The Reach Out Initiative
The Reach Out Initiative, is our way of staying connected to the community we serve. Our primary objective is to raise awareness, and improve the understanding of specific causes that impact our community. We then attempt to generate enough support through local partnerships with individuals, organizations and communities in strengthening new pathways that will improve the quality of life for all.
HISTORY
The Katmint began it’s community outreach over 5 years ago (formerly known as the PB&J Initiative) to help people in our Bed-Stuy area who are experiencing homelessness. Last year, our Reach Out Initiative took place at the CAMBA Broadway House Women’s Shelter. Our team was able to prepared over 100 lunch bags created and designed by our students along with personal hygiene products which were generously donated by our Katmint families and extended community to be offered to attendees of the shelter. Since then Katmint has continued its outreach lending support to issue that are focused on mental health and wellness through meditation and mindfulness experiences for black men, social and emotional support for young children and their families during the pandemic, offering free online workshops for children and their siblings, advocating for equity and the survival of the early childhood industry and supporting efforts to combat racial inequality and systemic racism for black communities in our city.
DONATE
Donations can be dropped off during the week, Monday-Friday, from 9:00am – 5:30pm at our 180 Malcolm X Blvd location. Donors with any monetary donations, perishables, or large-quantity donations, should contact us to make an appointment.
Donations can include, but are not limited to:
FOOD/DRINK
peanut butter
jelly
sandwich bread
deli-meat
cheese
vegetables
fruit (dried or fresh)
mustard
soup
bottled water
CLOTHING
Gently-used and clean or new:
gloves
scarves
hats
jackets
socks
SUPPLIES
paper bags
biodegradable sandwich bags
aluminum foil
napkins
PERSONAL CARE
toothbrush & toothpaste
soap
deodorant
washcloths / wipes
menstrual pads
diapers
Make a donation to The Reach Out Initiative!
PARTNER
Partner with the Katmint to ensure that The Reach Out Initiative offers a range of resources for the homeless. As a partner you can engage in one or more of the following ways:
- Donate prepared meals.
- Donate food, items, and supplies on an ongoing basis.
- Provide brochures and flyers about available services for homeless persons, such as food pantries, housing access, job opportunities, advocacy, and counseling opportunities.
- Help to source and coordinate volunteers for meal preparation and distribution.
- Spread the word about The Reach Out Initiative.
- Donate money toward the sustainability of the program.
Interested in becoming a partner? Have another way you’d like to contribute? Please contact us!
Andre Farrell, Executive Director, [email protected], 347.453.6609
VOLUNTEER
If you have experience connecting people-in-need to supportive resources, volunteer with us! All ages are welcome to contribute. As a school community, we are thoughtful about how young people and the adults that care for them can model empathy, generosity, activism, and authentic ways to connect with community members of various backgrounds and circumstances.