Chair Stevens outlines the importance of Beacon and Cornerstone programs
Stevens describes Beacon and Cornerstone centers as trusted neighborhood institutions serving tens of thousands of New Yorkers, highlights their role in combating youth loneliness and anxiety, and notes the last comprehensive procurements were in 2017 and 2015.
For decades, Beacon and Cornerstone Centers have served as trusted neighborhood institutions.
They provide young people and adults with safe spaces to learn, build relationships, develop skills, access support services, and engage with their communities.
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Today, there are 92 beacon programs and 100 cornerstones programs operating throughout the city that serves tens of thousands of New Yorkers each year.
This number reflects the significant demand for accessible community-based programming and critical roles that those centers play.
Critical role that those centers play.
Those programs are particularly important at a time when many young people continue to reflect significant challenges.
As young people are experiencing extraordinary high rates of loneliness, anxiety, and social isolation, research consistently
demonstrates that participation in structural community-based programs improve educational outcomes, strengthen social connections, support mental health, and promotes positive youth development.