Meet P. Star.
P. Star. Photo courtesy of Hunc Records.
You may have heard her called the “Young Feminist Phenomenon,” (from her rap label) or “The Young Harlem Phenomenon” (from her movie poster). If not, you should get to know her. She’s young (16), she raps (since she was 9!), she sings, she acts (currently starring as Jessica on “The Electric Company”), she dances, and she definitely reps for the young ladies. Her life seems really sweet, but it hasn’t always been this way.
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In the studio with P. Star.
Because of this movie, we’re still traveling and doing a lot of promotion and premieres. We also have the soundtrack for the movie, P. Star Rising, which is pretty exciting. We also have this new type of sound that P. Star has that not a lot of [established] fans are familiar with. I’m excited to get [both] the album and that sound out and have kids come along with me and just to make a bigger fan base.
Track Master.
What’s it like being to young and being able to do something you love already?
It’s a blessing. God has blessed me with a talent and a great gift, and with opportunities. A lot of doors have opened and I actually got to take that opportunity and do what I wanted to do. So I really have to say that I’m blessed, it’s amazing and I don’t take anything for granted.
Any advice for other teens?
Honestly, I have to say that dreams are kind of like wishes. Dreams are whatever you want them to be. and as long as you’re dedicated to it, as long as you know what you want, don’t give up. Don’t give up. Whatever anybody says to you, that you’re wack or corny or whatever, don’t believe that. Everyone has their own creativity and thats what’s so important nowadays. Do what you have to do. Don’t stop.
Doing her thing.
Oh, and yes, she writes her own rhymes.
You can find P. Star just about everywhere. Myspace. Facebook. iTunes. T.V. YouTube. To hear some of her music, check out her video for “Daddy’s Little Girl.”
Chicago Girl Goes from the Projects to Yale…then Back Again.
By now we all know that life isn’t fair. And that it doesn’t spread it’s unfairness around evenly—some people get too much, while others never seem to get enough. So what do you do when it seems like life keeps picking on you? Whatever it takes to change your circumstances.
Timeica E. Bethel talks about the long journey from the projects to Yale. Image courtesy of msnbc.com.
Meet Timeica Bethel, a college senior who grew up rough. Her drug-adicted mother abandoned her when she was three and sent Timeica (and her three siblings) to live with their grandmother in the LeClair Courts public housing projects in Chicago. Timeica loved to read, excelled in school, got a scholarship to private high school and went to Yale University, where she’s now a senior. She graduates in May and plans to go back home and teach the kids who are now live where she’s from that anything’s possible. Check out her interview with msnbc and see what she has to say for herself.
And I’m not trying to get all “where there’s a will there’s a way” preachy on you, but don’t let people kill your dreams.
-arcynta
Coming Soon*…
Issue One
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* And by “soon,” I mean Spring 2011- that’s next month, y’all…
That New New
Happy New Year, girlies! (I know, I know…said as I hang my head in shame). But new year, new things, right? So…we’re back…AGAIN! Enough with the old, on to the new.
So, did you know that January is National Mentoring Month? Well, neither did I. But, I’m glad that it is. And I’m glad that I am a (new) mentor and that I have a mentee (hey, you!) that I adore. Yesterday we FINALLY went to go see Precious. I know, I know. But I read Precious way back in the day (I have an original hardcover copy of the book), so I had to mentally prepare myself to see the film.
Original Hardcover Edition
New, movie-based, paperback
And I wanted to see it with my mentee. She mentioned to me that she had read the book (!) as well, and she wondered how different the movie would be, so I thought it would be a great idea for us to see it together.
Afterwards, we didn’t speak for at least 15 minutes. And that was as it should have been. The movie was a lot to process. I don’t think that I still have, completely. So I don’t want to give a critique of the movie, that’s been done, ad nauseum. If you haven’t read the book, read it. If you haven’t seen the movie, do so. And if you don’t know about the star, Gabby Sidibe, find out. What I really wanted to talk about is the larger message of literacy and the need for all of us to get involved…in some (what we think is small) way. If you are reading this, you can read. And that is one skill that you have that many others don’t. It’s one thing you know how to do that you can teach to someone else. Or one way that you can help somebody else.
