The West Side Commons

08/15/2025

The West Side Commons is offering FREE financial coaching. Get help with:

-Improving Credit
-Creating and using budgets
-Reducing debt
-Screening and applying for public benefits

Contact [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

07/23/2025

Kelley Williams

By Kelley Williams
A DOME Project Veteran and Executive Director of the West Side Commons

It is with a heavy heart and deep gratitude that I remember John Simon, who passed away on July 17, 2025. He was a visionary, a mentor, and a force of nature who changed the course of my life and the lives of so many others.

As a proud veteran of The DOME Project, and now the Executive Director of West Side Commons — a DOME partnership initiative with Strycker’s Bay Neighborhood Council — I carry John’s legacy with me every single day. His passing is an immeasurable loss to our community and to all who were shaped by his boundless dedication to justice, youth empowerment, and civil rights.

John didn’t just build programs — he showed us that we had the power to uplift our community. He saw potential where others saw problems. He gave us the gift of purpose and the courage to dream bigger than our circumstances.

In founding The DOME Project in 1973, John gave struggling teens like me a place to learn, grow, and build community. He treated us with respect, love, and dignity — reminding us that we mattered. Whether on a basketball court, in a church basement, or a storefront on Amsterdam Avenue, John made space and time for all of us.

The work we do at West Side Commons — with youth and families — continues on the path John helped create. And we walk it with pride.

To his family — and all his loved ones — thank you for sharing him with us.

And to John: thank you for lifting us, teaching us, and never giving up on the hard work of creating real change.
We love you John!
Rest in power.

07/23/2025

By Kelley Williams
A DOME Project Veteran and Executive Director of the West Side Commons

It is with a heavy heart and deep gratitude that I remember John Simon, who passed away on July 17, 2025. He was a visionary, a mentor, and a force of nature who changed the course of my life and the lives of so many others.

As a proud veteran of The DOME Project, and now the Executive Director of West Side Commons — a DOME partnership initiative with Strycker’s Bay Neighborhood Council — I carry John’s legacy with me every single day. His passing is an immeasurable loss to our community and to all who were shaped by his boundless dedication to justice, youth empowerment, and civil rights.

John didn’t just build programs — he showed us that we had the power to uplift our community. He saw potential where others saw problems. He gave us the gift of purpose and the courage to dream bigger than our circumstances.

In founding The DOME Project in 1973, John gave struggling teens like me a place to learn, grow, and build community. He treated us with respect, love, and dignity — reminding us that we mattered. Whether on a basketball court, in a church basement, or a storefront on Amsterdam Avenue, John made space and time for all of us.

The work we do at West Side Commons — with youth and families — continues on the path John helped create. And we walk it with pride.

To his family — and all his loved ones — thank you for sharing him with us.

And to John: thank you for lifting us, teaching us, and never giving up on the hard work of creating real change.
We love you John!
Rest in power.

07/01/2025

Need help managing your finances? Sign up for FREE financial coaching today! We have slots available Thursday evenings between 5:30pm - 7:30pm with our experienced financial coach!

Link to sign up:

05/29/2025

Need help managing your finances? Sign up for free financial coaching today! We have slots available June 2, 16, 23, and 30th of this month.

Link to sign up: https://calendly.com/ronan-westsidecommons/30min

05/22/2025

Hey Friends,

Exciting things are happening this summer, and we could really use your help!

We're launching a tennis program this summer for kids, and we're looking for support. Please consider donating to our program to help us make it a success. Also, if you have any tennis equipment (like rackets, balls, or nets) that you're not using, we'd be incredibly grateful for your contribution.

If you can help out with equipment or have any questions about donating, please contact me directly via PM or at [email protected].

Thank you, community, for your wonderful support!

04/29/2025

PAID OPPORTUNITY FOR KIDS WHO LIKE TO WRITE - CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE

https://youthcomm.org/teens-write-for-us/

The workshop will be held in person at our midtown office on West 38th Street, and runs July 7 through August 14, 2025. The workshop meets Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the six weeks, and in-person attendance is required.

Applications are due May 9th. We will respond to all applicants by May 23rd and schedule group interviews with prospective candidates during the following week, May 26-30. Note: Previous and current YC writers are not eligible to apply.

All participants receive a $1,500 stipend for completing at least one story in the workshop. A daily two-trip MetroCard will also be provided.

https://youthcomm.org/teens-write-for-us/

46TH ANNUAL SUMMER WRITING WORKSHOP:making change How do we make the world, or some aspect of it, better? In part by recognizing a problem, voicing your concerns about it, joining with others who see it as a problem, and working to improve the situation. Change happens through advocacy, e.g., sendin...

03/28/2025

Apply Today!
Positions Available
Youth Program Counselors
Summer Positions Available | Afterschool Positions Available
20-35 Hours/Week Salary - $20/hour -$25/hour
Transform Lives While Building Your Future
At our dynamic youth program, you'll inspire, mentor, and shape the next generation of learners through academic support, STEM activities, the arts and recreational programming. We provide comprehensive training in youth development, classroom management, and innovative teaching strategies.
Hours:
- School Year: Up to 20 hours/week
- Summer Program: 35+ hours/week
- Multiple NYC public school locations
Essential Responsibilities:
- Create engaging learning experiences through homework help and academic enrichment
- Design and lead innovative STEM projects and hands-on activities
- Facilitate recreational activities promoting teamwork and physical wellness
- Foster social-emotional growth through mentorship
- Build connections with students, families, and school communities
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum age: 17 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Must pass comprehensive background check
- Strong communication skills and fluency in English
- Enthusiasm for working with children
- Physical ability to participate in active games and activities
We Provide:
- Starting salary of $20/hour
- Paid, comprehensive training program
- Professional development workshops
- Mentorship from experienced educators
- Leadership development opportunities
- Career advancement pathways
- Flexible scheduling
- Holiday and summer program bonuses
- First Aid and CPR certification offered
Preferred Qualifications:
- College coursework and or lived experience in Education, Psychology, or related field
- Bilingual skills in English and Spanish
- Experience in Tutoring, homework help, STEM, music, art, , or sports activities
To Apply:
Submit your resume, cover letter, and three references to kelley[at]westsidecommons.org No phone calls please. Tell us about your experience working with youth and what unique talents you would bring to our K-5 after-school program.
We look forward to meeting with you and working with you.

03/28/2025

We are hiring 18 and older youth to work in afterschool.

Above minimum wage with experience working in an afterschool.

Must be reliable and able to begin work at 2:00pm and end at 6:30pm.

Must be able to work Monday through Friday

Must be able to do pick up from neighborhood schools ps 84, ps 166 and
ps 75

If you are a community member and would like employment and will pass our extensive backround check-come and apply 🙂

02/20/2025

Family Arts and Crafts Event at the Commons!

Get your tickets HERE:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-side-commons-family-arts-and-crafts-event-tickets-1248605224839?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

02/08/2025

Do you have questions about the housing lottery? We’re hosting FREE Zoom workshops on Feb 11 + 13 that will cover:

✅ What affordable housing is available
✅ How to use Housing Connect
✅ What to expect after applying

Sign up today: nyc.gov/hpdevents