Good Shepherd Services: Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.)
All weekly 1hr therapeutic sessions are facilitated by Compassion for B.R.A.G. youth participants, from September through June. B.R.A.G. youth participants are encouraged and empowered to speak freely on theme-based topics. Some theme-based topics discussed include Addressing Mental Health, Domestic Violence, COVID 19 in our (Black & Brown) communities, What to Do When Stopped By the Police?, just to name a few. Guest Speakers have been authors, entrepreneurs, chefs, comedians, doctors and lawyers of color.
Youngster to Mister.FATHERS’ (YMF)
The FREE 8-week program funded by the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) was originally created for young fathers and young men at risk to be young fathers. However, the program evolved to being a father led program for young men ages 13-24. YMF meets once a week for two hours. The first hour is a physical fitness session, followed by a break for lunch and the final hour a theme-based workshop. Metro cards are provided to each participant at the end of every workshop.
Coming Soon in Spring 2026!
Compassion's NYC Youth Driver's Education Program
Learning to drive is empowering and an important rite of passage for many youth. A valid NYS Driver's license positions them for various employment opportunities. Compassion's NYC Youth Driver’s Education program will provide youth with access to a licensed driving school in the Bronx and Brooklyn/Queens free of charge to the youth.
Youth will receive up to twelve (12) 45 minute driving lessons, the required in-class 5 hour pre-licensing course, and use of a vehicle on the day of the road test. If a young person does not pass the first road test, the driving school will provide additional instruction prior to their second attempt.
For more information email us with "NYC DRIVE ME", in the subject.
Compassion Workshops
As a proud DOE vendor, Compassion offers culturally relevant, community-focused workshops that support Bronx youth, families, and educators. Our programming is built around five key pillars: Family Engagement, Wellness, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Professional Development, and Support Services.
Each workshop is customized to reflect the unique needs and values of the school communities we partner with.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Cultivating Compassion in the Classroom
RELATIONSHIPS: Parent and Child Workshop
The overall goal of the Parent and Child Communication workshop is to help both parents and children feel comfortable communicating about life and specifically sexuality. The following topics are addressed: Communication, Parenting Styles, Health, Sex, Sexuality, STIs/STDs and HIV/AIDS. Games and activities revolving around social media are used to bring awareness, as well as ignite discussion. Statistics and resources about the US and specifically the Bronx are addressed in the session.
Defining Healthy Relationships
How can one identify and define a “healthy” relationship if they have never been exposed to one? We often focus on intimate relationships, but what about our parent – child, family, friends, community, job/work relationships? As human beings, it is important for us to have relationships with different types of people, but how do we define an individual healthy relationship? This session will address the importance of communication, the different ways we communicate, how communication influence healthy and unhealthy behaviors in relationships, how culture and family influence our definitions of relationships.
HEALTH: Tobacco & Hookah
The session focuses on the bigger picture of tobacco and hookah usage especially “Big Tobacco” companies in neighborhoods of color and how the addiction leads to other health challenges. A video documentary, “The TRUTH About Tobacco In the Bronx”, by Bronx Native will be viewed and discussed. In addition, a visual picture will be provided on the 15+ ingredients, in one cigarette.
Music Industry and Mental Health
The session reviews why the music industry should be looked at from a business perspective oppose to only a safe space for creativity. This session will provide more depth on business vernacular in the music industry and some fun activities on how quick an entertainer/artist can go financially, mentally, physically and spiritually broke. Performing Rights Societies, royalties, 360 contracts will be some of the topics discussed.
Health Disparities in the Bronx
Since 2009, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County Health Ranking Report has ranked the Bronx as number 62 out of New York State’s 62 counties in terms of health outcomes. #NOT62 is a campaign initiated by the Bronx Borough President’s Office, to focus on a healthy Bronx. The session will lead some of the social and economic conditions of the Bronx that impact the quality of life for Bronx residents.
SEXUAL HEALTH: Youth Ministry and Sex: Keeping It Raw & Real
COMPASSION exists to educate and empower youth and young adults around topics of sexual health and reproduction.
COMPASSION helps youth and young adults navigate issues of sex and sexualty by teaching students about their bodies, as well as discussing the benefits and responsibilities of a healthy sexual experience and identity.
Confidentiality and Knowing Your Rights
This session provides clarity to why New York State (NYS) minors have access to reproductive healthcare throughout NYS without a parent/guardian’s consent. It also defines who is a minor in NYS, addresses NYS rights for emancipated youth, pregnant teens and teen parents. The workshop will provide case studies and information specifically from the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU).
What is Sexual Reproductive Justice?
Sexual Reproductive Justice also referred to as SRJ. This session discusses all people having the power and resources to make healthy decisions about their bodies, sexuality and reproductions.
*Workshops can be translated and presented in Spanish.