One thing that struck me, as I sat in the movie theater on Sunday afternoon was how packed the place was…still. And this movie came out last year. And it’s not a “feel good” movie, or date-night romantic or action-packed. It’s gritty and raw and uncomfortable to watch. So I was glad to see so many people, so many different kinds of people (seriously, it was like the United Nations and the Special Olympics in there) coing out to support the film. And I thought, if just a fraction of everyone who went to see the movie decided, instead of say analyzing the film to death or comparing it to the book to the point of tears, to DO something (like volunteer to read to school children or to teach literacy to functioning illiterate adults) we could might actually change some lives. And that, after all, is the point, right?
And if teaching is not your thing, or literacy isn’t either, that’s okay, too. But figure out what you can do, and do it. If you would make a good peer mentor/counselor (do they still have those?), or coach, or math tutor, or assistant or volunteer of any kind, do that. If your contribution is just to not be a part of the crowd making fun of another student for not knowing how to read well, or because she doesn’t dress well enough, or smell nice, or look a certain way, or stand up for herself, be that better person. Be that friend, or at least that voice of reason who stands up for someone who really needs it.
In case you want to volunteer, but are unsure of where to start, here are a few links to help you out:
DoSomething.org is exactly what is sounds like…it provides resources to help you do something, even if you don’t know what that something it. So, go do it.
GrooveJob.com is a website that allows students and teens to search for internships and volunteer work by city or zip code. Here’s the link for volunteer opportunities.
Also, check out NYC Service. You can look for volunteer opportunities or even pledge a “Day of Service.” F.Y.I, there’s a “Day of Service” project coming up for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
If you are 17 or older, check out the year-long projects available at City Year.
And here is an article on the variety of opportunities around the city, from acting as a guide a Prospect Park Zoo, to volunteering at the ASPCA (you know, the organization with the sad-eyed animal commercials that make you go awwww…yeah. them. well, they protect animals and need clerical help), to helping out at a botanical garden, museum, library, tutoring younger kids, or helping elders.
Happy hunting!
That is all. For now.
Why Confidence is Key
You know who I love? Gabby Sidibe. Why? Well, have you ever heard her speak, read an article about her, seen her act, or do her thing on TV shows? No? Well she was on Jay Leno last night. Here she is-
Cuteness! She’s so confident and comfortable in her confidence that you just have to see it (if you didn’t at first) and respect it. And respect her.
And did you see her when she was on Ellen back in October? She as getting.it.in. If you missed it, thank goodness for youtube. Check it-
How could you not live this chick? Confidence is SO the business. That is all.
UPDATE: So, perhaps I should have qualified this. I do love that she is so confident and is making major moves in her career; however after being given the interview runaround, “yes-I-can-do-it, no-i-can’t,well-I-can-do-this, now I’m just avoid contact, let me just delete my myspace…I’m not feeling the love. I guess a lot can change in 15 minutes, huh? It’s understandable, on some level. But hey, we keep moving and will still (cautiously) rock with the girl.
To Whom It Concerns
Ladies! Today was a most-productive day! And I feel great!
After I finished writing my “I’m baaack” blogs last night, I stayed up and did something I haven’t done in a while…I wrote…and wrote…and wrote…until about 8:30 ish this morning.
Reeewiiiind…
When I finished blogging last night it was around 2ish in the a.m. I was tired, admittedly, so I played with the idea of “taking a nap” for an hour or so and getting back up to do some work. pause for the cause. Now, that inspired little idea never quite works out well for me because a power nap quickly turns into a good night’s sleep, despite my best intentions. So, instead, knowing myself like I do, I decided to stay up and bang the work out. I hit my second and third winds (you know the point when you’re so tired, you’re not even tired anymore and your energy just picks up?) and really got some things done.
