PUBLISHED BY: OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BETTER TOMORROW Winter/Spring 2013

Lines of Opportunity

INSIDE THIS EDITION BETWEEN THE LINESRandy Peers Executive Director

Happy New Year! On behalf of the entire OBT family, we wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and wonderful 2013.

2012 has been an unprecedented year in many ways. Outside of OBT, we witnessed the tremendous destruction caused

by Superstorm Sandy. Fortunately, none of our OBT sites were impacted, although I know some of our staff members were. We also witnessed the recent Sandy Hook tragedy, and our hearts went out to all those grieving families. In the political arena, President Obama was reelected to a second term, making history once again. For our organization, however, 2012 was in many ways a “turnaround” year that included many positive highlights as well as some significant accomplishments. In the Spring, we held our first annual “Summer Soiree” fundraising event. The event itself was a huge success, as we showcased our great works to friends and supporters, and we raised some much needed discretionary funding. We also developed a partnership with the YMCA of Greater NYC that has culminated in jointly planning the largest OBT expansion since we opened the Thornton Street site in 2001. If all goes well, in 2013 we will have a foothold into Jamaica, Queens, with the opening of the NYC’s first Y Roads Center. This collaboration, if successful, has the potential to reshape OBT for many years to come. (Read more about the Jamaica Y Roads Center on page 3.)

Toward the latter half of 2012, OBT launched three new and exciting programs – Digital Career Path, The Office of New Americans (ONA), and YAIP Bed-Stuy. Each of these new programs will help to expand our services in ways that are great-ly needed in our communities. (Read more about these programs on page 2.)

As I reflect back on all that we have accomplished in the face of such external adversity, I am truly amazed. I am also truly grateful – to all of you in particular. The strength of OBT is its talented, committed, caring staff and supporters like you. It has been a joy to work alongside you

OBT Launches New Programs

Jamaica Y Roads Center

OBT Hurricane Sandy Volunteers

Page 2

Page 3

Page 6in 2012, and I am looking forward to building on our success in 2013.

n December 1st, OBT introduced the expansion of its successful YAIP model into Bedford Stuyvesant, -YAIP Bed-Stuy. The NYC

Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) originated and designed the YAIP program, and with funding from the Mayor’s Center for Economic Opportunity, launched it as a successful pilot in 2008. YAIP Bed-Stuy will serve 90 disconnected youth who live in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area. Participants will seek to enhance their skills in customer service, business etiquette, financial literacy and computer skills while working in a paid internship making up to $2500 in 14 weeks.

OBT, in partnership with The Learning About Multimedia Project (LAMP), an organization that specializes in providing media literacy in schools, has created an innovative training program called Digital Career Path for young adults. Participants, who will come from Bushwick and surrounding neighborhoods, will be able take advantage of this new program that combines classroom computer and digital literacy training at the BWRC. A study conducted by the Center for an Urban Future concluded that the technology industry is growing faster in New York City than anywhere else in America.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has found, however, that while many disconnected youth from

low-income communities have an interest in business, entrepreneurship, and technology sectors, they lack the awareness and the skills to compete for these opportunities, especially in fields of online work. “Digital media literacy training is such a critical need for young people entering the workforce,” said The LAMP’s Executive Director, D.C. Vito.

“Many communities are left behind because they lack the twenty-first century skills to participate in a growing digital economy. The LAMP is proud of the program it has created with OBT to address this gap.”

Online work opportunities provided by this program will connect individuals to emerging employment opportunities in the digital economy. Participants will prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (MOS) and the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Professional Certification in Customer Service. Additionally, participants will increase their computer literacy and digital skills while benefitting from the innovative “earn while you learn” training model, where they complete a 40-hour online work paid internship with a private employer. Online work assignments will range from simple business card digitization tasks, to more complex assignments in photo editing and tagging, electronic transcription, as well as online research.

“Digital Career Path’s innovative training will provide new career opportunities for young people in these targeted communities who are in need of resources,” explains OBT Executive Director Randy Peers. “Young adults are already connected to technology, but this program builds upon those skills while providing them with stackable credentials to prepare for today’s job market.”

