Weeks Educational and Social Advocacy Project Inc

Creative Learning Academy (CLA) The Head Start contract at the Crown Heights location concluded its fourth year of operations in June 2025. New York City Department of Education (DOE) submitted its application for renewal to the federal government in February 2025. We responded to a Request for Information (RFI) from the DOE indicating we want to continue to provide services at the same level. Enrollment at the Crown Heights location increased, but it is still below full funding capacity. The Head Start program provided wraparound services for children and families. Both Birth-to-Five and Head Start programs experienced increased parent involvement due in part to the active outreach efforts of the Family Workers. Community-based groups offered fitness and dance classes. Children participated in several school trips, sometimes accompanied by family representatives. The Birth-to-Five contract in Staten Island is flourishing and it achieved maximum capacity (60 children) during the school year! The center is well-received in the community, particularly among immigrant families. This was not CLA's stated goal, but we have welcomed and open the school space to supporting immigrant families. Fortuitously, all classrooms have at least one bilingual Spanish-speaking staff assigned which enhances communication with families who are English Language Learners. The center was invited to participate in the DOE-funded pilot program, SDY+, which provides extended day services to 3K and PreK children. Accordingly, the school day was expanded to 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. We hired a part-time Instructional Support Specialist to supplement services for children with special needs and ensure we comply with NYC and NYS regulations. Both centers benefitted from instructional support services and evaluations for children with special needs provided by the DOE. Immigrant Family Assistance WESAP staff provided guidance for immigrant families as they navigated the social services and education systems in New York City. WESAP also provided financial assistance to families when they encountered events that pose hardship. Families received financial assistance ranging from $250 - $1000 per family. Foreign Assistance WESAP continues to provide tuition and health assistance to youth and families in Liberia. More than 20 children benefit from tuition assistance. Health assistance is given on a case-by-case basis. WESAP provides funding for teacher salaries in a K-12 school on the outskirts of Monrovia, Liberia. WESAP also works with alumni associations based in the United States to assist schools in Liberia. The building renovation in Monrovia is close to completion! We anticipate it will be ready for lodging no later than December 2025. WESAP has partnered with two US-based nonprofits, Team Heart and Strategic Aid Partners, to help to strengthen the health care system in Liberia. Dr. Curtis traveled to Liberia in October 2024 with Dr. Amy Fiedler (Team Heart) and Mr. Andrew Clark (Strategic Aid Partners) to meet with the administration of the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK) and the Minister of Health regarding establishing a cardio-thoracic surgery unit at JFK. JFK and the Ministry of Health expressed their sincere desire to partner with us and disclosed some steps they have already taken to bring this to fruition. We will return within the year to assess progress. WESAP is the liaison to the Liberian-based partners.