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Holistic Ministries

Since 1996, LPAC has operated holistic ministries from the Urban Ministry Complex (UMC).  Through these ministries, we strive to develop the Southwest Bronx by guiding children, youth, and adults to a life-long calling of personal and community growth. 

ª  Our programs cover US Congressional District #16; Bronx Community Boards #4 and #5; DOE region #1; and Bronx Community School District #9, serving largely residents of Highbridge, Morris Heights, and Morrisania. 

ª  Over the years, we have offered holistic ministries to all ages.  In addition, since 2001, we have housed the K-5 Family Life Academy Charter School (FLACS), for which we are the community sponsor and a partner in providing academic enrichment services to its student body.

 

1.   Urban Youth Fellows Leadership Program (UYFLP)

From 1994-2000, LPAC operated the Urban Youth Fellows Leadership Program (UYFLP) for urban youth leaders or those who wanted to become leaders, who work predominately with Latino and Black youth (From 1994-1996, LPAC ran UYFLP from its original headquarters in NYCMS). 

ª  Fellows met with youth and youth leaders once a month for a year; participants learned holistic ministry principles to inspire and prepare them to become effective ministers and help them to become involved in the Four Pillars of Community Life™. 

ª  Over this period, more than 150 youth and young adults became urban youth fellows, and many have established or worked in holistic ministries in NYC and across the country.

 

2.   Center for Emerging Female Leadership (CEFL)

From 1994-2003, LPAC ran the Center for Emerging Female Leadership (CEFL) to serve women who are either emerging or practicing some form of leadership in church or society; CEFL grew out of Latinas in Ministry, which was launched in 1994.  In early 2003, CEFL became an independent national non-profit, faith-based organization.

 

3.   New Hope After School Program (NH)

Since 1997, LPAC has served nearly 1,000 children through the New Hope After School Program (NH) and in-class instructional support. 

ª  From 1998-2003, nearly 450 (75%) children improved their reading at grade level or above.  NH also engages the children in character and leadership development, family engagement, and community involvement activities. 

ª  In 2001-2002, 97% of the in-class students mastered their grade requirement.  In addition, NH provided homework help and tutoring to 640 students through NH and in-class instructional support, and nearly 450 (or 70%) improved their GPA by at least 20%. 

 

4.   Greater Heights Youth Program (GH)

Since 1997, LPAC has served over 4,000 unduplicated youth (ages 13-24) through the Greater Heights Youth Program (GH). 

ª  GH has provided SAT prep, academic and college advisement, and college trips. 

ª  Over 30% increased their SAT scores (compared to pre-tests) by at least 200 total points. 

ª  Hundreds have been accepted to city and out-of-town colleges and universities. 

ª  With the support of CUNY @ Lehman College’s work-study program, we have tutored youth, and over half have improved their GPA by at least 20%.

 

5.   Nuestra Gente

In 1998, LPAC operated Nuestra Gente, which organized, developed, and assisted local residents in being engaged in the local electoral, educational, political, and community processes.  Residents received leadership skills training and were prepared to take collective action to improve their neighborhood. 

ª  Through Nuestra Gente, LPAC became the community sponsor of over 40 homes (Villas de Paz in the Southwest Bronx and Villas de Esperanza in East Harlem). 

ª  LPAC also became involved with the South Bronx Development Corporation for local redevelopment. 

ª  Members of Nuestra Gente conducted a survey that identified within a 10-block radius of our building various empty lots, vacant buildings, etc. 

ª  Thereafter, members identified the resources to 1) conduct home ownership seminars; 2) develop homeowner’s associations; and 3) build the homes.

 

6.   AmeriCorps Urban Ministry Project (UMP)

From 1998-2003, LPAC operated the AmeriCorps Urban Ministry Project.  LPAC started with 20 AmeriCorps Members working in the various programs at the UMC, and grew to 30 Members. 

ª  Each year, Members served over 1,000 children, youth, and adults.  They also engaged program participants in community service projects. 

ª  From 2001-2003, years LPAC received the AmeriCorps Award for Outstanding Achievement. 

ª  In 1997, LPAC had served as a host site for two AmeriCorps*State programs of ASPIRA of New York, Inc.  Through this collaboration, LPAC provided conflict resolution and mediation, and domestic violence prevention training to local residents. They organized a community resource library, carried out beautification projects, and held a community health fair.  They also oversaw recreational, leadership, and educational programs and activities.