So I stayed up wrote until about 8:30, took a shower, decided to send off an application and then, around 10:30, I took a nap, (I had to do it). I woke up around 2 and I’ve been working through my “to do list” since then. It’s like, once I got started, I did not want to stop. I had to actually make myself go and get food, and you know that’s commitment. It’s like I actually wanted to see how productive I could be, instead of putting things off until tomorrow or the day after that. Procrastination, I rebuke thee!
In any case, that was not the topic of today’s blog, but I just wanted to share. Now I see why people with such a strong work ethic are so super successful- you really have to get too fed up not to something, want it so badly you can’t sleep and work so hard that you surpass being tired. I’m there.
So, while I did go and get food, I didn’t actually eat until half an hour ago. I was trying to hold off until my actual dinner time (after 9 p.m., natch) but I was starving, so I went ahead and ate.
While eating, I caught a re-run of Roseanne (if you don’t know, seriously, get familiar) that I loved! It’s the episode where Roseanne, proud that her child was finally being recognized for an actual accomplishment, forced a mortified Darlene to read a poem she had written for homework at school’s “Culture Night,” per the prodding of Darlene’s teacher. This poem marked like one of the first times that Darlene, resident smart ass and heir apparent to Roseanne’s biting wit, shows any vulnerability…and she does it in front of her mother and her aunt, and the entire audience. Here’s a clip-
To Whom It Concerns by Darlene Conner
“To Whom It Concerns, Darlene’s work will be late, it fell in her pancakes and stuck to her plate.
To Whom It Concerns, my mom made me write this, and I’m just a kid, so how can I fight this.
To Whom It Concerns, I lost my assignment, maybe I’ll get lucky, solitary confinement.
To Whom It Concerns, Darlene’s great with a ball, but guys don’t watch tomboys, when they’re cruising the hall.
To Whom It Concerns, I just turned 13, too short to be quarterback, to plain to be queen.
To Whom It Concerns, I’m not make of steel. When I get blindsided, my pain is quite real.
I don’t mean to squawk but it really burns, I just thought I’d mention it, to whom it concerns.”
Love it! And yes, I did cry when I watched it again (for like the 20th time), as I do every time. It always gets to me.
Just thought I’d share.
The December/January Issues
The December/January Issues
Okay, so, I know I’ve been away for a minute, and maybe it’s just me, but I’m just really not all that excited about any of the (mainstream) winter issues this time around, like, really not. Maybe because they are double issues, I was expecting more. Maybe because I’m a winter baby I was hoping for the best, but, in the words of the song, I don’t think we’re gonna make it. Perhaps it’s just the previews I’m seeing online (I know I said that I was going to start subscribing and such, but really, I can’t see spending good money on publications I simply don’t really believe in. I know, I’m sounding very much like a Grinch right now, but I’ve let my many magazine subscriptions lapse over the past few months. I’m just not inspired, so I’m redirecting my energy and (meager financial) resources. But, here goes a little something.
New Youth Connections
New Youth Connections is starting things off with its “I *Heart* Tech” cover story. Hey! Not bad work if you can get it, or a bad field to pursue if you’re into it. I’m actually seeing a lot of really interesting articles here, among them:
“Off the Grid: Teens Give Up Their Gadgets”– Teen writers go without their Ipods,cell phones, Facebook and internet
Seriously? I’m interested to see how THAT turned out.
“Books Byte the Dust”– A school library gets rid of its books
Say WHAT now? I can’t say that I’m a fan of this, for several reasons but it’s sure to be an interesting read.
“Pirate or Pioneer?” – My daily downloads are illegal- for now
This is in no way an admisison of guilt, but I’m sure many can relate. I see you “anonymous.”
“Dream Tech Jobs” – A tech-drive hobby could become your full-time job
Turning hobbies into full-time jobs? Yesssir. Yes ma’am…You know I’m all about that. Teaching entrepreneurship at a young age? Absolutely.
“Is Sexting Sassy or Stupid?”
