Organization Details:

Immigrant Social Services, Inc. (ISS) is dedicated to improving the conditions and promoting the well-being of immigrant and underserved children and families in the Greater Chinatown area of New York City.

Description and/or History:
ISS provides after-school programs that focus on homework help, tutoring and recreational activities in five (5) public schools in the NYC Chinatown area and lower east side.

ISS sponsors academic and development program to high school immigrant youth intended to enhance English reading and writing skills, math and reading tutorial and homework assistant and SAT preparation.

ISS professionals, trained in drug and alcohol prevention counseling, offer services to children and their parents, personal and family group counseling workshops and parenting forums, and conducts other activities meant to identify early signs of drug abuse in children and youth, and to educate about the harmful affects of smoking. This program is funded by the New York State Office of Alcohol and substance Abuse Services (OASAS).

The Summer Camp program is academically focused in reading and writing skills, and is supported by certified teachers and specialists.

ISS provides a safe haven for adolescents and young adults for recreation, cultural and athletic activities, and sponsors and competes in community basketball tournaments.

Through a contract with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, ISS oversees a work program for youth during the summer which includes an educational component to promote financial literacy, encourage responsible money management skills and establish a foundation of economic understanding for young people - all this while they gain invaluable work experience.

The history of ISS in Chinatown parallels the expansive growth of the Greater Chinatown area that took place during the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Throughout these years ISS specialized in providing after-school programs and summer camp to children and families with low income, typically comprised of parents working full time.

Over the years ISS has carried out its mission mainly through: English language instructions, recreational activities for youth, after-school and summer camp programs for children and high school immigrant youth, summer youth employment programs, instructions to youth in drug prevention, and cultural programming for the whole family.

Contact people:

Leona Shuler, Office Manager, (212) 571-1840, (email) Lillian Moy, Assistant Director, (212) 571-1840, (email) Victor Papa, Executive Director, (212) 571-1840, (email)

Address:

137 Henry Street New York, NY 10002 (See a map)

Directions:

ISS is located in the Chinatown area of New York City.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: "F" train to East Broadway,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: M9 to Essex & E. Broadway and M15 to Pike and Allan Streets, 5 minute walk