At the tender age of 17, I discovered I was pregnant with my son Alex. This was a very anxious time for me, and I experienced many challenges due to not having support during that vulnerable time. Being a young parent caused me to develop a great deal of knowledge of what young parents need and ignited a sensitivity to others in similar situations. Over two decades later, I support other teens transitioning into parenthood alongside my team of dynamic young adult parents through The Alex House Project (TAHP).
TAHP is a peer-led organization for young parents. Our mission is to increase long-term family self-sufficiency by providing a safe and nurturing environment for parent education and leadership development, as well as supporting access to higher education and the workforce.
As the founder of TAHP, I am happy to share the news of our upcoming move into a new office space in downtown Brooklyn. This move marks a significant milestone for our organization and our community. While we are in transition, I have been reflecting on our expectations for this transition and its impact on our organization and the broader Brooklyn community.
One of our primary expectations for moving into the new space is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for the teen parents and families we serve. Over the past four years, we have adapted to virtual interactions like many other organizations. However, with our new space designed to mimic a warm and inviting living room atmosphere, we anticipate a positive shift as families return to in-person services. Our goal is to create a non-judgmental space where parents can connect, access resources, and simply take a moment to breathe amidst the challenges of parenting.
Additionally, we are excited about the opportunities this new space will provide for our staff, who have been predominantly working remotely. With an environment tailored to support and nurture them as parents themselves, we expect our team to bring renewed enthusiasm and dedication to their work. Returning to in-person interactions will foster a sense of community among our staff, further strengthening our ability to work as a unified team in the community.
Furthermore, our new location will have a positive impact on the Brooklyn community at large. Situated in a central area with easy access to public transit, we can serve Brooklyn residents and our neighboring boroughs. This expansion of our reach opens doors to new partnerships and collaborative opportunities, fostering a sense of unity across New York City.
TAHP's new home, approximately 5,600 square feet, will serve as a community engagement and empowerment hub. While we anticipate moving to 9 Bond Street during the second week of June, our official programming will kick off in July. We invite young parents aged 25 and under, and particularly those aged 18 and under, to join us in our new home and become part of our vibrant community.
As we embark on this new chapter, I am grateful for the unwavering support of our stakeholders, who have been with us every step of the way. Their commitment has helped us reach this significant milestone.
The community can support our move by visiting our website to explore our programs, following us on social media, donating to our building fund, or sponsoring items from our Crate & Barrel or Amazon wishlists. We look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of young parents and their families.
I extend our heartfelt thanks to the Brooklyn community for embracing TAHP. We are excited to open our doors and welcome you into our new space, where we will build a stronger, more supportive community–one parent at a time.
Samora Coles is the founder and executive director of TAHP. She has transformed the lives of young mothers and their children by developing structured programs that focus on creating a new self-perception and a new atmosphere for re-parenting. Under her leadership, young dads in the Red Hook community sought her guidance, resulting in a widespread program of assisting mothers and fathers.