I mean, at this point, do we really need to ask? Seriously, and I say this with no judgement, trust me, but if you must (and might want to examine why you feel you must) keep it…PG-13. If you’ve ever watched an episode of Law & Order, read a gossip blog, or the news, you know that once it’s out there, it’ll be there…for your grandkids (and grandparents) to see. Just a thought.
There’s also a report on high school dropouts and some interesting family pieces.
For a full list of all the articles (and to read them online) check out the site.
Seventeen
So, as you can see, Miley Cyrus is the Seventeen cover girl this month. I feel a bit (more) out of the loop, because looking at this, I’m not sure why she’s on the cover (not saying that she’s undeserving. I have a 6 year old niece so I’ve seen my fair share of Hannah Montana, and I must say, chick is kind of nice with the show and the songs are catchier than a lil’ bit…“you get the best of both worlds, chill it out, take it slow, and then you rock out the show…” is my jam) but there she is, Seventeen-style. Here are a few (and I mean few) stories that caught my eye-
104 the truth about sex on tv The lies your favorite shows are telling you, plus how to feel good and be safe.
Now, I can get with this. December 1 was Global AIDS Awareness Day and honest talk about safer-sex practices and healthy sexuality always have a place in teen magazines, says me.
105 “i was sick, scared, and alone” Katie, 18, shares her swine-flu story to help you stay healthy!
Yes, you read that correctly. There’s an actual “true life” story of an 18-year-old girl who shares her swine flu misadventure…I know it’s not funny by I snickered a bit, after rolling my eyes. Seventeen is nothing, if not predictable. Btw…have you been vaccinated, yet? I know I’m one to talk, as I haven’t, but I’m not in a “high-risk” group, so I’m waiting my turn.
108 why guys dump girls they still like Real guys spill the top-5 reasons they bail. You’ll be surprised!
Now, Seventeen…really…what is this? Didn’t we already cover this in “He’s Just Not That Into You?” (Granted I didn’t read it or see the movie, but you know, I caught the cliff notes and I’m a believer in the message.) Speak the truth to the youth, don’t send them down the path to over-analyzation and reading between the lines when, as well all know, actions (no matter what the secret reasons behind them) speak volumes louder than words (even well-meaning, surprising ones).
There’s also an article entitled, “Invisible Attack: On p.142, how to protect yourself from bullies who can reach you 24/7.” Now if this is about what I think it is- cyber-bullying and/or stalking- than I’m all about that. Cyber-bullying is the epitome of b*!ch@ssness and, as we know from the news, can go downhill way too quickly.
For a full list of the articles in this episode, check out the break down at Seventeen.com.
Teen Vogue
Well looky here, Dakota Fanning is on the cover of Teen Vogue this winter. Again, not sure what project she has going on to warrant it, but I like her. I’ve seen her in a number of films, from way back when she was just a cute kid and I’ve consistently appreciated the acting skill. Nice to see the girl all grown up.
Now, I’m a little surprised at Teen Vogue. The past couple of months, I’ve been riding with them (not monetarily, but you know, supporting nonetheless) and this issue doesn’t seem to be bringing the same caliber of stories; however, here’s what we’ve got:
- 52 “All Together Now” We’ve introduced you to some amazing teen-started charities. Where are they now?
Love stories like this! It has it all- inspiration, taking action, realized dreams, and giving back to those who need it most. A definite “must read.”
- 71 “Fashion Blogger” Amidst a sea of front-row sameness, Jane Keltner searches for original thinkers.
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- Not sure what this is all about, but any article about “original thinkers” in fashion gets a second look from me.
- 75 “Talking Fashion” Party hopping with Young Hollywood … girl of the moment Tao Okamoto … trend spotting: animal prints.
- Now normally I breeze right over “girl of the moment” type stories because, well, they’re so predictable, but I have no clue who this chick is. I quick clicked on her and I’m interested enough to read more. Nice to see Asian girls/models getting some shine. I’m digging her hair cut and her style is not.
