Turn 2Us

Ambulatory Care Network Community Programs

Overview

In June of 2001, Turn 2 Us was created as a collaborative effort between Public School 128M of Washington Heights, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, and Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation. In 2007, the program expanded to include Public School 4M. Today, the program is administered under New York- Presbyterian's Ambulatory Care Network.

Mission

Our mission is to enable our youth to internalize healthy lifestyles through a variety of physical and psycho-educational preventive interventions. These interventions are aimed to prevent at-risk behaviors which research indicates may lead to health and mental health related issues, such as early on-set diabetes, obesity, use of drugs or alcohol, truancy and drop out.

Goals

Cultivate a culture of physical fitness, good nutrition, and healthy lifestyle behaviors;
Heightened our youth's health consciousness, self-confidence, self-esteem, perseverance and positive decision making processes.

We realize that prevention is vital at an early age, as this will contribute to the future success and development of our children. By working together with the entire PS 128M and PS 4M community we, as a whole, will serve as role models to create a positive message that fosters healthy minds and bodies; leading to healthier lives and success.

Health Lifestyle and Wellness

Below is a list of interventions that promote healthy lifestyles, mental wellness and academic support as well as encourages the involvement of parents and children in local community activities, which strengthen family structure and improves community awareness.

In-Class Mindfulness Program (All grades)
Special Education Psycho-Educational Developmental Program (4th & 5th Graders)
Boys & Girls Baseball League (7 neighboring schools currently enrolled)
Boys Basketball (4 neighboring schools currently enrolled)
Girls Basketball (4 neighboring schools currently enrolled)
Co-Ed Dance Teams
Co-Ed Track Teams
Therapeutic CARING Art Program
Therapeutic CARING Drama Program
Academic Year Long Mentorship Program for all Turn 2 Us Participants
Academic Year long Student Monitoring and Tracking of Participants
Routine Meetings and Consultations with School Staff
Mental Health Crisis Consultations and Referrals
Parents & Teachers Mental Wellness Seminars
Parents & Teachers Wellness Activities
Parent & Teachers Health/Nutrition Workshops
Parent English as a Second Language & Empowerment through Theatre Programs
Father/Child Night Events
Healthy Lifestyles' Awareness Week
School Enrollment in Community Jamborees, Walk-a-thons, Marathons
'Family Fun Day'- Wellness Program
Creative Art's Summer Day Program
Camp Vacamas Sleep Away Camp

Community Partners

Turn 2 Us prides it self in having strong partnerships with an array of community programs ranging from Community Pediatrics of Columbia University, Pediatric Psychiatry Service at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian, NYC Department of Education and Health and Mental Hygiene to grass roots community organizations and other health care institutions. Through an ecological model, together we bring needed services to children, families and staff in our partner schools.