By Susan Schwartz, Communications Director, Yonkers Partners in Education

Apr. 14, 2021: As the pandemic has elevated the needs of many residents in Westchester, members of the Reformed Church of Bronxville (RCB) have answered the call to support young people right down the road. Through a partnership with Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE), members of the Church have become mentors, coaches, and champions for high school students in Yonkers.

Developing partnerships with local community organizations is very important to the Church. "We want to work with our neighbors and develop connections that will build over years," said Mary Mackintosh, RCB Director of Missional Engagement. "Education is such an important part of the lives of our congregants, so connecting with YPIE was a natural fit."

The Reformed Church of Bronxville (RCB) describes itself as a family of faith, a home for all, at the heart of the community. In recent years, RCB has grown from a village-centered church serving members from Bronxville and Yonkers -- to a thriving house of worship that draws visitors from throughout the county and virtual worshippers around the world.

Mary was introduced to YPIE several years earlier when she heard YPIE Board Chairman David Westin present the impact YPIE was having to ensure Yonkers high school students were on the path to college success.  

Mary met with YPIE Executive Director Sam Wallis at the YPIE College Zone days before the pandemic began. When Mary was named Director of Mission Engagement in September 2020, she shares that one of the first things she wanted to do in this new role was to partner with YPIE.

"In my previous life, I was a social worker and lawyer, and also worked with the Yonkers Schools. I saw the pluses and minuses of the educational enhancements students receive in communities like Bronxville -- and the glaring difference in what students get in less-resourced areas like Yonkers."

She sent an email to the church community introducing them to YPIE and invited those interested in mentoring high school students to attend an online Information Session. "The congregants who attended were so impressed with the session and felt that this program was really well run. The structure and support were really important."

In October 2020, 10 volunteers from RCB signed up to become YPIE Graduation Coaches, volunteers who become invaluable mentors to Yonkers students throughout high school on their path to college.  Several of the volunteers asked to be matched with a second student for YPIE's incoming 9th-grade class.  

"Our volunteers are a cross-section of people -- from younger to older, for whom the connection to a student is so meaningful -- a man who loves kids but doesn't have children of his own, a single woman who wanted to connect with a student, a very busy financial executive with four children of his own who wanted to offer the sorts of opportunities that his children have had and share his knowledge with a student who might not have the same opportunities."

Mary has received very positive feedback so far. "It's so amazing, particularly to those who have teenagers of their own, how open these students can be. YPIE has built this trust.  And, the volunteers are overwhelmed by the amount of support they receive from YPIE."  

Mary is also a YPIE Graduation Coach. "My YPIE Scholar opens up more and more each time I talk to her. That's the real benefit of starting in 9th grade. By the time you get to the college process, you have a real relationship and something to build on."

Mary also sees how these relationships are very meaningful for the mentors. "I'm all about what we learn from people who are different from us. It helps us to see that every student has potential. Unless we nurture that and offer new opportunities, these students will not be able to reach their potential."

YPIE is deeply grateful to partner with RCB and for all the volunteers that are making a life-changing impact on Yonkers student,

For more information, YPIE.org/volunteer.

Photo by N. Bower

Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.