LIBRARY

When young people go out to parties, parks, beaches, or any social gathering, safety must be a priority. The recent tragic case of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old found dead after a Fourth of July outing on Horn Island, has sparked a vital conversation about youth safety, friendship, accountability, and community care. While the investigation continues and facts are still unfolding, this moment calls for families to engage in honest, clear conversations about safety before youth

Across Mount Vernon and Westchester County, families are already facing challenges related to youth stress, family conflict, emotional regulation, peer pressure, anger, trauma, and neighborhood safety. The Mount Vernon Community that cares identifies family conflict, gang involvement, low neighborhood attachment, and poor academic performance as significant risk factors affecting young people.

Reading is more than just a subject taught in school. It is a fundamental skill that influences a child’s confidence, communication abilities, academic success, and future opportunities. Yet, many students across the country continue to face challenges in reading. The 2024 Nation’s Report Card revealed that 40% of fourth graders scored below the basic level in reading. In New York State, only 53% of students in grades 3 through 8 met proficiency standards in English Language