Former Clients Lead Town Hall on Police-Community Relations

written by Serena Tillman, Youth Justice Social Worker

former BCS clients present on police-community relations at the Civilian Complaint Review Board town hall meeting

Yesterday Bronx Community Solutions' Youth/Young Adult Team and two former clients attended the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) Town Hall Meeting.  We were invited to prepare a statement addressing the night's topic of police-community relations. The meeting was intended to open a dialogue with community leaders and residents of the Bronx in order to better understand police-community relations in the borough. It was a forum for the community to voice their concerns, offer insights, and share experiences with policing in their neighborhood.

Exalt, a non-profit based in Brooklyn, serves 15-19 year old previously-incarcerated youth and young adults by providing training and a paid 6-week internship in any of the 5 boroughs.  Exalt is our leading referral partner for young clients seeking employment. When we received the invitation from CCRB, we immediately thought to reach out to our partners at Exalt to identify a graduate (and former BCS client) who could present at the town hall.

*Candace was a client of Bronx Community Solutions in August 2015 and, upon completion, was referred to Exalt. She graduated from their program and is now working full time as an Administrative Assistant at the Daphne Foundation. The Daphne Foundation invests in organizations that empower community residents directly affected by poverty, violence & discrimination to develop solutions that result in a more equitable, fair and peaceful New York City. Candace spoke about things the CCRB can do to foster public trust, such as eliminating the stigmatization of black communities and setting a better example for black and brown kids than what surrounds them.

*April was a client BCS client last January and upon completion was referred to Exalt. April graduated from Exalt in June and was offered a part-time job at her internship placement, Sweet Water Dance & Yoga Studio.  April shared a personal encounter with the police in her precinct and the negative perception NYPD seem to have of African Americans.

How we're changing the court:

By participating in our Adolescent Diversion programming, young people are connected to staff and services relevant and specific to their needs and life stage.  Our work with partners like Exalt helps young people build and maintain strong connections with their communities long after their court mandates are completed.  Through Exalt, Candace and April had the opportunity to gain important job skills and access platforms to fight for their community and strengthen their public speaking skills. 

* names have been changed for confidentiality