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The Best Local Online Counseling in Mount Vernon, NY

If there's one universal truth about humans, it's that at some point in our lives, we have to work through difficult circumstances. When that happens, we often need someone to talk to - someone we can trust who can give us an unbiased opinion or advice. Sometimes, that person is a family member or close friend. In some situations, however, only a qualified professional like a therapist will work. If that sounds familiar, don't be ashamed because you're most certainly not alone. According to recent statistics, in the U.S., approximately 55.8 million adults needed treatment or counseling for mental health reasons in 2022.

If you've been thinking about mental health treatment, you may be considering virtual therapy with an online counselor. Online therapy gives you the chance to connect with licensed therapists and mental health coaches without needing to set foot in a traditional therapy setting. Working with an online therapist can be every bit as effective as seeing an in-person therapist. From anxiety disorders to stress management, virtual therapy provides help for mental health concerns without the need to sit for long periods in a therapist's waiting room. If you're in search of counseling online in Mount Vernon, NY, ZenZone Health is among the best choices available.

Wellness Therapy Mount Vernon, NY
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What Clients Say About Us

ZenZone Health: Online CounselingWhen You Need It Most

At ZenZone Health, our team of licensed therapists and mental health coaches are committed to delivering reliable and collaborative mental health care to those who need it most. With extensive experience in our field, we recognize the significance of customized, compassionate treatment for mental health. That's why we approach treatment in a comprehensive manner, taking into account each client's specific needs and wellness goals. Our virtual therapists use evidence-based methods to help clients develop resilience and build coping skills that they can use every day.

We know that reaching out for help when you have mental health challenges can be tough, which is why we always offer a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere for our clients. We emphatically believe that everyone should have access to quality mental health care and work hard to ensure that our services are easy to understand and affordable for all.

Our telehealth therapists in Mount Vernon, NY, focus on a range of specialties, including:

  • Depression Therapy
  • Anxiety Therapy
  • Stress Management
  • First Break Psychosis
  • Mood Disorders & Bipolar
  • Panic Attacks & Panic Disorders
  • Family Counseling
  • Couples Counseling
  • Grief & Loss
  • PTSD
  • Substance Use Disorder
  • Business Consulting
  • Wellness Coaching
 Mindfulness Therapy Mount Vernon, NY

Booking an Online Therapy Session is Easy at ZenZone Health

Some online counseling websites make booking a session convoluted and confusing. We strive to make the process streamlined and simple. We're also committed to matching you with quality therapists. In fact, the president of ZenZone Health conducts a free 15-minute assessment for every one of our new patients. By relying on a trained, licensed professionals, instead of an algorithm, we can pair you with a counselor who has experience best suited to your needs.

Here's how to Request Information:

Initial
Schedule Your Initial Appointment

Fill out the appointment request form on our website or call our office today to discuss how to Request Information with counseling online.

Ongoing
Ongoing Therapy

Once we have completed your initial appointment, you're in the Zone. At this point, you continue to make progress in your virtual coaching or therapy sessions.

Program
Package Savings Program

We want to maintain and build on the progress you're making at ZenZone Health, which is why we created our wellness program, which helps make sure you're in the Zone you want and deserve to be in. This program is dedicated finding the right package for you, to schedule continual sessions 1x per week, 2x per month, what ever is right for you and the price point suited for you.

you-insurance
Insurance

Navigating insurance for online counseling can be a headache, but we go out of our way to make it as easy as possible for you by working with many insurance companies and plans. In some instances, and depending on licensure, we can take your insurance. Please call or message us for more details.

FAQs About Online Counseling and Therapy from ZenZone Health

 Stress Relief Therapy Mount Vernon, NY

Therapy will be different for each person, depending on their issues and goals. Typically, sessions involve discussing current events, personal history, and progress from previous sessions. Therapy can be short-term or longer-term, and it's common to have regular weekly sessions. Active participation is important for results, and your therapist may suggest activities outside of sessions to support your progress. Therapy is for those ready to make positive changes, open to new perspectives, and willing to take responsibility for their lives.

Therapy can help with mental and emotional problems better than medication alone. Therapy does more than just treat symptoms; it also addresses the causes of distress and the behavior patterns that limit progress. An integrated approach to wellness is best for long-term growth and well-being. Your doctor can help you decide whether medication, therapy, or both are the right choice for you.

