In the vibrant community of Staten Island’s north Shore, a youth center is making waves by offering programs that bring teenagers together, foster connections, and expand their opportunities. Known as The Village, this non-profit organization has a global footprint, operating in 12 countries and establishing its U.S. branch in West Brighton in late 2020.
A recent report highlights the stark economic disparities in the borough, revealing that children on the North Shore are more than twice as likely to live in poverty compared to those on the South Shore. Approximately 20% of North Shore children face poverty, considerably higher than the 12.6% on Mid-Island and 8.7% on the South Shore. Additionally, the high school graduation rate on the North Shore, at 77.6%, trails behind Mid-Island’s 91.2% and the South Shore’s 94.5%.
“our mission is to help youth break the cycle of poverty by enabling them to become financially sustainable, and to do that, they need skills,” explained a representative from The Village. The organization focuses on empowering underserved youth through initiatives in education, leadership development, and community building, all while providing a safe and nurturing habitat.
Beyond its youth programs, The Village also operates a free food pantry to address the growing issue of food insecurity in the area. Thousands of Staten island residents struggle with hunger and the health challenges tied to inadequate nutrition, a problem that is especially acute on the North Shore.
Empowering Youth through Leadership Programs
One of The Village’s standout initiatives is its Youth leadership workshop, launched in 2023.This 10-week program brings teens together twice a week to develop essential life skills and foster personal growth. Christialys Betances, a 15-year-old from Bulls Head, was part of the program’s second cohort, which ran from October to December 2024.
“The program made me a lot happier just by being around positive and loving people. it also gave me a sense of purpose,” Betances shared. Over the course of the program, she gained confidence in public speaking and time management, but what resonated most was the expansion of her perspective.
The Village’s efforts are a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in transforming lives. By addressing the root causes of poverty and offering practical solutions, the organization is helping Staten Island’s youth build brighter futures.
Empowering Youth Through Global Awareness and Community Service
When young minds are exposed to the broader world, they frequently enough develop a deeper sense of empathy and purpose. This was the case for one participant in a transformative program that encourages students to think globally while acting locally.
“We were taught about other countries,and it made me more mindful of the world around us,especially since we’re so isolated from it,” she shared. “It showed me how the world can help each other more if we come together. It gave me more compassion towards others.”
Even after completing the initiative, she continues to give back, volunteering at The Village to distribute toys to children and finding other ways to support her community. “I don’t have much either, but even just giving back to those who might have less than me—it heals me too,” she said.
The program itself is a rigorous yet rewarding experience. Participants are divided into teams, each tasked with selecting a location, identifying a pressing issue, and crafting a sustainable solution. The culmination is a presentation of their proposal, with the winning group receiving $4,000 to further their efforts.
This year, Ibrahim Azab, 15, and Aaman Ali, 16, took home the top prize with their project focused on Italy.Each received $2,000 for their innovative approach to tackling education challenges in the country.
“We got support from many members of the organization to improve our presentation with graphs,” Ali explained.”Our project centered on Italy, where the organization was founded. We identified an education problem there.”
Italy faces meaningful educational disparities, particularly in rural areas. Early school dropout rates effect nearly 20% of students, with some regions seeing rates as high as 33%. “The low education rates are especially prevalent in farming communities,” Azab noted. “We explored how better time management could help students balance farm work and school while reducing stress and anxiety.”
For Ali, the program’s impact went beyond the financial reward, which he proudly gave to his parents. Having moved to Staten Island from Pakistan just a year and a half ago, he found the experience invaluable in building his confidence. “Public speaking was a challenge for me, but this program helped me grow tremendously,” he said.
Azab, who moved to Staten Island from Palestine in 2015, also gained practical knowledge that extended beyond the classroom. “I learned a lot about the banking system and improved my financial literacy,” he shared. ”With so much on my plate,it also helped me de-stress.”
this program is more than an educational initiative—it’s a catalyst for personal growth, global awareness, and community impact. By empowering young people to think critically and act compassionately, it fosters a generation of leaders committed to making a difference.