- Yeah…now I’m certainly not jumping on this “omg, she’s a thirteen year old blogger phenom” bandwagon, but you can’t hate on the girl for doing her thing at such a young age. I’d check and it out and see what’s really up with her.
- 128 “Dangerous Liaisons” More than a million teens are affected by STDs—yet unsafe sex is on the rise.
- Self-explanatory here. Know what you’re doing before you decide you’re ready to get it in, ladies. And, please, be as safe as possible (remembering that abstinence is always an option)
93 ” Super Fan” Thirteen-year-old blogger Tavi Gevinson plays dress up in Rodarte’s Target line.
150 “Fight Club” Name-calling, social isolation, rumor-spreading—when does bullying go too far?
Seventeen has a similar article on bullying, so you know I’m a fan of this kind of awareness. Now we’re all about sisterhood over here, but we’re also realists. You don’t have to like every other girl you meet, but there’s no rarely a need to be cruel. Seriously, save the energy. It’s so worth it.
For a full list of the articles in the December/January issues, check out the break down at Teen Vogue.com.
Girls Life
So, I have no idea who this is on the cover and that’s not such a bad thing, with all the recycling going on as of late. According to the site, this cover girl is Victoria Justice, an actress who stars as “the sweet sidekick on Zoey 101” on Nickelodeon and is getting her own show, called Victorious.
They have an article with New Mooner Taylor Lautner and aside from that, not much else I’d really check out. It’s usual fluffy Girl’s Life stuff- what clothes to wear, what makeup to pick, getting gifts for the low, how to eat right in the new year, horoscopes, and quizzes. Oh, but there is an article on shoplifting:
GL Special Report: Lifted
More teens than ever are turning to stealing as a way to get everything from jewelry to UGGs. But do you know the real consequences and dangers of shoplifting?
That’s SO not the business ladies…don’t do it.
Now what Girls’ Life does have that I suggest you check it, is tons of holiday giveaways! Check out the December calendar for details. And remember to come back in January for lots more. They are also giving away a Grand Prize spa trip at a Florida resort for one lucky reader and her mom.
Girl’s Life is also looking for a new blogger! Would you like to blog about your “health and fitness adventures?” Well, then GL could be looking for you! Here are the details:
“Write an essay explaining why you should be the next blogger babe. The essay should be 300 words or less, and should include some of your healthy goals and fave workouts.
Email your essay to g-life@girlslife.com by December 23rd to be considered. You must be between the ages of 10-17 to enter.”
Check out the website for more details.
Guess Who’s Bizzack?
Girls, girls, girls…It’s been a long time…I know, right? I shouldn’t have left you…but, sometimes (like this time) it is very necessary. And yes, believe it or not, I did miss you. But I’m back! And ready to get, get, get (back at) it.
So here goes, a belated Happy Thanksgiving! to all my Homegirls! I hope you ate well, enjoyed time with the family (or friends) and that you have a lot to be thankful for. I know that I certainly do. It’s been a rough year, and over the course of the past few months, I’ve lost several family members. So this year, I was most thankful for the ones that I have (and for the real love that we have for one another) and for the time that I still have here on Earth. And I’m even more determined to do something(s) with my talent, and make every moment (or decision) count, because as Ms. Badu sang, “Time’s a wastin…”
Now, normally, I would’ve spent Thanksgiving down south with my grandmother and my family. Mmmm…Good company, great food, and really good times. But this year, I spent Thanksgiving in Cancun, yes, as in Mexico. And I’ve got to tell you, I had a blast, which is why I did not think of even touching a computer with any seriousness.
I’m really not a braggart, but here are a few pics from my trip:
- The resort
- The ocean view
- The water
- Mayan ruins in Ek Balam
- The city of Ek Balam
- Cemetery; possibly morbid, but really fascinating
- Ah yes, Thanksgiving dinner. The salad.
- The soup
- Lemon sorbet (to clean the palate)- yummy!