Upon completion of the program, OBT’s highly experienced corporate recruiters, as well as The LAMP’s facilitators, will connect graduating participants to employment, advanced education, and/or additional training opportunities in the information technology and other technology-related sectors. The program began January 7, 2013 and is open to young adults and adults ages 17-26.

The program reinforces the written business communication skills, relationship building, critical thinking, research skills, and interviewing techniques that are necessary in any job or job search. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive valuable assistance from OBT’s experienced corporate recruiters with job placement.

“We are excited to be expanding our reach and working with such motivated young people from B e d - S t u y , ” said Randy Peers, Executive Director of OBT. “This program gives these youth

the opportunity to gain valuable work skills while earning a paycheck. For many, this program represents their first entry into the professional workplace.”

OBT Launches New Programs: YAIP Bed-Stuy and Digital Career Path

Digital Career Path

Lines of Opportunity Page 2

For more information about YAIP Bed-Stuy, contact OBT’s YAIP Program Director Kim Robinson at 718-387-1600. For more information on the Digital Career Path

program, please contact Roman Woodson at 718-381-3222

ike many disconnected teenagers in New York City, Alejandro Rivera fell behind in his course work and dropped out of high school. Shortly after, he received unexpected news that he was going to

be a father at 19. Determined to provide a better life for his family, Alejandro enrolled in OBT’s Out of School Youth Education and Job Training Program, with the dream of one day working at Chase Bank.

Immediately, Alejandro responded positively to the structure and discipline OBT provided, something missing from his experience in high school. “It was a boot camp for job training that helped me get back on the right track,” cited Alejandro. He excelled in the program, obtaining his GED, Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification and the National Retail Federation (NRF) Certification. He learned and benefitted the most, however, from his counselors who coached him through the soft skills that he struggled with in high school. “My counselor, Mr. Ronquillo, could relate to me and offered me good advice on how to deal with situations. He always had the right words at the right time so I would not give up on myself,” explains Alejandro. After obtaining his GED, Alejandro stayed to complete the program and even led the debate team to victory on Debate Day. Using the skills he acquired in OBT’s Public Speaking and Communication workshop, Alejandro enthralled the crowd at OBT’s annual Summer Soiree event with the story of his experiences in high school and at OBT. He quickly graduated from the program and immediately received an interview at Chase Bank.

“I was set on working at Chase because numerous people had told me it was a place of opportunity, where if you worked hard, you could move up,” Mr. Rivera explained. Two days later he was hired as an entry-level teller at $11.00 an hour working over 20 hours a week.

Unfortunately, Mr. Rivera was one of many New Yorkers living with his family in the Coney Island area devastated by Hurricane Sandy. “We prepared for the storm and evacuated, but no one expected waist high water. We lost everything,” said Mr. Rivera. Chase Bank responded quickly to aid their employees, providing Alejandro with an immediate $1500 grant. Despite his misfortune, Mr. Rivera is optimistic about his future at Chase and dreams of one day becoming an investment banker. Right now Mr. Rivera is focused on finding permanent housing for himself and his family but intends to return to OBT to take advantage of the College Access Program. Equipped with these new skills, additional resources at OBT, and a positive attitude, Mr. Rivera continues on his journey to fulfilling his career goals.

ith a history of successfully serving low-income youth, OBT has become a prominent and valued organization for its education and job training services. In an innovative and groundbreaking

partnership with the YMCA of Greater New York, OBT will be replicating its nationally-recognized Youth Education and Job Training Program in Jamaica, Queens. This neighborhood suffers from one of the highest concentrations of underserved disconnected youth and desperately needs these types of services. This collaboration with the YMCA, called the Jamaica Y Roads Center, will create a comprehensive one-stop service facility for disconnected youth. This new center will offer OBT’s proven business skills job training and GED model within a simulated corporate work environment. The YMCA will provide a host of additional services including mental health, healthy lifestyle counseling, recreational programming, childcare services and college access. Jamaica Y Roads will take a holistic approach to working with young adults, and provide them all tools they need to move forward in their lives and careers.

