BRENTWOOD, NY - June 13, 2011 - To help promote parental leadership and improve student performance through active participation with the school community, the JP Morgan Chase Foundation has provided a $150,000 grant to Family Service League to continue operation of Suffolk's only community school located in Brentwood.
Established in September 2010, the Brentwood Community School is based on a successful national model that establishes a partnership between the school district and the community and its resources. The focus is on the integration of academics, social services, enrichment activities, support and opportunities to improve student learning and school participation, to build stronger families and to create healthier communities. The ultimate goal of the community school is for the school to become the center of the community and to be open to all; day, evenings and weekends, year around.
The Brentwood Community School is managed by Family Service League, a leading social services agency and is aimed at the transitional period between middle school and high school students. Introduction to the Community School begins in the 8th grade where parents and students are invited to learn about the community school and opportunities for parental involvement are strongly encouraged.
"Community schools are a proven and beneficial resource in response to individual communities and their needs," said Karen Boorshtein, president and CEO, Family Service League. "Thanks to the generosity and partnership with Chase we can give students in Brentwood greater learning opportunities while bringing together positive developmental influences into their lives; namely families, communities and schools."
"Chase seeks to make a positive difference in some of the most challenged neighborhoods by partnering with the right non-profit organizations and members of the community to invest in community schools," said Vinny Mentar, community relations manager at Chase. "Our collaboration with the Brentwood school district and Family Service League will help achieve academic excellence in the Brentwood community."
About Family Service League
Family Service League (FSL), founded in 1926, is a not-for-profit, community based human service agency assisting more than 47,000 people each year. FSL serves individuals from infancy through the senior years and families, and offers 48 programs in 15 locations. Family Service League has five Family Centers -located in Huntington, Huntington Station, Bay Shore, East Yaphank, and Riverhead - where families can come and receive assistance to address a broad range of needs. Other program sites are located throughout Long Island from Huntington to Greenport to East Hampton. FSL is credentialed by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services (COA) for meeting the highest standards of best practices and quality services for individuals and families. For more information, call 631-427-3700 or visit the Family Service League web site at www.fsl-li.org.
Photo caption
Photo can be found at: http://hldnow.com/Pr/page/FSLCommSchool.asp
Left to right: Massiel Torres, Office of Suffolk Legislator Montano; Eileen Smith, Program Director, Community School; Dr. Joan Lange, Assistant Superintendent, Brentwood Schools; David Bracero, Community School Coordinator; Karen Boorshtein, President & CEO, Family Service League; Vinny Mentar, community relations manager at Chase; NYS Assemblyman Phil Ramos; Dr. Larry Weiss, Senior Vice President for Programs, Family Service League; Lisa Jamison, Division Director, Family Service League. Front row: Elizabeth Cordero, Community School Parent Coordinator and Jose Suarez, Principal, Brentwood Freshman Center.