will be open in the evenings, will provide a safe facility for youngsters to play sports and engage in other social activities. The Center will also serve as a place where seniors can convene and engage in informal, as well as structured recreational activities.