Mentor A Promise

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Some stories don't end when the headlines fade.

They live on through families, communities, and the people who choose to remember.

In Still on the Move, Mike Africa Jr. reflects on the legacy of MOVE, the impact of the 1985 bombing, and the resilience required to carry history forward. Filmed during the inaugural MOVE Day 5K, this mini-documentary is a story of remembrance, community, healing, and hope.

Because history is not only something we inherit. It's something we choose to carry. https://youtu.be/5CmSyMN-rd8

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June arrives slowly in New York.

Longer light.

Open windows.

School hallways preparing for summer.

For some children, summer means freedom.

For others, especially those experiencing housing instability, it can also mean uncertainty.

At Mentor A Promise, we hold close to a different way of thinking about care.

Not as a single act.

Not as rescue.

But as presence.

A mentor returning.

A story shared aloud.

Music moving through a room.

A child realizing they are known and remembered.

We believe children deserve more than temporary support.

They deserve dignity.

Creativity.

Belonging.

And communities willing to continue showing up.

June begins.

And so does the Promise.

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We showed up for New York City this Sunday.

Mentor A Promise rode in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour—through all five boroughs, carried by movement, community, and purpose.

Did you spot us?

We’re especially grateful to our rider, Reena, for carrying our message across the city—mile by mile, with strength and intention.

This wasn’t just a ride. It was a reminder that wellness, visibility, and belonging matter—and that our young people deserve to see themselves in every part of this city.

We’re building something bigger now.

A wellness and community campaign rooted in access, care, and connection.

If you feel that, you’re already part of it.

#NYC #BikeNYC #FiveBoroBikeTour #Community #Wellness #MentorAPromise

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Thousands of New Yorkers work full-time yet remain homeless. Nearly half of single adults and 40% of families in NYC shelters are employed—many in essential roles like teachers, drivers, and public workers. These individuals often earn too much for aid but not enough for housing. Mentor A Promise partners with shelters, schools, and community groups to support homeless youth and families. Learn more or get involved—together, we can break the cycle.

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Join us This CEO is Redefining Care for Homeless Youth | Jeremy C. Kohomban

https://youtu.be/kmPA2BbQccU

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How Prevalent is Food Insecurity Among Homeless NYC Students?

A U.S. Department of Agriculture report released on January 8, 2025 found that 13.5 percent of - or roughly 18 million - U.S. households experienced food insecurity at some point during 2023. [1] Depending on Neighborhood Tabulation Areas (NTAs), food insecurity ranged from as low as 3 percent in Laurelton and Cambria Heights to as high as 36 percent in East Williamsburg. According to the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy’s Annual Food Metrics Report for 2022, approximately 1.2 million New Yorkers - or 14.6 percent of city residents - were food insecure.

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What Constitutes Food Insecurity?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity is when households are “uncertain of having or unable to acquire enough food to meet the needs of all their members because they [have] insufficient money or other resources for food.” In other words, those who lack reliable access to enough food for a healthy, active lifestyle are food insecure.

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This month, we honor the leaders before us that fought for justice, equity, and access to education. They broke down barriers and paved the way for organizations like ours. Every child should have an opportunity to learn—regardless of circumstance—and these leaders fought tirelessly to make that a reality. Their legacy reminds us that the fight for equity isn't over and that we must continue their work to create the progress we wish to see.

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You may be shocked to find out that students experiencing homelessness are 87% more likely to drop out of school in comparison to their peers. Homeless students are facing challenges that go far beyond the classroom that increase the risk of dropping out:

• Unstable housing

• Emotional and physical challenges

• Limited access to resources and support

• Experiencing debilitating illnesses

• Long commutes and transportation barriers

If these barriers go unaddressed, many of these students risk falling behind, thus perpetuating a cycle that could very well be prevented.

In our latest blog post, we dive into the root causes behind the dropout gap and explore prevention strategies. Read more below 👇

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Helping homeless students involves addressing their immediate needs and supporting their long-term stability and education. Here are some practical ways we help: we provide basic supplies like backpacks, school supplies, educational materials and laptops/tablets. We partner with local community organizations to provide expert support to our students. We provide tutoring and mentorship to help our students academically.

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Homelessness and education are intertwined. Students experiencing homelessness face unique challenges that inevitably impact academic performance. From lacking a stable environment to dealing with emotional and physical stress, these barriers make it difficult for them to thrive in the classroom.

Some lasting consequences of homelessness on education can include:

• A substantially higher dropout rate

• Placement in special education programs

• Chronic absenteeism

• Developmental delays

• Disruptions due to frequent relocation

Our latest blog post goes more in depth about why homelessness youth encounter difficulties in an academic environment and how it impacts them.

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We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our podcast titled The Bells I Hear! Our hope is to raise awareness about the homelessness crisis in New York City through conversations with industry experts, researchers, and changemakers.

We are going to be touching on the multifaceted issues surrounding homelessness such as mental health, affordable housing, education, and so much more.

🌟 Stay tuned for more updates, and join us on this journey to spark change!

#SocialImpact #MakingADifference #YouthEmpowerment #EmpoweringYouth #NewYorkCares #Nonprofit #EndHomelessness #BreakTheCycle

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Mentor A Promise wouldn't be possible without our mentors. They are truly at the heart of what we do. They are making a difference in the lives of our students every single day. From assisting them with academic challenges to encouraging personal growth, our mentors play an essential role in creating new pathways for our children. We wanted to shed a light on the amazing work that they do! 🙌

Interested in becoming a mentor and making a difference? We'd love to have you join the team! Sign up here to get started: https://lnkd.in/eS9ss3nx

#SocialImpact #MakingADifference #YouthEmpowerment #EmpoweringYouth #NewYorkCares #Nonprofit #EndHomelessness #BreakTheCycle

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If you’re an educator, join us

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💡 Did you know that a major cause of homelessness is the shortage of affordable housing? It's not substance abuse, mental illness, laziness, or a lack of desire to find work or a home. Homelessness is not a choice. The growing gap between income and housing costs has made it increasingly difficult for people to find secure and stable housing. According to the Coalition for the Homeless, approximately 30% of familities in NYC shelters are employed, but cannot afford to rent an apartment.

Learn more myths vs facts about homelessness here : https://buff.ly/4h28EsC

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#EmpoweringStudents #Nonprofit #NonprofitOrganizations # #Impact #BreakTheCycle #SocialImpact #GivingBack #Volunteer #VolunteerWithUs #MythsvsFacts #AffordableHousing

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5 posts!

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As we enter 2025, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all that Mentor A Promise has accomplished this year. With your help, we have been able to help our students in unimaginable ways. Every partnership, donation, and volunteer has brought us one step closer to achieving our mission. We are excited to keep making magic happen this next year and we hope that you join us for the ride!

#EmpoweringStudents #Nonprofit #NonprofitOrganizations # #Impact #BreakTheCycle #SocialImpact #GivingBack #Volunteer #VolunteerWithUs