- Turkey dinner…eh…I prefer the real thing
- Option 2: Filet Mignon (What I should have chosen) SO good!
- And for dessert- some type of apple strudel business
The parting view...adios Cancun
Ok. So now that we’ve caught up, let’s get back to work. I have a lot planned for the upcoming weeks and I hope you enjoy it!
Until then!
Teen Dating Violence- How to Help Others
Advice from Day One on how to help others–
Step Four- Learn How You Can Help Others
10 Ways to Help a Friend or Family Member Who is Being Abused
Helping someone who is being abused isn’t always easy. Day One can show you how to support someone without contributing to the danger.
- Take a Deep Breath. Before you say anything to your family/friend member, take time to think about your relationship with the person and what this person means to you. The type of relationship that you share will affect your approach. Monitor your own emotions: You’re in the best position to help someone else when you’re open-minded and patient.
- Don’t be afraid to tell them you are concerned for their safety. Help them recognize the abuse. Them them you see what is going on and you want to help. Help them see that what is happening is not “normal” and they deserve a healthy, non-violent relationship.
- Acknowledge that they are in a very difficult and scary situation. Encourage them strength and courage. Let them know that it is not their fault that they are being abused- the abuser, not the victim, is responsible for the abuse. Let them know they are not alone.
- Be supportive. Listen to them. Remember, it may be difficult for them to talk about the abuse. Let them know you can help out whenever they need it. What they need most is someone who will listen to them and believe them, and who can help them sort out their options.
- Be non-judgmental. Respect their decisions. There are complex reasons why victims stay in abusive relationships. They may break up with and go back to the abuser many times. Don’t criticize them for doing that. They will need your support even more at those times. Don’t make them feel bad for their choices- even if you think the choices are wrong.
- Encourage them to do things with you and other friends and family and to take part in other activities outside of their relationship.
- If they break up with the abuser, continue to be supportive of them after the break-up. Though the relationship was abusive, they will probably fell sad and lonely when it is over. They may be tempted to get back together with that abuser, and will especially need your support at that time.
- Help them develop a safety plan. Safety Planning helps victims think ahead about how to protect themselves. A safety plan is developed before a dangerous situation arises rather than at the last minute. A safety plan identifies dangers to avoid and resources for help.
- Encourage them to talk to people who can give help and guidance. Offer to go with them to find a counselor or support group, or to talk to their family, friends, or teachers. If they are going to the police, to court, or to see a lawyer, offer to go along, but make sure to let them do the talking.
- Remember you cannot “rescue” them. Although it’s difficult to see someone you care about get hurt, ultimately the victim must make the final decision. You should be there to support them and help them find their own way to escape the abuse and make themselves safe.
Note: the reality of most reported cases of relationship violence is that victims are referred to as “she” and abusers as “he.” However, boys and men can be victims, and girls and women can be abusers; and domestic violence occurs in same-sex relationships at the same rate as in heterosexual relationships. The above information applies equally in all cases.
Teen Dating Violence: Get Help
In New York City, Day One can help.
Step Three: Get Help for Yourself
Comprehensive Services for Youth Experiencing Dating Abuse
If you are 14-22 years old and a survivor of abuse, combines therapeutic counseling and legal services are available to you at no fee.
Day One Offers:
- support groups
- individual and group counseling
Day One Can:
- help you navigate the criminal courts system
- accompany you to the police precinct to file a report
- work with your school & the Department of Education for a school transfer
- help you access public assistance, housing, immigration & other support services
- represent you in family court for orders of protection, custody & visitation, and child support
Call Day One to meet with an attorney and a counselor who will help you make safe choices in and out of your relationship. The phone number is: 1-800-214-4150/ 212-566-8120
The office is located in a confidential location in downtown Manhattan and provides free metrocards for youth traveling to Day One’s office. Also, Hablan Espanol.
And, additional information from the Brooklyn DA’s office: “You are not alone! Tell a friend or adlt that you trust. Don’t be afraid to report abuse. Silence is the most dangerous issue in dating violence.”