 

7.   Family Life Academy Charter School (FLACS)

In 1999, after years as a public education reformer, Rev. Dr. Rivera led a team of community and education leaders to establish the Family Life Academy Charter School (FLACS). 

ª  While a separate legal entity, FLACS is the product of LPAC’s guidance, vision and hard work and is one of the most important building blocks for community empowerment that LPAC has undertaken.  LPAC worked for over a year and a half to secure a Charter School license under the State of New York Alternative School Program. 

ª  The K-5 school is housed at LPAC’s headquarters, and helps children to achieve high standards, take responsibility for their own learning, and explore and affirm human values. 

ª  In 2000, LPAC was awarded the Charter, and the school began with 52 kindergarten students in two classes.  FLACS intentionally expanded by one grade level each year; today, the school has over 300 students. 

ª  In 2006, FLACS held its first graduation ceremony for its fifth graders. 

 

8.   TANF Population Program (TANF)

In 2002, LPAC operated the TANF Population Program to conduct outreach and social services for TANF eligible families who have been sanctioned, and were in jeopardy of losing their Public Assistance benefits.

ª  LPAC staff worked with these families by locating them, ensuring that they registered at their local TAMP Center, giving them Job Readiness skills, and assisting them with Job Placement. 

ª  LPAC’s results exceeded the milestones set by NYC HRA, having served over 320 clients in the 11/2 years that the program was in effect. 

ª  Over 50% of the clients served had their sanctions lifted due to LPAC’s involvement.

 

9.   Project Liberty: Beacon Outreach NY

In 2002, LPAC also launched Project Liberty: Beacon Outreach NY, a citywide outreach and crisis counseling program for individuals, families, and groups affected by the September 11 tragedy. 

ª  In the initial months following the tragedy, LPAC processed over 450 individuals who had lost jobs under the auspices of World Vision. 

ª  We operated a central office and eight (8) hubs: three (3) in the Bronx, two (2) in Brooklyn, two (2) in Manhattan, and one (1) in Queens. 

ª  Each hub had a Team Leader, most had at least one Crisis Counselor, and each had from one to eight Outreach Workers; the central office had three citywide Crisis Counselors. 

ª  Each hub connected with an average of 7,500 participants through the project partners and the local neighborhoods. 

ª  All told, we served over 60,000 residents across the city.

Through Project Liberty, LPAC established a partnership of 20 New York City churches and community-based organizations:

 

10. Liberation Manor

From 2002-2005, we operated a sub-contract from Narco Freedom for Liberation Manor, a transitional residence for the homeless afflicted and affected by HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.

ª  We provided a safe and secure environment for up to 60 daily residents. 

ª  We provided in-house individual and group counseling, and made referrals to psychological and psychiatric consultations, social service agencies, and job training programs. 

ª  We also provided referrals to neighboring churches for pastoral counseling.  We provided chaplaincy services in conjunction with volunteer churches and faith-based groups. 

ª  We provided a daily breakfast program, which was operated by Fellowship Chapel. 

ª  We also partnered with the NYC shelter system for the homeless.

 

11. Fatherhood Initiative

From 2003-2007, the Fatherhood Initiative helped over 200 men become holistic fathers, who provide material and financial support to their children, and have increased engagement, availability, and responsibility in the relationship with their children.

ª  Fathers participated in weekly individual and group counseling, and a life skills-building Father’s Circle; in the process, they dealt with their own issues while receiving tangible strategies to be a positive light in their children’s lives. 

ª  Dozens re-established relationships with their children and their mothers, and have begun to provide material and emotional support to the children. 

ª  Many also reconciled with their wives/girlfriends.  One father became engaged to and subsequently married his child’s mother; as a sign of our commitment to marriage and healthy relationships, LPAC and individual staff members paid for their three-tier wedding cake.

 

12. House of Healing

From 2005-2007, we partnered with Narco Freedom to operate the House of Healing, a residential transformation center for men seeking liberation from substance abuse captivity. 

ª  We provided in-house individual and group counseling, and made referrals to psychological and psychiatric consultations, social service agencies, and job training programs. 

ª  We also provided referrals to neighboring churches for pastoral counseling. 

ª  We created supervised work experience opportunities in an outside of the facilities. 

Click here to learn about our Holistic Capacity Building Services.

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