## Recent Developments

Two new excellent resources have been developed in the areas of vocational training and continuing education. Nova Ancora has affiliated with Comp-U-Center at the Central Queens Y.M.C.A. This new and innovative program offers students four different courses in the computer sciences, ranging from an entry level "Introduction to Computer" course to more advanced courses including Windows 95 and Microsoft Word. The courses are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening hours, as well as on Saturdays. Students may take one or two months to complete each course depending on their frequency of attendance (once per week or twice per week). Significantly, the maximum class size is six, allowing for individual attention. The classes cost $100.00 per course and, for our probationers, a flexible payment plan will be developed.

The second new resource is the S.U.N.Y.- Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center which offers free vocational training, academic instruction, support services and job placement for qualified probationers. Courses include: word processing, computer service field technician, custodian service systems, data entry, medical billing, medical receptionist, database management and many more. S.U.N.Y.- Brooklyn E.O.C.'s mission is: "to assist academically and economically disadvantaged adults to become life long learners committed to self-development and excellence." We are excited about linking with this comprehensive program.

Nova Ancora recently received a proposal from the South Forty Corporation, with which we have been non-contractually affiliated for the past three years. This proposal is for "South Forty" to provide employment readiness and job placement services to 100 probationers. We are researching possible funding sources in order to make a contractual linkage with this outstanding organization a reality.

Finally, we are hoping to increase the size of our staff on order to provide improved and more comprehensive services to our probationers. All of what has been accomplished since March 1994, when Louis M. Gelormino, Deputy Commissioner for Law and Employment, revived and re-organized the program has been done with a staff of four! Under the direction and guidance of the Deputy Commissioner Gelormino, Eden J. Weiss, Assistant Commissioner for Vocational Training and Job Development manages the daily operations of Nova Ancora and supervises Probation Officer William Houser, Community Coordinator, Probation Officer Carletta Thompson, Program Liaison and Yvette Rivera, Secretary.

## Departmental Recognition and Conclusion

Commissioner Raul Russi appointed by Mayor Rudolph W. Guiliani in August 1996. has been supportive of Nova Ancora and has been instrumental in helping this creative and unique program achieve its mission and goals.

Significantly. Nova Ancora received the 1997 Unit Citation Award at the Probation Departmental Recognition Day and Awards Ceremony. Nova Ancora continues to protect public safety by providing probationers with opportunities in areas of employment, vocational training, continuing education and life skills preparation while striving to help probationers raise their level of self-esteem and live as crime free, productive members of the community.