Celebrating a Successful Partnership with Project Restore Bed Stuy, Bridge Street, Columbia – and a visit from Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez

As the leader of an organization, I take pride in cultivating a creative space where diverse stakeholders can truly shine. At The B.R.O. Experience Foundation our guiding concept is that community care should be at the forefront of all social development endeavors. We stand against the prevailing notions that often emphasize juvenile justice and reactive measures, focusing instead on fostering genuine community development and caring for one another as human beings within the spaces we call home.

Amidst the challenges of changing the narrative surrounding support for young men of color, we found inspiration and support from dedicated partners. A heartfelt thank you goes to the Project Restore Bed Stuy team under Dr. UniQue Starks, along with the Bridge Street Development Corporation, Columbia University, and the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office for working hard to ensure this happened. Together, we embarked on a mission to create a pipeline that approaches supporting young men of color through the lens of community care.

As an organization committed to making a difference, we eagerly joined this initiative, offering cognitive behavioral group therapy to several young men in the PRB cohort. Our efforts culminated on December 31st when we had the privilege of hosting one of the graduation ceremonies at our BRO Space located at 7 Marcus Garvey.

The atmosphere was nothing short of delightful, with community members filling the space to witness the transformations these young men underwent throughout the year. It was heartening to see their growth, their resilience, and their journeys toward a brighter future.

A special acknowledgment goes to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, who not only supported the work but also graced the ceremony with his presence. His commitment to the cause exemplifies the power of community engagement and shared responsibility.

There is a profound truth in the idea that our ability to grow as a community is most evident when we come together, share, celebrate, and break bread as one.

Our BRO Experience transformational center aims to be a hub and empowerment space for events like this – where lives are transformed and the community comes together to uplift and support one another. As we continue this journey, we remain dedicated to the principles of community care, empowerment, and the belief that positive change is possible when we stand united.

– Barry Cooper, Founder and Executive Director