Housing Security
At SFDSF, we are mindful that the inability to secure safe housing can negatively impact one’s ability to maintain or find a job, attend school, and maintain optimal health. Intrinsically, SFDSF developed a comprehensive homelessness prevention program that includes tenant support services, eviction prevention, and a community outreach team focusing on neighborhoods at risk of homelessness.
FRANCISCAN Higher Achievement Program (FHAP)
The program is designed to directly identify high-potential students in low-performing schools in low-income neighborhoods within New York City through recommendations from administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, neighbors, and family members. The ultimate goal is to empower young people to excel in school and make positive changes in their lives and the communities in which they reside.
Obesity Prevention
The fight against obesity among children remains a critical health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of American children and teens are overweight or obese. It is becoming harder for parents and children to make healthy food choices and get enough physical activity when exposed to environments that do not support healthy habits. In New York City, 1 in 5 kindergarten students and 1 in 4 head start children are obese.
Safe after School Programs
Children enrolling in our safe after-school programs are exposed to a whole other world of imagination and growth. In addition to supplementing what they have learned in school, they will participate in interactive learning models that engage critical thinking skills, get assistance with their homework from trained SFDSF staff, have a chance to socialize with each other and form long-lasting friendships that will enhance their growth, development, and self-confidence.