Reformed Church of Bronxville Members Make Life-Changing Impact on Yonkers Students
By Susan Schwartz, Communications Director, Yonkers Partners in Education
Apr. 14, 2021: As the pandemic has elevated the needs of many residents in Westchester, members of the Reformed Church of Bronxville (RCB) have answered the call to support young people right down the road. Through a partnership with Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE), members of the Church have become mentors, coaches, and champions for high school students in Yonkers.
Developing partnerships with local community organizations is very important to the Church. "We want to work with our neighbors and develop connections that will build over years," said Mary Mackintosh, RCB Director of Missional Engagement. "Education is such an important part of the lives of our congregants, so connecting with YPIE was a natural fit."
The Reformed Church of Bronxville (RCB) describes itself as a family of faith, a home for all, at the heart of the community. In recent years, RCB has grown from a village-centered church serving members from Bronxville and Yonkers -- to a thriving house of worship that draws visitors from throughout the county and virtual worshippers around the world.
Mary was introduced to YPIE several years earlier when she heard YPIE Board Chairman David Westin present the impact YPIE was having to ensure Yonkers high school students were on the path to college success.
Mary met with YPIE Executive Director Sam Wallis at the YPIE College Zone days before the pandemic began. When Mary was named Director of Mission Engagement in September 2020, she shares that one of the first things she wanted to do in this new role was to partner with YPIE.
"In my previous life, I was a social worker and lawyer, and also worked with the Yonkers Schools. I saw the pluses and minuses of the educational enhancements students receive in communities like Bronxville -- and the glaring difference in what students get in less-resourced areas like Yonkers."
She sent an email to the church community introducing them to YPIE and invited those interested in mentoring high school students to attend an online Information Session. "The congregants who attended were so impressed with the session and felt that this program was really well run. The structure and support were really important."
In October 2020, 10 volunteers from RCB signed up to become YPIE Graduation Coaches, volunteers who become invaluable mentors to Yonkers students throughout high school on their path to college. Several of the volunteers asked to be matched with a second student for YPIE's incoming 9th-grade class.
"Our volunteers are a cross-section of people -- from younger to older, for whom the connection to a student is so meaningful -- a man who loves kids but doesn't have children of his own, a single woman who wanted to connect with a student, a very busy financial executive with four children of his own who wanted to offer the sorts of opportunities that his children have had and share his knowledge with a student who might not have the same opportunities."
Mary has received very positive feedback so far. "It's so amazing, particularly to those who have teenagers of their own, how open these students can be. YPIE has built this trust. And, the volunteers are overwhelmed by the amount of support they receive from YPIE."
Mary is also a YPIE Graduation Coach. "My YPIE Scholar opens up more and more each time I talk to her. That's the real benefit of starting in 9th grade. By the time you get to the college process, you have a real relationship and something to build on."
Mary also sees how these relationships are very meaningful for the mentors. "I'm all about what we learn from people who are different from us. It helps us to see that every student has potential. Unless we nurture that and offer new opportunities, these students will not be able to reach their potential."
YPIE is deeply grateful to partner with RCB and for all the volunteers that are making a life-changing impact on Yonkers student,
For more information, YPIE.org/volunteer.
Photo by N. Bower
Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.
Community Service Organizations Directory
Bronxville Beautification Council
Organized in 1982 and incorporated in 1993, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not for profit organization administered by a Board of Directors. Its mission is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of Bronxville Village, with emphasis on the downtown business district of Bronxville. The BBC uses the dollars raised in its annual spring solicitation letter to residents to fund the mum, tulip and summer flower plantings downtown and at traffic intersections, as well as the summer hanging baskets. Every few years the group spearheads such major endeavors as the renovation of Leonard Morange Square on the west side of the railroad tracks and the beautification of the Lawrence Hospital traffic circle, which included the addition of plants and the building of the fountain that now makes a gracious western portal to our town. The BBC also works with other civic groups to monitor the aesthetics of retail signage, the consistency of sidewalk materials, and litter and graffiti. During Beautify Bronxville Week, the BBC sponsors a poetry reading and works with Scout groups on the annual village clean-up.
Bronxville Beautification Council
PO Box 127
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-6123
Bronxville Boy Scouts
The village of Bronxville has a long tradition of scouting. “The troops and packs of Bronxville have maintained the finest scouting organizations and have taught the boys of the Bronxville area to be leaders and outstanding members of the local, national and global communities.”
There are several Boy Scout Troops in Bronxville, including Troops 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Bronxvillle Girls Scouts
The Girls Scouts is “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.” In Girl Scouts, “girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Through the many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong.”
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
The Bronxville Historical Conservancy was founded in 1998 to further the understanding and appreciation of the history and current life of the village. The Conservancy furthers its mission through the presentation of programs, publications, lectures and special events that foster an awareness of the village's architectural, artistic and cultural heritage, and lends its support for projects designed to strengthen and preserve those legacies. Anyone who is interested in the Bronxville and its history can become a member; varying levels of membership are available.
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
PO Box 989
Bronxville, New York 10708
http://bronxvillehistoricalconservancy.org/
Bronxville School Foundation
The Bronxville School Foundation, founded in 1991, is a non-profit organization independent from the school with the sole purpose of supporting the school. The Foundation raises money each year through donations from school families, community members, and alumni, among others.These contributions fund grants that provide cutting-edge technology, innovative programs and curriculum and other resources that are beyond the scope of public school funding.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0515
https://www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org/
Bronxville Women’s Club
The Bronxville Women’s Club offers lectures, exhibits and concerts. It also has a beautiful clubhouse which is available for rental for events.
135 Midland Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3252
www.bronxvillewomensclub.org
Bronxville Youth Council
The Bronxville Youth Council provides volunteer and leadership opportunities for high school students in the village of Bronxville.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0500 ext 1789
Counseling Center
Founded in 1971, the mission of the Counseling Center “is to provide a wide range of psychotherapeutic and counseling services to individuals, couples and families by a staff of highly trained, experience and dedicated psychotherapists.
The Counseling Center
180 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-3388
www.counselingcenter.org
Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester & Tuckahoe
The mission of the Community Fund is “to support broad social services in Bronxville 10708, Eastchester and Tuckahoe through grants and technical support to local agencies and community projects. All money raised here in our community stays here in our community.”
15 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-8808
www.thecommunityfund.org
Friends of the Bronxville Library
The Friends of the Bronxville Library is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to focus attention on the “Library’s services, facilities and needs” as well as sponsor projects and provide materials that are beyond the reach of the Library’s regular budget and perform other services.
Junior League of Bronxville
The Junior League of Bronxville is “an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.”
Rotary Club of Bronxville
The mission of the Rotary Club of Bronxville is to “encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and to encourage and foster (1) the development of friendships within the community as an opportunity for service, (2) high ethical standards in business and professions, (3) the application of the ideal of service of each member to his personal and business and community life and (4) the advancement of international understanding, good will and peace through a world fellowship.”
Senior Citizens of Bronxville
Senior Citizens of Bronxville is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and programs to seniors within the 10708 zip code area. “Programs cover a wide range of activities from educational seminars and cultural enrichment, to community services, bridge classes and exercise.”
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