PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, & FAMILIES

Graffiti 2 provides quality, safe, and fun school year and summer programming to the children (1st-5th grade) of Mott Haven. Believing in the priceless value and unimaginable potential of each child, we intentionally plan activities for children that will revitalize (build their minds and bodies), revive (strengthen their character, spirit, and personality), and revolutionize their lives, families, and community. Children complete homework, have a snack, receive educational enrichment, have social-emotional check-ins, read, and play games. Daily, students are reminded of Graffiti 2’s values of respect. Utilizing older youth, interns, and volunteers, each student receives one-on-one targeted tutoring in literacy and math based on their individuals needs.

In a neighborhood with more than 10,000 students between the ages of 12 and 17, Graffiti 2 is revitalizing, reviving, and revolutionizing the lives of teenagers (6th-12th grade). Graffiti Serving and Leading Teenagers (G.S.A.L.T.) strengthens teens physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually by providing a nurturing environment for teenagers to grow in responsibility, develop their leadership skills, nourish healthy peer relationships, and be accountable in school and life. Graffiti 2 encourages every teen to lead by serving. G.S.A.L.T. students mentor children in the G2 Kids afterschool program and help with service projects around the community. Inspired by Matthew 5:13, which says, “You are the salt of the earth,” we believe just like a little salt can change food in a big way, these teens are salt in Mott Haven — revolutionizing their community.

The Graffiti 2 Internship Program utilizes young adults (ages 14-24 years) in the community who are making positive, forward movement in their lives — demonstrated through consistent enrollment in high school, college, or vocational training. G2 Interns have a high-level of leadership within the afterschool and summer G2 Kids and G.S.A.L.T. programs. They help teach behavior to students, assist with homework, and provide targeted tutoring to students in individualized or small-group settings. Participation in the internship programs benefits the intern as well. For their participation, G2 Interns: learn teaching skills; grow physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually; benefit from participating in a community of encouragement and accountability; receive help with resumes, letters of recommendation, and job readiness; are eligible for incentives and rewards; and grow self-satisfaction from giving back to kids and teenagers within the Mott Haven community.

Valuing family, Graffiti 2 works alongside parents to accomplish our mission within the community. We expect parents to invest in our work with not only their children, but the other students we serve as well. Parents are encouraged to volunteer and assist with special projects. Our parents take a firsthand role in revitalizing, reviving, and revolutionizing themselves, their children, and their community. To enrich and empower parents, Graffiti 2 offers classes, training, coaching, pastoral counseling, advocacy, and access to resources that address needs arising within the family.