WHEDco is proud to present a new website to showcase our Safe Spaces project, a research initiative in partnership with NYU from our flagship After School Program at PS/IS 218. Over the course of a six-week period, Mario Ynfante, WHEDco After-School Program Group Leader, and Dr. Nicole Lavan, Senior Director of Research and Program Development, conducted interviews with 10 WHEDco middle school students. The interviews illuminate the physical, mental, and emotional forms of safety they experience at WHEDco, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Safe Spaces website features interview snapshots, accompanied by professional photos that reflect concepts and experiences of “Safe Spaces” during the pandemic.
“Whenever I was down, someone from WHEDco would come and talk to me and help me feel safe. That’s what it’s all about.”
-Christina Adja, WHEDco After School student