Urban Upbound and Yes I Can Collaborate to Support NYC Children

For more information about Urban Upbound and Yes I Can, please visit urbanupbound.org and yesicanservices.com.

New York, NY — June — Urban Upbound, a community-based organization with 20 years of experience fostering economic and social development in New York City, proudly announces a groundbreaking collaboration with Yes I Can (YIC), a multifaceted organization specializing in educational support, mental health services, and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) for New York children. 

Bishop Mitchell Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Urban Upbound, stated, "Our collaboration with Yes I Can is an important milestone in our mission to support the most important members of our community, our children. Our partnership will provide us with a tremendous opportunity to serve children with severe learning disabilities and mental health challenges. By joining forces, we can leverage our collective fields of expertise and resources to ensure that every child, regardless of their challenges and household income, receives the support they need."

Simcha Feller, co-founder of Yes I Can, said: "We are excited to collaborate with Urban Upbound in this unprecedented endeavor. Together, we can improve the lives of NYC children by providing comprehensive support services and pathways to success."

According to the National Center for Education Studies (NCES) and the NYC Department of education (DOE), at least 20% of children in New York City require special education services or have mental health related issues, with the actual number potentially higher.

In addition to this educational support initiative, this collaboration between Urban Upbound and Yes I Can will also prioritize providing essential mental health services. This comprehensive approach aims to address the holistic needs of NYC children and their families, including support for those with dyslexia. Alongside facilitating access to healthcare services and daily living activities, it fosters community involvement and support.

Bishop Taylor emphasized, “We have a special obligation to all children, to give them an equal opportunity. Through this collaboration, we will offer a range of services, including educational support, counseling, healthcare coordination, and advocacy. Thus, ensuring that every child receives the care and attention they deserve." 

The collaboration will extend its operations across multiple locations throughout New York City, encompassing Urban Upbound’s sites within NYCHA neighborhoods such as Queensbridge Houses, the largest public housing development in the country, alongside Yes I Can's network of educational facilities and outreach programs. 

In anticipation of this collaboration, Urban Upbound and Yes I Can have diligently laid the foundation for the success of this groundbreaking initiative. Urban Upbound’s team will receive training and on-going direct support from Yes I Can, enabling them to leverage Yes I Can’s proven methodology and lesson plans, and equipping them to implement these services effectively within NYCHA and other low-income communities.

Bishop Mitchell Taylor and Simcha Feller will personally lead this collaboration, embodying the shared commitment of Urban Upbound and Yes I Can to assist the needs of NYC children. Both stated "We believe that every child, regardless of their learning abilities or mental health status, deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Through our partnership, we're committed to providing comprehensive support services and pathways to success for NYC children and their families."