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Council considers youth services RFPs and awards to community providers including Raphael Healing Academy
Summary
Staff described an RFP for mentoring services for opportunity youth (ages 16–17) under WIOA and council reviewed contracts and subrecipient awards for youth development and community-based violence intervention, including a presentation from Raphael Healing Academy.
City staff and community partners briefed the council on youth services RFPs and community‑based intervention awards. Catherine Gaylord, Executive Director of the Newark Workforce Development Board, said the Morph Mentoring RFP targets opportunity youth ages 16 and 17; the awardee is expected to co‑locate at the city's one‑stop center and provide mentoring services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). "This particular RFP was designed for opportunity youth ages 16 and 17," Gaylord said.
Shomari Burton, representing Raphael Healing Academy (the Community Safe Zone at 500 Springfield Avenue), described the organization's six‑day programming, partnerships with Ibn Ali's boxing gym and a therapist on staff, and referral relationships with the Office of Violence Prevention and Newark Police Department. "Our primary function is to get young people from doing negative actions and we redirect them to a more positive path," Burton said. Councilwoman Bradley praised the group's work after a site visit.
Council discussed whether program representatives were present for multiple redevelopment and service agenda items and voiced appreciation for community partners; the council also requested additional details on program operations and funding sources when awards are finalized.
