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School's Out New York City (SONYC): Children of Promise, NYC

SONYC-funded after-school program addressing emotional trauma from parental incarceration. Unique integration of licensed mental health clinic with youth development. FREE for middle schoolers in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

School’s Out New York City (SONYC) at Children of Promise, NYC offers an innovative, trauma-informed model specifically developed to address the emotional challenges faced by children who have lost a parent to incarceration. This school-based SONYC program combines traditional youth development activities with on-site clinical mental health services, creating a comprehensive support system for middle school students in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

DetailInformation
Address54 MacDonough Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216
BoroughBrooklyn
NeighborhoodBedford-Stuyvesant
Websitechildrenofpromisenyc.org
Phone(718) 483-XXXX
ContactHoward Williams (hwilliams@cpnyc.org)
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish

Age Range

11-14 years old
Middle School students in grades 6-8

Cost

100% FREE
SONYC-funded program, no fees

Program Type

School-Based SONYC
After-school + Summer Camp

Category

Youth Development
Mental health, trauma support, future planning

This SONYC program provides specialized support and activities tailored to the unique needs of children affected by parental incarceration:

  • Mental Health Services: Licensed therapists available on-site for individual and group therapy
  • Exploring Futures: Career exploration, goal-setting, and pathway planning activities
  • Social Emotional Learning: Building resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy coping skills
  • Court Involved Support: Specialized guidance for participants navigating court systems
  • Summer Camp: Extended programming during summer break with recreational and therapeutic activities
  • Peer Support: Connection with other youth who share similar experiences in a safe, non-judgmental space

Children of Promise, NYC (CPNYC) is a pioneering organization founded to address the specific needs of children with incarcerated parents. As the only NYC agency integrating licensed mental health services directly into youth programming, CPNYC brings deep expertise in trauma-informed care and family support.

The organization’s staff includes licensed clinical social workers, youth development professionals, and counselors who understand the complex emotional landscape these young people navigate. Through the SONYC partnership, CPNYC extends its innovative model to serve more middle school students in Brooklyn.

  1. Contact the Program Director
    Reach out to Howard Williams at hwilliams@cpnyc.org or call (718) 483-XXXX to learn about the program.

  2. Verify Eligibility
    Confirm your child is enrolled in middle school (grades 6-8) and is 11-14 years old.

  3. Complete SONYC Application
    Fill out enrollment paperwork including medical forms and emergency contacts.

  4. Attend Intake Meeting
    Meet with program staff to discuss your family’s situation and how the program can best support your child.

  5. Begin Participation
    Start attending after-school sessions and access mental health services as needed throughout the program year.

  • SONYC enrollment application
  • Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or school ID)
  • Proof of NYC residency
  • Emergency contact information
  • Medical history and consent forms
  • Mental health services consent
  • Photo and media release form
  • Summer camp registration (seasonal)

Public Transportation

Subway: A/C to Utica Ave (10 min walk)
Subway: G to Bedford-Nostrand Aves (12 min walk)
Bus: B25, B26, B44 routes nearby

Parks & Recreation

Herbert Von King Park (0.3 mi)
Fulton Park (0.5 mi)
Sports facilities, playgrounds, cultural events

Libraries

Macon Library (0.4 mi)
Homework help, free books, computer access, teen programs

Community Resources

Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corp (0.6 mi)
Family services, arts programs, workforce development


Last Updated: November 24, 2025
Program Type: School’s Out New York City (SONYC) - School-Based
Operating Dates: September 2025 - June 2026
Zip Code: 11216