Comprehensive guide includes listings of city-wide programs and activities available to residents throughout the school year

Newark, NJ - October 1, 2008 - Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Margarita Muñiz, Newark Now Vice President Anthony Santiago, Municipal Council Members, private partners, and community residents gathered in the City Hall Rotunda today to unveil the City of Newark’s new Directory for Youth and Families.

The 2008-2009 Directory for Youth and Families contains information on various programs, services and resources available throughout the city, and is intended to provide Newark residents with an array of fun and educational activities for them and their families to engage in during the school year.

“Our commitment to our City’s children does not end when the final school bell of the day is rung,” Mayor Booker said. “We are determined to provide our children with safe, wholesome, productive, educational activities, where they can learn, play, and manifest their own personal excellence. This directory will enable our families and children to know exactly what we and our many partners offer to our youth. I urge families to pick up this directory, and make use of the services it offers.”

Within this directory, residents will discover listings for enrichment and after-school activities, tutoring and homework help, scholarships, recreation programs, health services, adult education opportunities, and mentoring organizations, among many others.

“Knowledge is power and this directory is going to empower Newark families to engage their children in positive after school activities which in turn will enrich their lives and benefit our City as a whole. We hope the creation of this directory will serve as a useful tool to help parents navigate the wide array of after school activities that are available for their children,” said Deputy Mayor Muñiz.

In 2007, the City partnered with Newark Now to create the Super Summer Directory, a comprehensive guide for Newark residents to identify activities and services for their families to enjoy during the summer months. Now, with the launch of the new Youth and Families Directory, residents can remain up-to-date on the many programs and resources available to them year-round.

“I think this is another positive outcome of all the partnerships with stakeholders in the community to inform families and empower children. This is a living document and we hope to include more partners as time goes on,” said Child and Family Well-Being Director Maria Vizcarrondo.

“Academic excellence depends on the ability of individuals - from the public and private sector alike - to work together in fostering the development of youth and their families,” said Newark Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Clifford Janey. “The creation of this directory is yet another example of the collective efforts being made by the City, Newark Public Schools, and members of the community-at-large to expand opportunities for our young people.”

The directories were created in collaboration with a number of public and private agencies and organizations, including the City’s Department of Child and Family Well-Being, Newark Public Schools, the Rivendell Foundation, the Association for the Children of New Jersey, the Prudential Foundation, eyesNewark, United Way of Essex and West Hudson, Covenant House, and the Nicholson Foundation.

“With the success of the Super Summer guides, it was important that residents have access to information on activities available to them year-round,” said Newark Now Vice President Anthony Santiago. “I would often hear young people ask what they can do once the school day ends, and these directories offer answers.”

Copies of the 2008-2009 Directory for Youth and Families can be found on the City of Newark’s website at www.ci.newark.nj.us, as well as on Newark Now’s website at www.newarknow.org. Residents can also pick them up at the Office of Constituent Services in Newark’s City Hall.

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For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us