Oak Foundation Grant Recognizes the
Unique Service Goals of the St. John’s Advantage
Academy
October 12, 2010
Acknowledging the breakthrough educational opportunity program
resulting from one of the University’s important strategic
partnerships, the Oak
Foundation has awarded the New York City Department of Homeless
Services a three-year $344,200 grant to support a variety of
initiatives to help St. John’s Advantage Academy students and
graduates change their lives.
The Oak Foundation is comprised of a group of charitable and
philanthropic organizations committed to addressing issues of
global, social and environmental concern, particularly those that
have a major impact on the lives of the disadvantaged. A key focus
is on the prevention of homelessness through sustained solutions
that improve the economic and social well being of the most
marginalized in society.
“Through the generosity of the Oak Foundation, Advantage Academy
students will now benefit from increased employment services,
leadership training and short-term financial assistance that will
play a monumental role in helping our clients move back to
self-sufficiency,” said Seth Diamond, Commissioner, Department
of Homeless Services.
The St. John’s Advantage Academy was established in 2009 as an
innovative partnership between St. John’s and the New York City
Department of Homeless Services. Housed within the University’s
College of Professional Studies, the Academy enables qualified
individuals from homeless and formerly homeless single parent
families to gain the skills and confidence necessary to escape the
scourge of poverty and homelessness through education and
counseling. It serves as a paradigm for a major goal of the Vincentian Institute for
Social Action (VISA) to develop strong strategic partnerships
to serve those most disadvantaged.
Read the
complete release