Mothers Live

Mother's Live came from the first cycle the Leadership Development Program and is now used as a part of our street team.  However, rather than using traditional outreach, Mother's Live uses street theatre to act out scenarios around  the life of a young mother  to raise awareness and help draw in a crowd!

Poetic Chocolate

Poetic Chocolate came from the second cycles of LDP. LDP members wrote inspirational poems and attached them to chocolates in the shapes of women and children. These were distributed throughout the community and available for purchase at SOTR events.

Mommy & Me Prom

Many young women in our program never went to their prom. The young mothers in LDP and volunteers, worked together to host a “Mommy and Me Prom,” a prom for mothers and their children to dress up, and celebrate graduations, re-enrollment and acceptances at colleges and High schools, along with the celebration of the involvement in SOTR for the year.

Do-It-Yourself

The economic crisis has dramatically affected our community, and our young mothers are not immune. At SOTR we encourage our young mothers to use their skills to help support their family in constructive ways. Throughout our program we have created stretch marks creams, candles, jewelry and t-shirts.

Rise Up Fashion Show

Our women have style! And in 2008 we put it on the runway! Each member of our LDP, past and present turned out for our first ever Sistas on the Rise fashion show! The evening was a success and an innovative way to raise awareness about our organization and have fun while doing it. Not only did the girls coordinate their outfits

but they also sported jewelry and clothing they made themselves!

Organizing accomplishments

Saving Martha Nielsen

In 2003 the NY Department of Education threatened to close the Martha Nielsen P- School, located in the South Bronx. The announcement was made one week before the intended closure was made. Through outreach to students at Martha Nielsen, SOTR had two young mothers in the school organize, and hold a press conference, to let the public know the DOE’s short notice was illegal and they had no right to close the school. This campaign led to a strong relationship between SOTR and the Martha Nielsen faculty, students and administrations.

Math and English in P-Schools!

Access to English and Math Teachers Before SOTR got involved with Martha Nielsen, the school offered no Math or English class, both of which are necessary for graduation. Through hard work we were able to bring Math and English teachers to Martha Nielsen.

Prenatal Yoga for Gym Credit

The NYS Department of Education requires gym throughout all four years of High School. Unfortunately, at MN there was no access to gym facilities, gym teachers, nor option to take gym at all. SOTR arranged for prenatal yoga to be counted as a gym class, and gained access to the Bronx Regional High School gym for classes.

Code 40 - Maternity Leave to Students

We worked with school board officials to help craft code 40. Code 40 allowed for young mothers to miss up to 45 days of school without it going onto their permanent records. Without code 40, many women were denied readmission into their schools after birth due to poor absentee records. This allowed women to take off from school for pre-natal doctor’s visits and could also be used after birth and maternity. Code 40 granted young mothers access to homework assignments and teachers to extra help while recovering.  This code has since been implemented city wide.

Healthy Snacks and Access to School Refrigerators

Within Martha Nielsen, students were not allowed to bring their own food to school, nor were they allowed to eat in class. SOTR fought for the right of pregnant and young mothers to consume healthy snacks in classrooms along with the use the school refrigerator to store these healthy snacks brought from home.

Building Lasting Relationships

SOTR worked with Martha Nielsen for the next 4 years until its closing in 2007. The strong relationship that was built allowed SOTR to set up and internship program for students at MN. We also held workshops once a month for the students attending the school, which provided the beginning framework for our Leadership Development Plan. Sistas on the Rise also conducted annual surveys to measure the needs of the students attending the schools, and meet with school administrators to find ways to meet the youth enrolled at MN.

The Personal is Political

Every fire inside must first be ignited. All of the members of Sistas on the Rise posses different histories and experiences. The various paths that lead them to our doors are always long and filled with trials and tribulations. We provide a safe space for women to heal, and to grow. Here are just a few of the stories from the people that keep us shining.

Eliminated the NYC Proof Of Paternity Requirement

As a part of the NYC Comptroller task force,

 Sistas on the Rise was able to eliminate the requirement that those who utilize the LYFE centers provide proof of paternity. This meant that the teen must take the fathers to family court to prove good cause or some sort of childcare payments.  This eliminates barriers such as immigration, and placing a additional emotional burden on vulnerable families.

Young Mothers Resource Night

Every Spring, SOTR hosts its annual Young Mothers Resource Night! Organizations providing resources to young women and families unite in the South Bronx for the day.  We provide workshops, free information, goody bags, snacks and celebrate the year.

Memorial and Funeral for Lost Resources

In fall 2009, SOTR held a funeral at City Hall, for the loss of resources for young moms throughout NYC since Mayor Bloomberg gained control of the Department of Education and raised awareness about the need for LYFE centers in our schools. We also hosted a memorial for the 97 public schools that have been shut down or are scheduled to be shut down within the next five years.

A Promise to Protect LYFE Centers

In the winter of 2010 Sistas on the Rise teamed up with NYCLU and other amazing reproductive justice organizations and allies in NYC to defend four LYFE centers in schools slated for closure in 2013. In response, NYC Chancellor Joel C. Klein issued a commitment to keep these vital resources for young women and families, open even after the public schools they are in are closed!