In partnership with the New York City District Attorney’s Office, New York City FC hosted a Saturday Night Lights meeting last week, which featured other Saturday Night Lights agencies from around New York City.
Saturday Night Lights, founded by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr, provides youth in underserved neighborhoods in Manhattan a safe, fun, and productive place to gather during traditionally high-crime times—namely Friday and Saturday evenings. The program’s mission is to prevent crime and improve academic performance among at-risk youth by empowering participants to develop the skills, knowledge, and meaningful relationships necessary to reach their fullest potential.
The Manhattan DA’s Office has selected and funded 10 community-based organizations to deliver free athletic and academic programing to Saturday Night Lights.
Each month, the DA’s Office, its Saturday Night Lights partners, and Crime Lab NY come together to discuss program development. With the focused goal of building high-quality programming for the youth we serve, we use this time to share best practices, challenges, and discuss ideas for collaboration.
New York City FC Community Development Coordinator Nat Bekoe felt that the meeting was insightful.
“The meeting was incredibly helpful to learn about the impactful work being done by the Saturday Night Lights program,” said Bekoe. “The meeting was a great opportunity for partners to brainstorm ideas, share their expertise and develop best practices to improve our programs.”
“Saturday Night Lights” Agencies Represented at the workshop:
Boys' Club of New York
SCAN New York
Union Settlement
City in the Community
Community Association for Progressive Dominicans
Police Athletic League
Hetrick-Martin Institute
Catholic Charities
Graham Windham
Manhattan District Attorney's Office
Crime Lab NY
