Community Corner

Good News: Sandy Relief Gets Boost From Kids on Probation

Some stories put a smile on your face. Here's our wrap-up from around Brooklyn and Queens.

As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to nitty-gritty breakdowns of government and school district issues. But some stories are simply inspiring, often showing that at the heart of our communities is a desire to do good. Here are some of the touching headlines from the past seven days compiled from Patch Staff reports.

Probation Help

Top city officials launched a seven-week program Monday to connect 450 young probation clients to paid summer jobs at Hurricane Sandy restoration projects.

Find out what's happening in Carroll Gardens-Cobble Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs and Department of Probation Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi formed YouthWRAP (Weekend Restoration Assistance Program) in January. The first phase of the program engaged 200 young people in 13,587 hours of service.

“Two of the most effective ways we can help young people in the justice system lead law-abiding lives are by connecting them to good jobs and providing opportunities for them to give back to their community,” Mayor Bloomberg said outside the Barclays Center on Monday. “NYC Summer YouthWRAP achieves both of these objectives. And it’s not only the participants and their families who benefit – YouthWRAP has a proven track record of providing meaningful assistance to New Yorkers impacted by Hurricane Sandy.”

Find out what's happening in Carroll Gardens-Cobble Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It is estimated that the seven-week summer program will enable 70,875 hours of service, and participants can work up to 168 hours and earn $1,440 in stipends.

Bar Owner Honored

In March, Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes honored Delissa Reynolds, owner of Bar Sepia in Prospect Heights, as one of Brooklyn's Extraordinary Women.

"These women are role models because of their selflessness, dedication and compassion. ... They make Brooklyn a better place to live," he said in the announcement.

Reynolds, an actress, was honored by Hynes for organizing clothing and fund drives for victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake, the BP Gulf Coast Oil Spill, and families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims as well as her work with Community Board 8, the American Cancer Society, Justice Works Community, which advocates for women ex-prisoners, and other groups.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Carroll Gardens-Cobble Hill