POS: Operation SNUG is a relatively new anti-gun violence initiative. Are there any plans to expand it beyond Central Harlem?
Nana: Operation SNUG is a model based anti-gun violence initiative. The plans to expand the program beyond Central Harlem is contingent on funding. However, the expansion of this initiative is definitely necessary. We have been approached by Council members that are interested in getting a SNUG initiative in East Harlem. During this past year we realized the man power needed to cover our target area (72 blocks) requires additional staffing. At this time we have a team of 7 credible messengers; 2 Violence Interrupter/Hospital Responders, 5 Outreach Workers & Outreach Worker Supervisor.
If we had additional funding opportunities, we would first immerse the existing target area and then expand in following areas; West Harlem, East Harlem and Washington Heights.
POS: What initiatives does the Mission Society have planned for the summer?
Nana: Each year New York City Mission Society offers The Power Academy Summer Enrichment Program, which channels the energy of inner-city children, aged 6-12 into positive academic, cultural and recreational activities. As studies have shown that students can lose at least a half grade level of learning during the summer months. As an antidote to this, the Power Academy children participate in literacy-based activities, which help to stem the summer learning loss that they might experience during their time away from school and enhance their basic academic skills. Last year 497 students participated in our summer day camp program.
POS: How can people find out more about what is going on at the Mission Society?
Nana: Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
We would like to thank Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo for taking the time to speak with us about the New York City Mission Society. To find out more, you can visit http://www.nycmissionsociety.org/
Photos courtesy of the New York City Mission Society
-Marc W. Polite