JawnAnthony Bramble
OST Director

OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME (OST) nurtures the social development and academic success of youth, providing them with a safe and enriching environment outside of school and home. This free after-school program serves elementary and middle school students in 6 program sites across Central Harlem, Carroll Gardens, Coney Island and Brownsville, Brooklyn.

OST students participate in age-appropriate conflict resolution sessions through our Adventures in Peace Keeping program, learn about environmental science and grow produce through the Gardening Project, and reflect on self-empowerment and racial justice through Everyday Heroes. These programs reflect OST’s intention of serving the whole child and, in turn, meeting the needs of the community.

“We consider ourselves the nucleus of the community,” says OST Director JawnAnthony Bramble. “We take on a holistic point of view, asking ourselves ‘How are we serving the student and how are we serving the family?’”

JawnAnthony joined YWCA NYC in 2021, serving as a site program director and becoming OST Director later that year. He knows what it’s like to find a second home in Out-of-School programs. A self-described after-school kid from West Harlem, JawnAnthony joined the YWCA NYC with a passion for youth development and a love of coaching and developing staff.

“If there’s anything I wish people would know about us it’s that we go above and beyond. We’re not just a tutoring program. We ask what the students and community need, and we develop the resources to meet that gap,” says JawnAnthony.

And the gap has grown larger following the COVID-19 pandemic. Test scores are down and there’s increased social disconnect among youth. “We want to bridge that gap,” says JawnAnthony. OST is committed to resourcing students and families, hiring specialists within OST programs to address academic and social needs, and connecting families to social services, community forums, and other city resources.

“I understand the support the kids need. I remember being that kid,” says JawnAnthony. “This is what’s possible through OST: equity. Through OST, we shine the light on inequity and offer space for the community to advocate for themselves.”

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Dear Friends,

They say time flies when you’re having fun. After a whirlwind month as the CEO of the YWCA of the City of New York, I can honestly attest to that statement’s veracity. From meeting with longtime funders to attending my first YW-NYC event, the depth of warmth and camaraderie I have felt is enormous. I am excited to share with you some of the highlights during my time here that has truly made it an absolute joy.

The 49th annual Salute event on October 20th was a huge success! It has been wonderful learning about the YW-NYC’s rich history, including the significance of honoring incredible women who are making real contributions as leaders in their workplaces and communities each year. This year, we had close to 150 YW-NYC supporters celebrating Salute with us at City Winery and 80 people screening from home. Not only were we able to reach our fundraising goal, but we were privileged to shine a light on four incredible leaders:

Changemaker Champion
Jolen Andersen, Global Head of Human Resources, BNY Melon
Distinguished Service Award
Mary Crawford, Former YWCA NYC Board Chair and Philanthropist
Emerging Leader Award
Audrey Elliott-Barnes, Department Manager in Shared Financial Services
Planning, ConEdison
Grace Hoadley Dodge Honoree
Elsie McCabe Thompson, President of the Mission Society of NYC

I also spent time visiting our incredible programs in Brooklyn and Manhattan. From Coney Island to Harlem, our after school and girls programs serve 1500 young people annually. It is truly a gift to work directly with staff who are committed to working every day to ensure that YW-NYC children and youth are developing their academic, social-emotional, and leadership skills. Their dedication and passion to the mission of the YW-NYC is unmatched.

There is so much more to look forward to as I continue our collective work at the YW-NYC in service to New York City communities. Thank you for your continued investment and belief in this city’s youth.

With gratitude,

KHATUNA KORIDZE

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