I've worked in the South Bronx for 15 years now. Entering this year, the South Bronx had the highest poverty rate of any Congressional District in the nation and the lowest health outcomes of any county in the state of New York. Now, the Bronx is the borough hardest hit by the coronavirus, with the highest fatality rate and the most hospitalizations in a city that is arguably the epicenter of a global pandemic.

In our 11th year, South Bronx United is doing what we can to support our youth, families, and community through these unprecedented times. South Bronx United asks for your help fight these inequities. Right now, our work continues to provide college access, educational supports, health and fitness resources, critical information, immigration supports, recreational resources, and material needs to the youth and families in our community. At the same time, we are preparing for a return to programming that will bring back some normalcy to young people’s lives and combat a widening educational, socioeconomic, and health gap.

For this year's #PowerOf11 campaign, we are highlighting the challenges, but most of all the adaptability, resilience, and creativity of our community during this unprecedented time.

I hope you will support our organization, one that has been Steph and my life for the past 11 years, so that we can continue to provide crucial supports for South Bronx youth and families.

Support by sharing our story or giving whatever amount you can! And know that every donation will by doubled until we hit our $111,000 goal, thanks to a matching fund established by the William E. Simon Foundation and a group of anonymous donors. #PowerOf11

[Top Photo: Receiving the Laureus Sport for Good Award in Berlin, Germany from Hugh Grant and Sean Fitzpatrick, February 2020]

May 31, 2020: Read our statement "We Stand United for Change" at https://www.instagram.com/p/CA3fwRwJ-GJ/