Shelton Haynes and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation team have established a strategic plan to make Roosevelt Island a better place for residents. RIOC’s strategic plan is focused on making a safer community and revitalizing the Roosevelt Island community. The team at RIOC has upgraded and developed many buildings on the island such as upgrading the ferry service and improving street lighting to combat crime.
One of their main projects was to upgrade and modernize the youth center. Recent study established that juvenile crime usually peaks at 4 to 6 p.m., so planning for the youth center and providing a safe place for children to play is vital.
By upgrading the youth center, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation has created a safe environment for children to play and learn on Roosevelt Island. The new youth center has been renovated with a new computer lab, music room, learning garden, learning kitchen, gaming room, activity room, and STEM lab and other equipment that ensure that children can be safe while learning.
Shelton Haynes sought out help from the community to create children’s programs in order to reinforce the sense of community and belonging. One such program was the iDig2Learn program where the kids get to explore the world of science, math, and also study plants.
Another one is where they get to learn filmmaking and podcasting.
The upgrades to the youth center are designed to help stimulate creativity in these children so that they can channel this energy into productive activities instead of concentrating on crimes.
Committed to working with the community and investing in the future, RIOC is committed to creating a better Roosevelt Island for all citizens. By creating sustainable neighborhoods, people will live healthier lives, thus leading to a stronger community. Shelton Haynes demonstrates that his vision is achievable by investing in the community and creating change through action.
The new youth center is an example of the RIOC team’s commitment to improve the Roosevelt Island community.