Spotlight on Success: Alexander Rivera

OBT and the YMCA of Greater NY Partner to Expand into Jamaica, Queens

For more information about the Jamaica Y Roads, or to donate to this initiative, please contact Randy Peers at 718-369-0412 or rpeers@obtjobs.org

OBT continues to successfully raise money for the launch of the Jamaica Y Roads Center. Staff from OBT and the YMCA collaborated over the last several months to design programming and to secure a suitable location for the Center in Jamaica, Queens. We are optimistic that we will be able to open the doors to Y Roads during the Spring of 2013, serving 300 youth annually. We are grateful to the Heckscher Foundation for Children, Tiger, Pinkerton and Clark Foundations for committing funds for this exciting venture.

“The most innovative aspect of the Y Roads model is that two very strong

youth organizations are coming together to address the crisis of

disconnected youth in NYC” - Randy Peers,

OBT Executive Director

“The Y takes very seriously its mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Nowhere do those issues come together in more profound ways than addressing the challenge of nearly a quarter million disconnected young people. We risk losing an entire generation of young people to preventable problems that will only grow worse unless we commit to tackling them. The opening of our first Y Roads Center in Jamaica, Queens in partnership with Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, is a true milestone in our organization’s history.” - Jack Lund, President and CEO, the YMCA of Greater NY

Lines of Opportunity Page 3

OBT Welcomes New StaffTamara Dews, OBT Board Member, is Appointed to the Inaugural Class of Empire State Fellows

BT wishes to congratulate Board Member Tamara Dews

on her recent appointment to the Inaugural Class of Empire State Fellows by Governor Cuomo. The Empire State Fellows Program is designed to prepare a new generation of leaders for policy-making roles in New York State government. Tamara Dews most recently managed the Business &

Legal Affairs division of Sony Music Entertainment where she led the team responsible for identifying ancillary markets to promote and distribute Sony’s music. In addition to serving on OBT’s Board of Directors, Ms. Dews serves on the Leadership Board of Council of Urban Professionals (CUP), Board of Directors at the Alumnae Association of Mount Holyoke College, and Advisory Board for the Gye Nyame Empowerment Project (GNEP).

Ms. Dews will continue her dedication to public service in her new position at the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). She will work closely with senior administration officials, participate in the policy-making process, and engage in educational and professional development seminars at the Rockefeller Institute at SUNY Albany.

“I have always been a supporter of organizations and initiatives that focus on engaging and empowering the next generation. Witnessing firsthand the tremendous work OBT has done for youth in New York City contributed to my desire to make the transition from the private sector to the public sector. The Empire State Fellows Program is providing me with the skills necessary to become a successful policy maker and agent of change. As a Fellow, I hope to continue serving as a positive influence and strengthen platforms that will enhance the lives of others.”

To view a video on the newJamaica Y Roads Center follow the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE6ihkUvLSQ

Katherine Aspell is a graduate of Vassar College and previously worked as Director of College Readiness Program at Rural and Migrant Ministry, Inc., in Poughkeepsie, New York. As director, she provided college counseling and preparation for first-generation college students. Prior, Ms. Aspell was the College Counselor at Rowe-Clarke Math and Science Academy, Charter School serving low-income students in Chicago.

Lines of Opportunity Page 4

Katherine Aspell College Access Coordinator

Lashawn joins OBT as the Site Manager for OBT YAIP Bed-Stuy. Lashawn previously worked as Dean at Brooklyn High School of Leadership and Community Service. He was also the Director of Regional Training at Covenant House where he led their job placement and skills based training programs. Mr. McCauley also directed the transitional living shelter program at Covenant House. Lashawn holds a Masters in Urban Affairs from Hunter College.

Lashawn McCauley Site Director, YAIP Bed-Stuy

Leah Hebert comes to OBT after working for the New York State Assembly. In her various capacities at the Assembly, she researched federal impacts on New York State and helped constituents and community organizations access the law and advocate for protections. Prior to that experience, Leah worked at the Cooper Union, and volunteered as an officer of the staff union that helped protect worker rights. She graduated with a BFA from the Cooper Union.

