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Neighborhood Benches, Inc. is a grassroots organization committed to educating young individuals about leadership and effective strategies aimed at disrupting cycles of youth violence and incarceration. The organization prioritizes mentorship and leadership development for marginalized youth, with the goal of empowering them to emerge as community leaders through comprehensive educational programs, supportive services, and personalized guidance. By identifying potential adult leaders within impacted communities, Neighborhood Benches fosters their evolution into mentors, understanding that these local figures are often more relatable and recognizable to their peers. This methodology enhances the effectiveness of their initiatives and serves as a validated place-based strategy for revitalizing neighborhoods afflicted by violence and crime.your block, write your own text and edit me.
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Legendary Experience
Learning lessons from unique guys that are respected in their community.
Educational Quality
A lesson plan is not sustainable until a social worker acknowledge the benefits.
Neighborhood Benches is modeling and leading the discussion on program culture and community fidelity. Our appraoch gathers information about the hood-culture and the narratives shaping community. With that information we are changing the direction of the discussion by better understanding the people we want to service, mentor, support and learn from.
Returning Citizens
Immediate upon their release, they got to work sharing knowledge and ideas.
Consulting Youth
Real plans to change the narrative must include the young voices in the room.

Success Stories:

"D-Hop" "Pop" "Blessing" "Primo". "Da Homeless Hero". "D-Wiz"
PLANTING THE SEED The metaphor of “planting the seed” signifies the intention behind this work: to initiate positive change that can flourish over time. This structured approach emphasizes the importance of mentorship in community development, where mentors play a crucial role in guiding mentees through their learning journey.It involves an intentional and systematic practice where experienced individuals (mentors) support less experienced individuals (mentees) in their professional and personal growth. This relationship is not merely transactional; it is reciprocal, as both parties engage in knowledge sharing.
PhD Storytelling Project: Focus Group with Mentors
During this phase of development, mentees are tasked with engaging their communities actively. This engagement is critical for several reasons:

  • Reconnecting with Individuals Seeking Guidance
  • Strengthening Knowledge Through Reciprocity
  • Expanding Networks of Practitioners and Mentors
Each mentor faces the challenge of returning to a community they have previously impacted in some capacity and encouraged to identify ways they can strengthen existing initiatives or introduce new strategies that align with the community’s evolving needs. This cycle of giving back ensures that knowledge does not remain stagnant but rather circulates within the community, creating a dynamic environment where continuous learning and improvement are prioritized.

MEET THE LEADERS

Rena Brown, SIFI Director of Education
Daniel Osorio Director of Projects
"The work is never easy, this is why you need a team of directors that are committed to the mission and values the patience it takes for this model to work." -William M. Evans
Our community transformation is uniquely different. The ENTIRE COMMUNITY is important to this process.
William M. Evans is a Restorative Practitioner specializing in Strategic Urban Leadership Development (SULD). His work focuses on transforming individuals affected by systemic issues into role models who exhibit positive behavioral changes and contribute to community rebuilding. With expertise in identifying emerging leaders, William designs programs that foster social consciousness and empower communities.
Before founding Neighborhood Benches, William worked as the Program & Grants Assistant for the United Federation of Teachers within the NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative. He was also involved with Public Allies NY and served as Interim Operations Supervisor on Rikers Island for the Fortune Society’s Individualized Corrections Achievement Network (I-CAN), where he trained Discharge Planners. As a Bronx native, William is passionate about improving the lives of young people in his community. In 2019, he enrolled at Yeshiva University to pursue a PhD, aiming to enhance his practice further.
In 2019, William distinguished himself as one of 34 winners selected from a competitive pool of 2,574 applicants across 161 countries, earning recognition as an Echoing Green Fellow under Black Males Achievement. This accolade supports his efforts to scale his model and strengthen his leadership as the Founder & President of Neighborhood Benches. William leverages both his personal experiences and professional background to propel Neighborhood Benches forward in its mission.
William is a member of the Restorative Roots Collaborative
Fashion Design Lounge 275 W 146th Street New York, NY 10039 Crisis Management Resource Center 2916 Fredrick Douglass Blvd. 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10039 Copyright © 2020 Neighborhood Benches, Inc. All Rights Reserved.