Everyone experiences difficult times in life, and while you may have effectively dealt with other challenges you've encountered, there's no shame in reaching out for extra assistance when you require it. Seeking therapy is actually a sign of self-awareness and strength, as it indicates that you recognize the need for support. By seeking therapy, you are demonstrating accountability for your current circumstances and showing a commitment to making a change. Therapy offers enduring advantages and guidance, equipping you with the necessary skills to avoid potential triggers, redirect harmful behaviors, and conquer any obstacles that come your way.

Now that you know more about what makes ZenZone Health different, let's dig deeper into the benefits of telehealth therapy sessions and who benefits the most from them.

Anxiety, Stress, and Depression: How ZenZone Telehealth Therapists in Mount Vernon, NY Help

In today's fast-paced world, mental health disorders are increasingly common and impacting millions of lives worldwide. In the Southeast United States, the prevalence of these disorders has led to the development of specialized treatments and therapies. In this pursuit, ZenZone Health has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering exceptional services in depression therapy, anxiety therapy, and stress management.

A Personalized Approach to Mental Health

What sets ZenZone Health apart from other remote therapists is our personalized approach to therapy. We understand that every person who needs therapy has unique needs and goals. That's why we develop customized treatment plans that address those needs and goals in a structured, compassionate manner. By providing you with a custom treatment plan, we can help ensure that you get the highest quality, most effective interventions possible, leading to positive outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

 Integrative Therapy Mount Vernon, NY
 Healing Therapy Mount Vernon, NY

Depression Therapy from ZenZone Health

Struggling with depression can feel like an ongoing battle, overshadowing everyday life. At ZenZone Health, our depression therapy brings a glimmer of hope to those facing this challenging condition. Our licensed therapists use proven techniques to create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their feelings and build effective coping strategies. By combining psychotherapy and counseling, patients are gently guided toward healing and self-discovery.

Stress and Anxiety Therapy at ZenZone Health

Chronic stress has become a widespread concern in today's modern society, impacting individuals of all age groups. ZenZone Health offers stress management programs that provide practical tools to effectively deal with life's pressures. Our experienced therapists empower clients with relaxation techniques and time management strategies to help achieve balance amidst the chaos.

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, making even simple tasks seem like huge challenges. At ZenZone Health, our anxiety therapy is customized to tackle the underlying issues that your brain won't let go of. Our therapists work closely with you, using cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices to help you handle anxious thoughts and behaviors. Through personalized sessions, you can learn to take back control and live a more peaceful and balanced life.

 Mental Health Therapy Mount Vernon, NY
 Relaxation Therapy Mount Vernon, NY

Trauma & PTSD Therapy at ZenZone Health

At ZenZone Health, we understand that the aftermath of trauma can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of your life. Our specialized PTSD and trauma therapy programs are designed to help you regain control and find peace. Using evidence-based techniques, our compassionate therapists work with you to process traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies. Whether through cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, or mindfulness practices, we provide a safe and supportive environment for healing. At ZenZone Health, we are dedicated to helping you move forward, reclaim your life, and achieve lasting well-being.

Exploring the Many Benefits of Online Counseling in Mount Vernon, NY

Studies indicate that therapy is generally effective and offers numerous advantages. Therapy can help you recognize sources of distress, gain better self-understanding, and reach your goals. While traditional in-person counseling is an option for many, it's not for everyone. Here are some of the biggest benefits of online therapy:

 Personalized Therapy Mount Vernon, NY

Access to Support When Living in Remote Areas

Online therapy provides mental health support to individuals living in rural or remote areas who may not have access to traditional in-person therapy due to a lack of local mental health services. Seeking face-to-face therapy in such cases often involves long drives and significant time commitments, which can be challenging for those with busy schedules. However, with reliable internet access, telehealth therapy sessions offer a convenient and relatively quick way to access treatment that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.

 Emotional Wellness Therapy Mount Vernon, NY

Affordable and Convenient

While this wasn't always the case, modern counseling online is usually quite affordable and convenient. You can schedule therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home at times that suit you best. Plus, many states now mandate that insurance providers cover online therapy just like traditional therapy (you should contact your insurance company to see if telehealth counseling is covered). Add that to the fact that telehealth is generally affordable even without insurance coverage, and you can see why so many people check in with their counselors on a weekly and even daily basis.

