Back Like We Never Left: The Fiver Office Reopens for Staff and Youth

After more than a year of social isolation and working remotely, we were excited to welcome staff and Fivers back into our NYC office. In mid September, Fiver’s midtown office fully reopened, and the team has adopted a permanent hybrid work schedule (four days in office, one day working from home).

Fivers and the program team at Pumpkin Point

Since reopening, we hosted a new family orientation with elementary Familia Adelante participants as part of our collaboration with Mercy Center in the Bronx.  Our high school Fivers enjoyed a handful of amazing activities, from pumpkin carving to exploring Pumpkin Point at Governors Island. College access programming is also in full swing! Norman, Fiver’s College Access Program Associate, hosted an interactive and informative CUNY Application workshop for Fivers, and a FAFSA workshop for parents. Additionally, we continue to offer bi-weekly virtual hangouts for all Fivers as a means to remain connected to our team and each other.

The Fiver team and facilitators from Youth Inc. at the annual staff retreat

Fiver’s staff had a much-needed moment to rest, recharge and reconnect at our annual staff retreat. The three-day retreat took place in our NYC office, with COVID safety protocols in place. We are grateful for guest speakers Marc Fernandes and Paul Vergara, from Youth Inc., and Michelle Bleiberg for joining us and facilitating interactive workshops for our staff on youth development fundamentals and communication styles.