Working New York’s Streets

Six nights a week, counselors from a program called Streetwork brave some of New York City’s roughest neighborhoods, offering young people in trouble a free meal, a shower, and counseling at a drop-in center near Times Square. Despite their deep fear and distrust of strangers, many of the teen-agers and young adults find a sympathetic ear — and respect for the first time in their lives.

Streetwork, which is run by a charity called Victim Services, provides long-term counseling, clothing, and help in kicking alcohol and drug addictions, as well as child-care and cooking classes. The organization also tries to provide the young people with entertainment. Last month, for example, the charity took some of its clients to Radio City Music Hall to see the Rockettes.

“We have lots of special events,” says Angela Amel, Streetwork’s program coordinator. “We try to be sure there’s a piece of their lives that isn’t always in crisis, so we’re not just doing intensive case management. We’re also giving back a piece of childhood, since many of them have never really experienced childhood.”

The charity’s staff members receive regular training and extensive support, which Ms. Amel believes accounts for the low staff turnover despite the grueling work. “We think that’s really key in terms of being able to develop relationships with these young people who are so used to having interrupted relationships in their lives,” she says.

Occasional success stories help, too. Ruth Haynes, who is now a paid employee, was once a client living in Central Park.

“This kind of work can be devastating,” says Ms. Amel, “but it can also be rewarding. We hear all the time how much Streetwork means to people and how much it means to be treated with dignity.”