Youth Development
At HSVS, we believe that access to high quality education will eradicate many of the racial inequalities and systemic barriers our young people face and ensure they lead happy, fulfilling lives. We dream that every youth in our care attains a post-secondary degree or certificate, connects with a lifelong supportive adult and secures fulfilling, stable employment.
Who We Serve
Youth ages 14-21 living in foster care
What We Provide:
• Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA) Workshops
• College Access and Educational Coaching
• Internship and Career Readiness Training
• Sexual and Reproductive Health Programming
• Linkages to Community Service Opportunities
• Financial Literacy Skill Development
• Support for Pregnant or Parenting Youth
• Identifying Supportive Adult Connections
American Dream Program
HSVS’ American Dream Program (ADP), founded in 1997, provides education, emotional support and career advancement programming to empower older youth to overcome their personal challenges and excel as adults.
Explore the Program
A Moment of Transformation and Celebration
Our annual fashion show, Slay the Runway, is the culmination of a journey for 20 HSVS youth. During a 12-week program, developed and led by Melody Centeno, LMSW, our youth come together, work through trauma and learn how to work a runway.
Learn MoreCommunity Programs
Each HSVS Youth & Community Program fosters the educational growth of our participants, and provides a place where children and adults can develop their interests, make friends and explore opportunities. HSVS creates programming based on the needs of the community and the interests of the participants. The HSVS Youth and Community Programs emphasize safety, academics, recreation and arts enrichment.
Our Locations:
P.S. 102 One World COMPASS Program
211 72nd Street, 11209
(718) 567-2365
Nada Arkadan, Director
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 2:30-6:00 p.m.
Grades: K-5
McKinley I.S. 259 Beacon Program
7301 Fort Hamilton Parkway, 11228
(718) 836-3620
Sarah Lanza, Director
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 2:30-9:30 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Grades/Ages: Grades 4-12 | Adults 21+
P.S. 288 Surfside Beacon Program
2950 W. 25th Street, 11224
347-633-1341
Marie Paul Jeanty, Director
Hours: Mon., Wed. and Fri. 2:20-8:30 p.m.
Tues. & Thurs. 2:20-9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Grades/Ages: Grades 4-12 | Adults 21+
Surfside Cornerstone Program
2923 West 28th St Brooklyn NY 11224
(718) 996-5893
Radayza Montas, Director
Hours: Mon – Fri 2:30–10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ages: 5-21 yrs | Adults 21+
Wyckoff Gardens Cornerstone Program
280 Wyckoff Street, 11217
(718) 834-8595
Regina Mitchell, Director
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 2:30-10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ages: 5-21 yrs | Adults 21+
Marlboro Houses Cornerstone Program
2292 W 8th St, Brooklyn NY 11223
718-333-0575
Nain Merino, Director
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 2:30-10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ages: 5-21 yrs | Adults 21+