More than 650 Youth and Families Receive Back-to-School Resources and Community in Sunset Park with Apex for Youth 

Sunset Park Families Access Resources, Fun, and Community Support

This summer, Apex for Youth’s Elementary Programs team hosted one of its largest community events yet, Sunset Park Field Day. Bringing together over 650 youth and families, eight community partners, and 40+ volunteers, the afternoon was filled of games, arts and crafts, prizes, and bookbags filled with school supplies.

At its heart, the event was about connection: Connecting families to local resources, building stronger community partnerships, and ensuring that youth in Sunset Park have what they need to start the school year strong. Families received backpacks and school supplies while learning about programs and services offered by trusted community organizations. The event featured a youth passport system to motivate families to explore and engage with every community organization present.

“We’re here to show the community how much support and love there is for them! We hope that they find meaningful connections with community organizations, but more importantly with each other.”

• Isabelle St.Clair, Apex for Youth’s Associate Director of Elementary Programs. 

The event also took place right next to the 2nd annual Hoops Over Hate tournament in Sunset Park. Hoops over Hate is part of Apex’s summer series that also includes tournaments in Manhattan and Flushing. Hoops Over Hate combines sports, teamwork, and mentorship to empower youth, reinforcing the same values of community and opportunity celebrated at Field Day.

Community partners included:

• Genspace
• The Fresh Air Fund
• Womankind
• Mixteca
• Voces Ciudadanas
• Brooklyn Book Bodega
• NYU Langone Sunset Park Family Health Centers
• PlayReadVIP

Each brought resources and opportunities for families, creating a network of support beyond the event itself.

Addressing the Needs of Sunset Park Families

“It’s important for our youth and families to be exposed to community resources in Sunset Park because in this area, there is a lack of resources for youth. This field day is a great way to bring these resources to our families in a fun and inviting way.”

• Heather Lee, Apex for Youth’s Community Network Manager.

The event also highlighted the unique needs of Sunset Park families. With the Sunset Park Recreation Center closed for renovations for two years and expected to remain closed for several more years, opportunities for youth and families to gather, play, and connect are limited. Apex for Youth’s Field Day helped fill that gap, offering a day of cross-cultural celebration in a neighborhood where families are primarily Chinese and Latinx.

Ayaka Matsushima, Womankind’s Brooklyn Community Office Manager, shared:

“Womankind works with people who experience gender-based violence, from young children to older adults. We provide case management, counseling, and wellness groups, but also really focus on community engagement. We’re always glad to work with Apex and connect with families in the community.”

By providing school supplies, sharing information about community resources, and strengthening partnerships with local organizations, Apex for Youth is bridging the gap for low-income youth and families in Sunset Park. The event not only set students up for success this school year but also reinforced the power of neighbors coming together to support one another.

How You Can Learn More: 

Read more about the impact of Apex’s programs and the journey of youth and volunteers in the Sunset Park Post. 

If your company or organization is interested in supporting Apex’s work, connect with us to learn more.