Misión San Juan Bautista
Reverend Maria Isabel Santiviago, Executive Director
Mision San Juan Bautista (the Mission) is a vibrant and dynamic center offering services to the South Bronx community. Through innovative outreach it provides women with HIV/AIDS prevention information, young people with conflict resolution skills, immigrants with English-as-a-Second Language classes, and food for the hungry. Dedicated to improving the well-being of the community, the Mission collaborates with diverse partners for its initiatives and makes space available to others to provide additional services.
With one of the highest HIV infection and death rates in the New York City, HIV education is critical to South Bronx residents. “Hablando Claro/Frankly Speaking” is an HIV prevention program for women that focuses on the social and cultural barriers that Latinas and other women of color face in attempting to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. The program has served hundreds of women through workshops held at substance abuse treatment centers, public schools, Head Start centers, beauty parlors and travel agencies. A new parallel program is directed towards neighborhood men.
“Peace Zone” is a drop-in conflict resolution and community organizing program for neighborhood youth. 13 to 17 years old. Through a range of educational and recreational activities, it encourages personal growth, hopefulness, and intellectual activity.