Erie County Department of Social Services » A Partnership for Youth

A Partnership for Youth

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A Partnership for Youth Program targets 100 youth from Erie County annually, ages 14-21, who have dropped out of school or are in danger of becoming a dropout. These youth are economically disadvantaged and living at or below the poverty level.   Targeted youth are lacking positive role models and basic skills required to become gainfully employed including educational attainment, socialization skills, and communication skills.  Services participants receive include tutorial skills; structured recreation activities; summer employment opportunities linked to academic and occupational learning; paid and unpaid work experiences; occupational skills training; leadership activities; supportive services; and adult mentoring for not less than twelve months.  A Partnership for Youth is a federally funded program in collaboration with the Erie County Youth Bureau, Workforce Investment Board, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and the New York State Department of Labor.  Grants are awarded by the Erie County Youth Bureau and Workforce Investment Board.

  

Funded agencies are required to comply with OCFS, Youth Bureau, and Department of Labor policies and procedures.  Funded agencies will also be monitored unannounced by Youth Bureau staff and Youth Board members.

 

APY Programs:

 

Be-A-Friend Program Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County

85 River Rock Drive, Suite 107

Buffalo, NY 14207

Phone: 716-873-5833

Website: www.beafriend.org

Program Summary:

The APY program at Big Brothers/Big Sisters serves 24 youth who are between the ages of 16 and 21, classified as “high-risk,” and generally live in a home with only one custodial adult.  The focus of this program is the convergence of several influences a youth may experience. Typically, youth remain active in the program until they have graduated from high school, obtained employment, or voluntarily withdrew from services.  APY youth have the full support of both an agency Case Manager and a Mentor Advocate.  The roles of social worker, family member, friend, and guidance counselor are combined into one position, a Mentor/Advocate.


The role of the Mentor/Advocate includes, but is not limited to, assuring that the clients:

  • attend counseling sessions  
  • fulfill all educational commitments     
  • secure or maintain employment    
  • show up for court dates    
  • work to improve family relationships     
  • meet with their Mentor/Advocate for support, guidance and direction on an as needed basis    
  • participate in athletic and recreational activities     
  • participate in educational field trips and community service activities.

Program Days/Hours:

  • Be A Friend's APY program runs (youth being served) Monday through Thursday from 2 PM – 10 PM (activities take place from 4 PM – 10 PM), and on Fridays from 9 AM – 5 PM, during which the Mentor Advocate completes daily/weekly/monthly case notes and works to plan beneficial activities.
  • Case Manager support occurs throughout the week.  Hours are 1PM-5PM, Monday – Friday.

 

 

Buffalo Public Schools 

389 Virginia Street

Buffalo, NY 14201

Phone: 716-888-7088

Website:  www.buffaloschools.org

Program Summary:

Youth enrolled in the Career Collegiate Institute Program with the Buffalo Public Schools participate in GED preparation classes and job readiness and occupational skills training.  They are offered assistance seeking full and part time employment.  Candidates are at risk youth who have dropped out or are now over age and/or under credited and are unable to complete high school in the traditional manner.

 

 

Catholic Charities  

741 Delaware Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: 716-218-1400

Website: www.ccwny.org

Program Summary:

The Tomorrow's Youth Today Program is a comprehensive education and employment program offering a myriad of services to youth ages 16-21 throughout Erie County, including the City of Buffalo.  These services include one on one GED preparation instruction to 31 youth participants, GED testing, computer skills training, job readiness skills and job placement assistance. All services are provided at the 170 Kerns Street location or may be arranged at a local Erie County Library.

 

 

Northwest Buffalo Community Center 

155 Lawn Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14207

Phone: 716-876-8108

Website: www.nwbccinc.org

Program Summary:

  • The APY program at the Northwest Buffalo Community Center offers its students social awareness programs, job readiness training, educational programs, and recreational programs.  The program goal is for each student to find part time or full time employment, and graduate with a college degree, high school diploma, or GED.
  • Social Awareness Program: Includes conflict resolution, bullying prevention, gang prevention, and anger management. Also offers a male responsibility program.
  • Job Readiness Program: Offers students the opportunity to create resumes, assistance in filling out job applications, and preparation for job interviews.  Students go to job readiness workshops and job fairs.
  • Academic Improvement Program:  Offers students homework assistance, one on one tutoring, computer literacy programs, and SAT and ACT preparation.
  • Recreational Program: Offers students the opportunity to be a part of the city wide sports league (i.e. PAL basketball). Also offers in house recreational leagues and tournaments, and a fitness and boxing program.

Program Days/Hours:

  • Monday –Friday 5:00pm-9:00pm