Two NYC nonprofits receive ‘Promise’ grants

The Abyssinian Development Corporation and Lutheran Family Health Centers in New York City were among the 21 nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education that were awarded federally funded Promise Neighborhood planning grants, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced on Sept. 21.

The one-year grants, each worth up to $500,000, will be used by the organizations to create plans to replicate the Harlem Children's Zone's cradle-to-college services that improve the educational achievement and healthy development of children.

"I applaud each of the Promise Neighborhood applicants for their leadership," President Barack Obama said. "They are galvanizing their communities to help offer our children a pathway out of poverty. The winners announced today will deliver a broad array of services to help all young people thrive academically, earn their high school diploma, go on to college, and reach for their dreams."

The Abyssinian Development Corporation is the community development arm of the Rev. Calvin O. Butts’ Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem.The Lutheran Family Health Centers offer family-oriented comprehensive health and dental care in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Both organizations will work closely with public schools in their communities.

To address the challenges faced by students living in communities of concentrated poverty, the recipients of Promise Neighborhoods and their partner organizations will plan to provide services from early learning to college and career, including programs to improve the health, safety, and stability of neighborhoods, and boost family engagement in student learning

"Communities across the country recognize that education is the one true path out of poverty," Secretary Duncan said. "These Promise Neighborhoods applicants are committed to putting schools at the center of their work to provide comprehensive services for young children and students."

The Obama administration has requested $210 million in the fiscal 2011 budget, including $200 million to support implementation of Promise Neighborhood projects and $10 million for planning grants for new communities.

More than 300 communities from 48 states and the District of Columbia submitted applications for Promise Neighborhoods planning grants.