Leah Hebert Director of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships

Stacie Sullivan Youth Coordinator/Instructor

Alexandria Bellivan Youth Coordinator

Miguel Pacheco Senior Technology Instructor

Frank Mitchell Corporate Recruiter

Windie Moffat Program Associate

Peter Zweig Business English Instructor

Happenings Around OBT

Randy Peers to Receive CUFFH’s Father Jim O’Shea Person of the Year Award

pportunities For a Better Tomorrow’s Randolph Peers will be receiving the prestigious Churches United for Fair Housing’s (CUFFH) Father Jim O’Shea Person of the Year Award,

in recognition of all of the work and support that he has given to the adult education and workforce development community within North Brooklyn. The award will be presented at the CUFFH’s annual fundraiser gala on the evening of February 20th at Giando on the Water, 400 Kent Avenue in Brooklyn.

Father Jim O’Shea has been a leading figure within the North Brooklyn community for over 13 years, tirelessly advocating for affordable housing and educational opportunities for at-risk-youth. Like Father O’Shea, Randolph Peers has been influential in continuing OBT’s legacy of providing quality education and job training services to the disadvantaged populations of Bushwick and surrounding areas. Mr. Peers has spent the last twenty years working in the fields of adult education, and workforce, and economic development and has served as Executive Director of OBT for the last six years.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.cuffh.org/donate.html or by contacting Leah Hebert at lhebert@obtjobs.org or calling 718-369-0303. Please join community leaders and residents in honoring Mr. Peers and other well deserved award recipients at this event.

Volunteers at St Johns Bread & Life

November 6, 2012

AIG Suit Drive Donation October 24, 2012

Speed Networking with Moody’s December 11, 2012

OBT Blood Drive with Lutheran Medical Center

December 18, 2012

Lines of Opportunity Page 5

DOL Presentation on Hurricane Sandy Jobs November 17, 2012

OBT Debate Day at Brooklyn College January 6, 2013

Youth Holiday Party Sunset Park & Bushwick

December, 2012

Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow

Randolph Peers Executive Director

Administrative Office SUNSET PARK783 Fourth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11232 Tel: 718-369-0303 Fax: 718-369-1518

BUSHWICK 25 Thornton StreetBrooklyn, NY 11206Tel: 718-387-1600 Fax: 718-387-5005

BUSHWICKWORKFORCERESOURCE CENTER280 Wyckoff AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11237 Tel: 718-381-3222 Fax: 718-381-3220

Visit us online at:www.obtjobs.org

OBT Hurricane Sandy Volunteers

ww

w.o

btjo

bs.o

rg

783 Fourth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11232

fter the destruction of Hurricane Sandy, OBT’s staff

and trainees showed tremendous compassion to their neighboring communities by coordinating and participating in volunteer efforts with other local organizations.

MAA Program Director, Dani Smejkal, in partnership with the Red Hook Initiative, facilitated groups of volunteers to assist local business owners in Red Hook with the massive restoration that lay ahead. Liberty Paper and Plastic Inc., an industrial wholesale supplier of paper food products located near the Red Hook waterfront, was hit with a six foot wall of water, ruining most of their inventory.

OBT’s Sunset Park trainees helped discard water damaged goods, many of which still required draining the ocean water out of

them before they could be moved. “We’ve been in the business of servicing New York City and parts of New Jersey for over 40 years and have never seen anything like this. The numerous volunteers really expedited the clean-up process in the aftermath of Sandy and now business is picking up,” said Liberty Paper and Plastic Manager Ebtihal Haimour.

OBT Bushwick volunteers assisted another warehouse owner, lifting boxes of books that were soaked through, helping sort and clean up trash, and sweeping.

“The owner was so happy and surprised that so many people were willing to come out and help him for free. He called us ‘angels from God’,” recalls OBT trainee Phillip Rivera who came back all the way from Bushwick the following weekend to continue to

volunteer. “There was so much that was damaged, I felt it was the least I could do.”

OBT’s commitment to the local community, in the wake and destruction of Hurricane Sandy, reinforces the sense of pride and accomplishment OBT seeks to instill in its trainees. It provides them an opportunity to give back to the community while gaining valuable experience to achieve their goals.

OBT Trainees Volunteering in Red Hook

After Sandy

Lines of Opportunity

Line

s of

Opp

ortu

nity