In the wake of the fatal shooting of Jaden Pierre, 15, at Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans, leaders throughout Southeast Queens have been working to implement steps in response to growing calls from residents for more support for youth programming and positive community engagement opportunities.

After an emergency community meeting, which was held at the gymnasium at the park’s recreation center on April 21, area leaders announced the launch of SEQYouth.com, a new free online resource hub designed for young people ages 12 to 19 across Southeast Queens, on May 29.

Aleeia Abraham, founder of the BlaQue Resource Network, a directory that highlights Black businesses in Queens, is the creator of SEQYouth.com.

“This website was created because our young people deserve to know that opportunities exist for them right here in their own community,” said Abraham in a statement. “After hearing directly from residents and youth at the town hall, it became clear that there was a real need for a centralized, accessible place where teens could find programs, jobs, events and positive outlets. SEQYouth.com is about making sure our youth feel seen, supported, connected and empowered this summer.”

The website has support from area elected officials and input from students in the region.

Community organizations, nonprofits, schools and other local groups may submit events and programs for consideration. All submissions will be reviewed and vetted before appearing on the site to ensure the information remains relevant, safe and youth focused.

SEQYouth.com will operate as a pilot initiative throughout this summer. Organizers plan to evaluate its impact and expand the platform in the future based on community feedback and participation.

This also comes after City Council Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans) released a “Youth Justice in Action: New York City Youth-Led Convening,” report in April, which emphasized the need for more neighborhood-based youth programming with input from young people.

James Johnson of Cambria Heights, a community organizer and advisory chair of the Southern Queens Park Association, the Roy Wilkins Park steward, held “The State of the Black Man Southeast Town Hall,” forums in May and on June 2 to bring 300 Black men and boys together to address issues of teen violence.

Johnson, who is also the co-founder of The Southeast Queens Rhinos, a youth mentoring group based at the recreation center, with David Sumpter, also held an event with influencer Najee Rayne of “The Rayne Report,” to highlight the dangers for youth of impulse posting and online predators.

During the first town hall, which was held on May 7, Jackie Wilson, a veteran, said that people, especially young folks, don’t know enough about the programs in Southeast Queens.

Nijaah Howard, founder and CEO of Young Men Strong, an afterschool program, also held a “Think Listen Talk” series in May, in which a mental health clinician led discussions for the initiative.

U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica), State Sens. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) and Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), Assemblymembers Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens), Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village) and Khaleel Anderson (D-South Ozone Park) and Councilmembers Ty Hankerson (D-Jamaica), Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton) and Williams, who held the emergency meeting, say the website will be a great resource.

“Quite often, we hear that our youth need more resources, and though that is true, we also have to make sure our young people are aware of the resources that already exist,” said Hankerson in a statement. “Many of these programs, opportunities and safe spaces are here because Southeast Queens elected officials, community partners, and advocates have been working together to support them, fund them and fight for them. SEQYouth.com helps put that information in one place, so our youth and families can know what is available and know that opportunity exists right here in their community.”

Creating safer and healthier communities requires more than responding after tragedy occurs, said Williams.

“It also requires sustained investment in opportunities, mentorship, accessibility and spaces where young people feel connected, encouraged and supported.”

Brooks-Powers calls the website a pipeline for opportunity.

“Following the heartbreaking loss of Jaden Pierre, our community came together to ask what more we can do to support and uplift our youth. SEQYouth.com is one example of how we can turn pain into purpose by ensuring young people across Southeast Queens have access to safe spaces, meaningful activities, and opportunities to thrive.”