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As a not-for-profit child welfare agency, Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children & Family Services works to develop confidence, resilience, academic skills, and adult/family support that enables the children we serve to become responsible, self-sufficient adults. Founded in 1836 as the Colored Orphan's Asylum, the organization provides family preservation, family support services for children with development disabilities, after school programming, evidence-informed interventions, groups, and Emergency Food Pantry services to individuals residing in the New York City area. We keep families together by offering an array of services to meet their needs. Our programs are strength-based and family-centered with 98% of the children remaining safely at home with their families in a nurturing environment. We provide after school services to more than 500 children daily while our Emergency Food Pantry provides food packages to more than 5,000 New Yorkers each year.
CHILDREN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children and Family Services has been providing after school services in the Harlem community for more than 20 years. We have provided after-school programming to more than 6,000 youth in Harlem. Our program includes the Intergenerational Service Learning program with Logan Gardens, an assisted living residence for seniors. Our collaboration with Columbia University's Teachers College provides various educational opportunities for our participants. Programming includes Health & Nutrition, Literacy, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics) activities such as a robotics. EVIDENCE-BASED & EVIDENCE-INFORMED SERVICES Strong African American Families Harlem Dowling is the first agency in New York State to provide Strong African American Families (SAAF) groups that are supported by research evidence. Strong African-American Families (SAAF) and Strong African-American Families – Teen (SAAF-T) interventions provides a safe and supportive group setting through which parents/caregivers and children aged 10-14 and 14-16 respectively, can come together to strengthen their relationships, develop constructive conflict resolution skills, and address common issues that the children and their parents/caregivers face at work, home, and school. GenerationPMTO (Parent Management Training – The Oregon Model) Harlem Dowling is also one of two agencies in New York State to offer GenerationPMTO (Parent Management Training – the Oregon Model) that is well supported by research evidence. GenerationPMTO treatment program is a 12-session, individual intervention that provides parents/caregivers with tools, support, and strategies to promote their children's healthy adjustment and well-being. "Each year, Harlem Dowling serves more than 7,500 individuals including children, their families, and senior citizens."
Harlem Dowling has been more than a financial resource. Their concerns and the eventual financial assistance received, greatly relieved me of my stress, improved my emotional and psychological well-being. Their assistance has brought back tremendous balance into our lives in that we are able to walk with our heads high and maintain a sense of dignity. Our lives have been made normal again through their undivided attention and assistance. My faith in the organization is profound. I am elated to share my family's story so that any other family seeking help, can, without reservation, trust and seek them out for support.
New York, NY
This is my family. We have been through long, difficult months. We were broken by bad decisions, no communication, frequent arguments, and alcohol use. Kemraj was not spending time with the children – there were a lot of tears and frustration. Looking back, because of the services we received, we have much to be thankful for. The agency helped my husband and now he no longer drinks and we have lots of family time. We learned how to have a healthy relationship by talking to each other, respecting opinions, and most importantly, listening to the other person. I also learned to trust my family to support us when we are struggling. I am truly happy that Harlem Dowling helped my family stay together. The most important thing is the love we have for each other.
Karen DixonExecutive Director
Flor SaltielPresident
Dawn SpeaksVice President
Sandra FumeiTreasurer
Wendy HewlettBoard Member
Natash ReidBoard Member
Dr. Bert Petersen Board Member
Bisrat Mekbeb Board Member
Jane D. Edwards - President Emeritus
Jane Dustan
David Furer
Gregory Fusco
Alvin C. Hudgins
Arthur E. Young, Esq.
Mark V. Monteverdi (Emeritus)
It is with profound sorrow that Harlem Dowling announces that our Board Member, Mrs. Peggy Cohen passed away on January 20th, following a long illness. Mrs. Cohen passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Cohen’s dedication, generosity, and love for Harlem Dowling and the children we serve, was unmatched and will be missed terribly. She co-chaired our Fundraising Committee, supported our programs and encouraged her friends and family to do so as well. Ms. Cohen’s involvement and impact on Harlem Dowling has been great and serves as an inspiration to us all as we honor her memory. The kindness, warmth, and spirited advocacy Mrs. Cohen exuded will be missed so very much and will live in Harlem Dowling’s ongoing work with children and families. I know you join with me in extending our deepest condolences to the Cohen family.
