STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A coalition of Staten Island organizations will host a Youth Forum on Oct. 22, 2025, to address the pressing needs and opportunities facing young people in the borough. The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gerard Carter Center, 230 Broad St., and will feature a keynote address by Staten Island Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Roderick Palton, who will speak on youth empowerment, community engagement, and strategies for building a positive future.
The forum is a collaborative effort among several local organizations, including H.E.A.L.T.H for Youths, Central Family Life Center, Bay Street & Beyond, Stapleton Houses Ad Hoc Committee, Healthcare Education Project, Veronica Gambon Project, Neighborhood STAT, NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, and The Gerard Carter Center YMCA.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Diadrian Clarke Reid of Central Family Life Center and Heather Butts of H.E.A.L.T.H for Youths, whose organization has been actively engaging youth through hands-on community service. Over the past few months, H.E.A.L.T.H for Youths, alongside volunteers and residents, has led cleanups along the North Shore Esplanade—an effort to enhance the waterfront and foster deeper community connection.
Ranti Ogunleye will moderate the forum, which includes a panel of local experts ready to engage with attendees and answer questions about youth advocacy and support. Confirmed panelists include Michael Williams (ONS), Rachel Ullah (True2Life), Michael DeVito (NYCID), Jocelyn Lebron (Healthcare Education Project), and Jen Larsen (On Your Mark).
The event is free and open to all community members. Registration is available at forms.gle/gxsy2yABiJs2hp8Q8.
In addition to its advocacy work, H.E.A.L.T.H for Youths hosts a free market and pantry every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 120 Victory Blvd., Tompkinsville. The weekly event includes cooking classes, recipe sharing, blood pressure screenings, free food distribution, and other resources aimed at supporting youth and families. More information is available at health4youths.org.
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