SEPTEMBER, 2024: S
econd Street Youth Center (SSYC), a key community resource in Plainfield, has made significant strides thanks to the $100,000 grant it received from Impact100 Garden State in 2022. This funding was pivotal in expanding SSYC’s bilingual Community and Family Navigator Program, which has become a cornerstone of their services.
Impact and Achievements
During the grant period, SSYC achieved several key milestones. The Community Resource Guide, funded in part by the grant, was compiled, printed, and distributed in English and Spanish. A total of 5,000 physical copies were distributed, and an additional 35,000 electronic copies reached Plainfield residents through the Mayor’s newsletter. This guide has become an essential tool for connecting community members with vital services across various domains, including health care, nutrition, housing, and education.
The Navigator Program itself has made a tangible difference in the community. More than 500 individuals and families have been assisted with a range of issues from simple to complex. For example, more than 200 families received help with rental and utility assistance. The availability of bilingual navigator services has proved vital since over 95% of those assisted were Hispanic, with most being Spanish speakers.
SSYC also organized 11 workshops for parents on topics such as setting boundaries and healthy nutrition. Feedback from these workshops was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of participants reporting that they gained new knowledge. The center also hosted two Resource and Health Fairs and vaccine clinics in partnership with Neighborhood Health.
The positive impact is evident, as families have referred others to SSYC for support, reflecting the program’s value.
A Hub of Support
SSYC has been able to leverage its Impact100 Garden State grant to enhance its outreach and support services, securing additional funding from the Department of Labor to educate the community on earned sick leave and other employment rights and from the Department of Banking and Insurance and the Department of Human Services to assist residents with health insurance enrollment through NJ Family Care and the NJ health insurance marketplace.
The administration of the Impact100 grant has also allowed SSYC to adapt and respond to unforeseen challenges—for example, in addressing the increased behavioral health needs of young children exacerbated by the pandemic.
The pilot of a therapeutic preschool classroom, designed to support children facing behavioral challenges has proven successful and has sparked plans for a new site that will feature eight classrooms dedicated to early mental and behavioral health interventions.
Unexpected Developments and Future Plans
Looking ahead, SSYC is focused on broadening its impact. The organization is in the midst of a strategic planning process to guide its future endeavors. In addition to the therapeutic preschool classrooms, there are plans to expand navigator services. While SSYC’s primary focus remains on Plainfield, the organization aspires to extend the Navigator Program’s success in worker rights and health insurance outreach into other parts of Union County.
For more information on SSYC and how they are making a difference, visit their website at www.secondstreetyouthcenter.org . Members, keep an eye out for information on an Impact100 Member Engagement visit to SSYC in November.