Here is a list of additional resources:
- Brooklyn Family Justice Center– Provides civil legal assistance, counseling, emergency support, spiritual counseling, and information about housing and public assistance for domestic violence victims. Walk-in hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. 350 Jay Street, 15th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- STEPS to End Family Violence– Provides counseling and education for teens who abused, legal assistance and court advocacy for incarcerated women who have been abused. Ph: 646-315-7600; 212-410-4200
- The Door– Comprehensive services for youth 12-21. Services include counseling, GED instruction, job and internship placement services, art therapy, legal services, health center, creative and performing arts center. Make an appointment or walk-in Monday-Friday (2-5) or Wednesday (2-7). Enter at 555 Broome Street, 121 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013. Ph: 212-941-9090
- The Safe Space- A project of Break the Cycle, Safe Space can help you get involved in bringing awareness about teen dating and domestic violence to your community. Ph: 1-888-988-TEEN
- CAMBA– A comprehensive care community care agency with specific programs for victims of violence and youth, including legal services, counseling, and work force development. 885 Flatbush Avenue, 3rd Fl. Brooklyn, NY 11226. Ph: 718-282-5575
- St. Luke’s Hospital Crime Victims Treatment Center– Offers crisis intervention and individual and group counseling as well as other services. 411 W.114th St., New York, NY 10025. Ph: 212-523-4728
- NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Program (AVP)– Provides counseling, advocacy, and support for the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV affected communities of NYC who have been impacted by violence and crime. Ph: 212-714-1141 (24-hour hotline)
- Center for Family Life– Provides comprehensive services on behalf of youth and families, including counseling, employment support, and advocacy. Ph: 718-788-3500
- Planned Parenthood of NYC– Family Planning, STD/HIV Testing, Gynecological services. Services available for men also. Walk-ins welcome for Pregnancy Testing and Emergency Contraception. Various locations. Appointment line: 1-800-230-PLAN
- Break Free Adolescent Services– Services Adolescents ages 12-17 1/2) in English, Spanish and Russian. Break-Free provides weekly individual and family therapy for teens with academic programs, family conflict, truancy and other social or emotional disorders. 2020 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11223. Ph: 718.676.4280
- Dr. White Community Center- Catholic Charities, Diocese of Brooklyn- Offers various programs including after school and a youth employment program- services are free. 200 Gold Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Ph: 718-875-8801
- Children’s Aid Society, Family Wellness Program– Offers group and individual counseling for teens who have been affected by family violence and/or who are being abused in an intimate relationship. Also offered are educational workshops and peer leadership groups for teens. Services for younger children, adult women and adult men are also offered. Services are offered in several Children’s Aid Society sites in Manhattan and the Bronx. Ph: 212-949-4800
- Barrier Free Living– Serves disabled clients who are experiencing or have previously experienced domestic violence, and their children who have witnessed abuse. They provide information and referral services, individual and group counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatric services, occupational therapy, and advocacy services. Ph: 212-533-4358
- LawHelp/NY– An online resource for low-income New Yorkers seeking pro bono legal assistance. Find help on issues such as housing, family & juvenile, identity theft, taxes, consumer, public benefits, health and more! Featuring thousands of resources in over 39 languages, an instructional video and a mirror site in Spanish. Free trainings available. Visit LawHelp.org/NY for more information.
- NYC Domestic Violence Hotline Ph: 1-800-621-HOPE 24 hours per day/7 days per week
- NYS Domestic Violence Hotline Ph: 1-800-942-6906 24 hours per day/7 days per week
- Youthline Ph: 1-800-246-4646 Monday-Friday 9am-9pm; Weekends Noon-8pm
- National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline Ph: 1-866-331-9474
- National Domestic Violence Hotline Ph: 1-800-799-SAFE
- Covenant House’s 9 Line– The 9 Line is a general hotline for teenagers. Covenant House specializes in providing temporary housing and assistance to runaway and homeless youth. Ph: 1-800-999-9999
Homegirl NYC 