Case Study

Blackbird Fly Case Study

Can a yearly workshop and gala ball really help to change the direction of a community in crisis? We say YES! In its third year, Blackbird Fly has established a solid track record of youth engagement and community outreach that has addressed some of the teen related societal issues in a strategic and effective manner.

Teen Pregnancy Rate:

On Staten Island as of 2009, 52.7% of teenage girls ages 15-19 were pregnant versus one-third of total estimated population (highest in the industrialized world) ¹

Blackbird Fly uses a variety of methods to reduce teen pregnancy rates. The key to success is sharing the unlimited opportunities that life has for them. By informing attendees of the success of the facilitator, a world of positive prospects is revealed to the young ladies. Workshops that speak directly to safe sex and pregnancy are geared towards those most affected and provide clear facts to make healthy decisions. Coupled with consistent engagement in the form of “Tempting Tuesdays,” enlightens these young women and girls to a world; that in some cases, never existed for them before. Retroactively, we embrace teen and young adult mothers as a conduit to programs, agencies and an established network of mothers and grandmothers who provide the sort of support that only experience can facilitate.

Female Incarceration Rates (NY):

Approximately 68% of female prisoners are women of color (45% Black, 20% Latina, 3% other) 17% were convicted of a felony charge. Nearly 54% (of total NY female prisoners) do not have a high school diploma and 9/10 has endured physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. ²

Blackbird Fly functions as an inoculation against the cultural pitfalls that has developed in urban communities making incarceration appealing or status quo for young ladies. We believe that “When you know better you do better”. With a 93% retention rate and a 50% increase in attendance each year, the impact on these young ladies is proven positive. This year, to further support the cause, Blackbird Fly is developing relationships with specific programs focused on Juvenile Offenders to establish a proactive solution to this epidemic.

Domestic violence on Staten Island:

In 2009, there were 2,099 domestic violence arrests on the Island, the result of a 48% increase. The statistic shows Staten Island as the borough with the highest increase in domestic violence arrests, from 2008 on. However, one must still take into account that domestic violence is still “one of the most chronically under reported crimes.” ³

Domestic violence is one of the hardest societal issues to combat in teens. In response, we are actively seeking and developing partnerships with agencies that can help provide solid counsel and education for young ladies who solicit help. The best response to domestic violence is building self-esteem and confidence. When a young person knows her worth and the signs of abuse, she can save herself or help a friend in trouble. Too often, young women become fatal victims because they ignored signs, did not know the warning signs or did not know how to get out of abuse situations. To Compliment, it is the belief that incorporating self-defense with tools of empowerment will dramatically reduce these instances in the community.

Sexual abuse among teens:

One in six teenagers (or approximately 16.2%) in New York City has experienced sexual violence, higher than the national average which is 10.2%. ⁴

Sexual awareness workshops help young women identify sexual abuse. Creating a safe space with concerned and caring individuals opens the door for candid conversations that boosts awareness. It takes a collaborative effort with qualified agencies and social workers to identify abuse and refer individuals to the appropriate resources.

Conclusion:

The foundation of this organization was built on developing exciting events that proactively confront the cultural stigmas that are generally manufactured by poverty, lack of education, or lack of opportunity. The success and effectiveness of the workshops and seminars is based in the ability to reach young people and engage them in a non-confrontational manner. The efficacy of outreach is accomplished by

Establishing a sincere caring relationship between young women and adults which is the essence of the mission,
Addressing teen societal issues through cooperative partnerships with agencies that have an established history of tackling the problems facing young people in crisis, and
Belief in these young women that will literally place them in front of a mirror to show them their true potential.

By providing young people with proof and evidence of life’s limitless potential, Blackbird Fly will continue to change the landscape of our communities not just once a year but throughout the journey of a young woman’s life.

Source Citation

Meet our proud sponsors

Like us on Facebook