Our Kids
Our programs and services touch over 100,000 kids annually. These kids range from 8-20 years of age and represent over 90 ethnic groups and have a lot to share about their experiences both inside and outside Council.
Council’s programs are offered in-school – and many times outside school environments. Recently a group of Council members produced a book of poetry – this is me, which later became the source for Council’s first Public Service Announcement.
Another group of Council members – under the direction of choreographer Nicholas Rodriguez – developed and produced an original performance piece based on an excerpt from this is me. The development of this production took them to the Baryshnikov Arts Center and Council’s 2008 Champions for Children Awards Gala in April at Chelsea Piers.
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Carolina |
Daniel |
Imani Grade 12 |
Denisia |
Hayma |
“Council for Unity is a place to feel invited, trusted, cared for. A place to turn to when you need guidance. A place where friends are made, where walls that hide our personas are torn down and inspire you to better yourself. It helped me motivate myself not lose hope ever. It is a family.” |
“Before I went to Council for Unity, some of the other kids would make fun of me just for being who I was. In Council I can help people by being who I am. I like to make people happy and I believe that you can do anything if you try and practice.” | “Council for Unity has made a difference in my life with just the positive people around me. In Council for Unity there is a trust that you can’t find everywhere. There’s a security blanket to comfort you when you feel your life is crashing before your eyes. They (Council class) showed me what family is really about!” |
“Council for Unity has made a difference in my life in many ways. It helped me grow and learnt that my behavior has an impact on others so I needed to change my act. Being here, I’ve learned ways to handle myself in situations and control my actions. I needed to learn to have cautions with others feelings.” |
“In Council for Unity we get to control the class and with the help of these lessons, I am able to help myself become a better person and help other people become better Council for Unity changed me. I totally stopped following my friends, if they go to cut school, I stay in school.” |