Youth Opportunity
Zone
The Youth Opportunity Zone initiative works for the betterment of the youth in our community. We emphasize youth leadership within our committee, as they have an invaluable perspective on the realities that impact equitable youth health.
Why focus on youth opportunity within Cranston?
50%
of teens report providing translation for families - creating school/ home barriers
16.2%
of adults do not have a high school diploma or equivalent
60%
mentioned not enough affordable after school activities
What We're Working On
Youth Leadership
The YOZ recognizes youth's invaluable perspective on the realities of growing up in Cranston, so we must have youth members in our subcommittee. Also, being on this committee is an excellent opportunity for teens to gain real-world experience in community engagement - and earn community service hours towards graduating high school!
What We've Done
Objective 1: Increase access to out-of-school time activities
Strategies: Hold a Summer Scholarship series
Impact Area(s): Educational opportunities for youth
Outcome/ Evaluation: Scholarships were provided to 15 kids for 5 different kids (STEM, Environment, Movement, Arts)
Partners: Cranston Park & Rec Department, Camp XL, STEM Academy, Cranston YMCA, Global Science and Envirotech, Inc.
Objective 2: Promote race equity through reading
Strategies: Organize a 'Brown Dad, Brown Boy, Brown Basketball' reading event
Impact Area(s): Race equity, improving reading levels
Outcome/ Evaluation: 30 children and their parents participated in the reading event
Partners: Justin Lester (author of 'Brown Dad, Brown Boy, Brown Basketball)
Our Proud Backbone Agency
Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) is proud to be the backbone agency for the Cranston Health Equity Zone. CCAP is one of Rhode Island’s largest organizations dedicated solely to fighting the war on poverty. We provide a wide spectrum of services and benefits that are designed to help those in immediate need and empower anyone desiring to become more self-sufficient.
For a full list of CCAP programs and services, please visit here.
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Contact
Main Office
1090 Cranston Street
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 714 - 7004
Family Support Center
70 Gansett Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 642- 7595
Staff not always in office. Please call ahead.
Stay Connected with Us
The OneCranston Health Equity Zone is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health.