What specific challenges does the North Shore of Staten Island face, notably regarding youth?
Archyde exclusive interview: Empowering Youth Through Community and Leadership with Dr. Isabella Martinez of The Village
By Archyde News Editor
In the bustling community of Staten island’s North Shore, a beacon of hope shines brightly for underserved youth. The Village, a global non-profit institution with a presence in 12 countries, has been transforming lives since its U.S. branch opened in West Brighton in late 2020.Today, we are honored too sit down with Dr. Isabella Martinez, the Director of Youth Programs at The Village, to discuss their impactful initiatives, including the Youth Leadership Workshop, and their mission to break the cycle of poverty through education and community building.
Archyde: Thank you for joining us, Dr.Martinez. Let’s start with the big picture. What inspired The Village to establish its U.S. branch in Staten Island, particularly in the North Shore?
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. Staten Island’s North Shore is a vibrant community, but it’s also one that faces notable economic challenges. A recent report highlighted that 20% of children here live in poverty, which is more than double the rate on the South Shore. Additionally,the high school graduation rate is lower compared to other parts of the borough.We saw an opportunity to make a real difference by addressing these disparities head-on. Our mission is to empower youth to break the cycle of poverty by equipping them with the skills they need to thrive, and Staten Island has been the perfect place to start.
Archyde: One of your standout programs is the Youth Leadership Workshop, launched in 2023. Can you tell us more about this initiative and its impact on participants?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely. The Youth Leadership Workshop is a 10-week program designed to help teens develop essential life skills, foster personal growth, and build strong community connections. we meet twice a week, and the curriculum covers everything from public speaking and time management to teamwork and leadership.
One of our participants,Christialys Betances,shared how the program gave her a sense of purpose and helped her gain confidence. She said being around positive and supportive people made her happier, and she left with a broader perspective on life. Stories like Christialys’s are why we do what we do—it’s about more than just teaching skills; it’s about transforming lives.
Archyde: Beyond leadership programs,The Village also operates a free food pantry. How does addressing food insecurity tie into your broader mission?
Dr. Martinez: Food insecurity is a critical issue in the North Shore, where thousands of residents struggle with hunger and the health challenges that come with inadequate nutrition. We believe that addressing basic needs is essential to creating a foundation for success. If a young person is hungry, it’s much harder for them to focus on their education or personal growth. Our food pantry is one way we’re helping to remove those barriers, so the youth we serve can fully engage with our programs and work toward a brighter future.
Archyde: The village has a global footprint, operating in 12 countries. How does your work in Staten Island connect to your international efforts?
Dr. Martinez: While every community has its unique challenges,the core of our work remains consistent—empowering underserved youth to become financially sustainable and community-minded leaders. Our programs are tailored to local needs, but they’re all rooted in the same principles of education, leadership growth, and community building. What we learn in Staten Island informs our work abroad, and vice versa. It’s a truly global effort to create a world where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the Village in Staten Island and beyond?
Dr. Martinez: our immediate goal is to expand our reach in Staten Island, particularly on the North Shore, where the need is greatest.We’re also planning to introduce new programs that focus on career readiness and financial literacy, which are critical for helping young people achieve long-term stability. Globally, we’re working to deepen our impact in the 12 countries where we operate and explore opportunities to expand to new regions.
ultimately, our vision is to create a world where every young person, regardless of their background, has the tools and support they need to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. It’s a big goal,but with the dedication of our team and the amazing resilience of the youth we serve,I know we can get there.
Archyde: Dr. Martinez, thank you for sharing your insights and for the incredible work you and The village are doing. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of your efforts.
Dr. Martinez: thank you. It’s been a pleasure, and we’re excited to keep making a difference, one young person at a time.
The Village continues to be a shining example of how community-driven initiatives can transform lives. To learn more about their programs or to get involved,visit their website or follow them on social media.
