Our Vision
We envision a New York City where children grow up in thriving neighborhoods, and all individuals and
families can build on their strengths to realize their fullest potential.
Our Mission
Guided by social and racial justice, Good Shepherd Services partners and grows with communities so
that all NYC children, youth, and families succeed and thrive.
Our Values
These core values inspire our staff and participants and drive everything we do – including our approach
to the work, the decisions we make, and the way we collaborate.
Our Impact
In partnership with New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE), Good Shepherd Services provides wraparound services including daytime and after-school support. We focus on academics, mental health, youth and community development, and community engagement to achieve improved student learning and well-being.
We build a learning environment where young people are acknowledged, respected, and supported —
which is what students need in order to stay focused on their education.
Mental Health
We have achieved this without ever losing sight of our ultimate goal of helping young people and
families realize their fullest potential. We provide safe, nurturing environments that promote trusting
and caring relationships, and set high expectations while providing our students with the supports,
services and opportunities they need for a successful future.
Services
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Crisis intervention
- One-on-one mentorship
- Referrals to internal and external resources
- Workshops for DOE staff
- Mindfulness and self-care practices
After-School
Our after-school programs provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment during the critical
after-school and evening hours when school is out and parents/caregivers are working. Activities are
based on student interest and staff expertise. Programming takes place in an environment that affirms
students’ diverse identities, and is designed to strengthen academic, leadership, and social skills —
improving outcomes in school, at home, and in the community.
Services
- Examples of Enrichment Activities
- Arts: creative writing, culinary, dance, drama, music, photography, visual arts
- Athletics: boxing, basketball, soccer, volleyball
- Culture: Anime, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Latinx, Womens’ Empowerment
- Leadership: Restorative Justice Club, Students in Action
- Education: college preparatory workshops and application assistance, academic tutoring,
SAT and regents prep
- Field trips
- Family events
- Showcases and celebrations
- Youth development and mentorship
School-Wide Partnerships
Good Shepherd Services partners with Bushwick Leaders’ High School around school-wide initiatives and
programming.
- Advisory Support
- Attendance Committee
- Brotherhood/Sisterhood Celebrations
- Community Service and College Field Trips
- Food Pantry
- Guidance Team
- Restorative Justice Practices
- School Leadership Team
- Incoming 9th Grade Recruitment
- School Recreation Room
- School Barbershop
- Center for Supportive Schools
Summer Youth Employment Program
In an effort to increase participants’ career exploration opportunities and build skills in their
fields of interest, we work closely with the Department of Youth and Community Development
(DYCD) and BLHS to act as a site provider for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP.)
Younger Youth (14 – 15 years old)
- Complete 15 hours of programming per week for six weeks
- Participate in high quality project based learning experiences
- Earn a stipend for their participation in the program
- Learn fundamental work readiness skills
Older Youth (16+ years old)
- Assisted to obtain their working papers
- Participate in career exploratory preparation
- Based upon interest, placed at different locations in the community including businesses and other
organizations for paid summer internships - Exposed to different career pathways
- Receive professional development training
Family Engagement
To help young New Yorkers overcome financial and academic challenges, we collaborate with our
students’ families to provide resources and support.
- Emergency Financial Grants
- Gift Cards
- Parent Teacher Meetings
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Workshops
- Referrals to External Resources
- Student Attendance Calls and Updates