Resources for Student Support

🍎 Access to Food

If you or your family need help with food, free resources are available across NYC.

Food Pantries & Hot Meals

• New York Common Pantry  - (Bronx & Harlem)
  Hot meals and choice pantries during the week

•  Part of the Solution (POTS) – Bronx
  Free lunch + monthly pantry items

• GrowNYC Produce Distribution – Bronx
  Free fresh produce weekly

• Fort Fridge (Community Fridge)– Open 24/7

• South Bronx Mutual Aid– No ID required

💡 You do not need documentation or proof of need for many of these services.

🧠 Mental Health, Stress & Emotional Support

If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, or dealing with personal challenges, support is available.

Youth-Friendly Mental Health Services

•  The Door– Counseling, health, nutrition, and youth support (ages 12–24)

•  New York Psychotherapy & Counseling Center (NYPCC) – Bronx

• Morris Heights Health Center – Behavioral health & primary care

• Comunilife LIP– Suicide prevention for Latina girls and teens

💬 Asking for support is a strength, not a weakness.

🚍 Transportation Support

If transportation feels confusing or stressful—especially if you’ve never taken public transportation alone—help is available.

Support Options

• Counselors and WGI staff can help you:

  • Plan your commute

  • Practice routes

  • Problem-solve delays or schedule challenges

📍 Let someone know early if transportation is a challenge.

💻 Technology or WiFi Access

If you have limited access to a laptop, internet, or WiFi:

Available Supports

• NYC Public Libraries – Free WiFi, computer access, printing

• Counselors can help connect you to:

  • School-based tech support

  • Community tech access locations

🛜 You should never feel behind because of technology.

🏠 Housing Instability

If you or your family are dealing with housing insecurity, moving, or homelessness, confidential help is available.

Housing & Drop-In Support

• The Door – Runaway & Homeless Youth Services (ages 14–24)

• BronxWorks Living Room – 24-hour drop-in center

• NYDIS (Asylum Seeker Services) – Housing, legal, health, and education support

• Word of Life Community Services – Emergency food, clothing, immigration help

🧭 You do not have to navigate housing challenges alone.

👨‍👩‍👧 Work or Family Responsibilities

We recognize that many students balance school, work, and family responsibilities. These responsibilities are real and important.

At the same time, WGI is a professional commitment. Students are expected to attend all internship days, and work or family responsibilities cannot be used as a reason to miss internship days.

Learning how to manage responsibilities while meeting professional expectations is a key part of the WGI experience—and a skill employers value. If you anticipate a challenge, communicate early so we can support you in planning ahead.

Tips for Managing Your Time & Responsibilities:

1. Plan ahead for internship days

• Review your WGI schedule in advance

• Talk with family members, employers, or caregivers early to plan coverage

• Treat internship days like a required job shift

2. Use tools to stay organized

• Write internship dates into your phone calendar

• Set reminders the night before and the morning of internship days

• Prepare your clothes, commute plan, and materials the night before

3. Communicate before there’s a problem

• If you see a potential conflict coming up, reach out before internship day

• Ask for support with planning—not permission to miss

• Early communication shows professionalism and responsibility

🕒 Your responsibilities matter—and support exists.

⚖️ Legal, Immigration & Safety Support

If you or your family have concerns related to immigration, safety, or legal rights:

Confidential Legal Resources

•  NMIC (Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation)– Immigration, housing, benefits

• Dominicanos USA– Citizenship & immigration support

• Legal Aid Society – Youth, housing, and family legal services

• Safe Horizon – Support for survivors of violence or trafficking

🔒 These services are confidential and designed to protect you.

🤝 Need Help Connecting to Resources?

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Talk to:

• Henry (Shared Lane / WGI Staff)

• Your school counselor

• Your internship site lead

They can:

• Help you choose the right resource

• Make referrals

• Follow up with you discreetly

Final Note

You belong in WGI. Life challenges do not define your potential—and support is here to help you succeed.