Page 30 - NYC Imagine Awards Journal

Social Impact

Dava Schub, Chief Executive Officer & Museum Director Mark Meridy, Executive Director
Children’s Museum of Manhattan DOROT, Inc.
212 West 83 Street, New York, NY 10024 171 W 85 Street, New York City, NY 10024
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(212) 721-1223 | www.cmom.org (212) 769-2850 | www.dorotusa.org
Since its founding in 1973, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, affectionately known Since 1976, DOROT has been a leader in alleviating social isolation among older adults and
as CMOM, has partnered with leading thinkers, educators, and researchers to translate uniting the generations through vital programs and services that foster mutually beneficial social
groundbreaking findings in early learning into joyful and captivating exhibits for children and connections, create a sense of belonging, and build community. DOROT understands that a
adults of all backgrounds. Today, CMOM has evolved from its grassroots beginnings into a key to easing isolation is to be strategic and intentional in bringing people together and creating
nationally recognized leader in early childhood development. environments that foster meaningful connections over time. Our ability to offer programs in
diverse modes supports the varied interests of older New Yorkers and reflects our strength-based
CMOM offers interactive permanent and rotating exhibits, and daily educator-led public
programs and workshops for children and families. CMOM’s goal is for all our children to be philosophy to serving older adults in a way that ensures dignity, independence, and choice.
“NY ready”—ready to thrive in school, in their communities, and in life. Our programs meet older adults where they are through offerings in person at DOROT, in
older adults’ homes, over Zoom, and by telephone. Our remote programs enable us to engage
Each year, CMOM welcomes 350,000 children and their caregivers, with 50,000 receiving free individuals who, due to choice, circumstance, or geography, do not participate in our in-person
or deeply discounted admission. We partner with NYC service agencies to uplift marginalized programs.
populations, including those affected by poverty, homelessness, and parental incarceration,
encouraging first-time museum visitors to form lasting connections with cultural institutions. In FY24, DOROT served 7,760 older adults, a 33% increase compared to 5,835 in FY23. The
Our commitment to all NYC’s children includes children whose parents are incarcerated at Rikers average age of the older adults we serve is 80, but they range in age from 60 to an astounding
Island. Partnering with the NYC Department of Correction, we developed a groundbreaking 108; 69% live alone, making them more susceptible to isolation. Volunteers are at the heart
national model that reunites children with their incarcerated parents at the Museum for arts- of our organization, and we engaged 6,410 volunteers. DOROT staff, interns, and volunteers
based programs that promote connection and bonding. Our “Family Connections” initiative is assisted and interacted 98,315 times with older adults, nine percent more than in FY23.
designed to reduce the trauma of separation by allowing families to meet outside of the jail in
an interactive, supportive environment. DOROT programs, offered free of charge, include volunteer visiting in older adults’ homes
Exciting new developments are on the horizon for CMOM as we continue to expand our and remotely; group art, health, and current events classes; intergenerational workshops; meal
impact in the coming years... stay tuned! delivery, and much more.

Scott Millstein, NY Executive Director David Plotka, LMSW, Director
iMentor Venture House
199 Water St, Fl 8. NY,NY 10038 150-10 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432
www.imentor.org/volunteer (718) 658-7201 | www.venturehouse.org Venture House
iMentor builds mentoring relationships that empower first-generation students to graduate high Venture House is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting
school, succeed in college and career, and achieve their ambitions. For 25 years, iMentor has the wellness and recovery of individuals living with mental health challenges. Through the
helped to bridge the opportunity gap for high school students from low-income backgrounds Clubhouse Model, we foster an inclusive and diverse environment that promotes hope, self-
by pairing them with committed mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement. determination, and purpose.
iMentor is the largest school-based one-on-one mentoring program in New York City, facilitating
3,000 mentoring relationships every year across 11 public high schools in Manhattan, Queens, With four locations across New York City, Venture House is the leading Clubhouse provider
Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Through its innovative mentoring model, iMentor has substantially in the city, helping members access employment, education, housing, civic engagement, and
impacted the lives of over 35,000 students to date. iMentor’s “whole-school” model ensures the arts. We are committed to a person-centered approach that focuses on empowering our
every student in its partner schools receives a mentor. The organization’s approach combines members, valuing their strengths and talents, and providing a space where they are needed,
one-on-one mentorship with a structured curriculum, focusing on college readiness, career wanted, and appreciated.
exploration, and personal development. Mentors and mentees engage in regular meetings, both
in-person and virtually, to work on academic goals, career aspirations, and personal challenges. Rather than stigmatizing those with mental health conditions, we build a community where
iMentor NYC works directly with New York City Public Schools, the CUNY system, and an members can thrive, grow, and contribute. For 36 years, we have championed recovery, hope,
extensive network of 70+ corporate and community partners to drive student impact at a city- and quality of life for individuals and families.
wide level. Students who participate in iMentor are 33% more likely to graduate from high
school and pursue higher education compared to their peers (81% vs. 61%). As the organization At Venture House, we believe everyone deserves a life filled with opportunity and support. Join
celebrates its 25th year, iMentor proudly reflects on a long-standing legacy of creating equitable our community and discover the power of belonging and purpose. Together, we create pathways
educational outcomes and empowering the next generation of leaders in New York City. to recovery and brighter futures.

Come join the Club!
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