 Holistic Counseling Mount Vernon, NY

Access to Counseling if You're Physically Disabled

When you're disabled physically, everyday tasks like getting dressed and running errands can be extremely frustrating. Unfortunately, disabled men and women often forego therapy because they can't make it to the therapist's office. Online therapy offers a way for people with disabilities or limited mobility to access mental health care. A therapist working from home may not have the facilities to cater to clients with different needs, but with online counseling, you can still access quality care.

 Wellness Counseling Mount Vernon, NY

Better Availability

Telehealth therapy sessions in Mount Vernon, NY offer an easier way for people to connect with a counselor, especially for those who need help but might be deterred by various obstacles. Individuals struggling with mental health issues like social anxiety disorder, depression, mood disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder may find it difficult to motivate themselves to seek out a therapist, book appointments, and travel to their office for the initial and subsequent meetings.

If booking an appointment with a traditional therapist isn't in the cards, it could be time to try counseling online.

 Mindfulness Counseling Mount Vernon, NY

Therapy is More Approachable

The internet has made mental health treatment more accessible. People might find it easier to discuss physical health problems with friends and family than mental health concerns. However, online access can help overcome the stigma associated with mental health issues. Teletherapy can also be a valuable tool for learning more about mental health and strengthening your psychological well-being, even if you're not struggling with mental health issues.

A Note from ZenZone Health: If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 on your phone. You can contact this number 24/7, day or night.

When is the Best Time to Seek Counseling Online in Mount Vernon, NY?

If you're reading this, chances are you or a loved one is struggling in life. You may be dealing with added stress at work, grieving after a traumatic life event, or working through a rocky relationship. Dealing with these issues alone can be challenging. But asking for help can be, too. That's especially true when you're dealing with mental health issues. Fortunately, a licensed therapist may be able to provide the support and tools you need to get back to a normal life. If you're wondering whether you need online counseling, keep these situations in mind.

1

Living with Substance Abuse Problems

Dealing with addictions, whether it's substance abuse or behavioral addictions like gambling, can feel incredibly daunting. Therapy is an essential part of the recovery process as it delves into the underlying causes of these issues. With help from remote therapists, you develop skills to help maintain sobriety and prevent relapses. For example, if you're struggling with alcohol addiction, an online therapist can help you identify triggers and teach you new, healthier ways to cope with those triggers instead of using alcohol.

2

Dealing with Relationship Issues

Relationship struggles can be a huge motivating factor for seeking therapy. These issues may involve friends, romantic partners, or family members. For instance, a couple may turn to couples counseling to address communication or trust issues. An online counselor can assist individuals in resolving these issues and developing improved communication skills, boundaries, and coping strategies.

3

Symptoms of a Mental Health Condition

Conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, and PTSD can significantly disrupt daily life. Symptoms can manifest as constant feelings of worry or frequent headaches. Therapy, along with medication or lifestyle adjustments, can be an effective treatment for mental health. For example, a person with anxiety might learn relaxation techniques to manage stress levels with the help of a therapist. Similarly, someone experiencing depression may learn coping skills to maintain a more positive outlook on life.

4

New Challenges in Life

Dealing with common - albeit challenging - events in life, like losing a job, coping with grief, or undergoing major changes, can be very disruptive. If you find yourself losing interest in your usual activities, it could be a sign of a mental health condition like major depressive disorder. Therapy offers essential support and guidance for managing these issues, which can help individuals overcome their obstacles. For instance, a person grieving the loss of a loved one may benefit from online counseling as they navigate through their emotions. Similarly, someone who has relocated to a new city might find online therapy beneficial as they adapt to their new home, community, and workplace.

5

Trauma from Childhood

Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on people as they mature. Virtual therapy with a licensed professional can assist people in processing these experiences and recovering from them, which may help them comprehend and address any existing issues. For instance, individuals who experienced neglect as children can work through feelings of abandonment in therapy, potentially alleviating the anxiety they may be feeling in their romantic relationship.

Nurturing Your Mental Health One Session at a Time

In the pursuit of mental wellness, ZenZone Health stands as your steadfast ally, offering specialized therapies that cater to a range of mental health and lifestyle challenges. Through our expertise in depression therapy, anxiety therapy, and stress management, we aren't just providing treatments; we're offering a lifeline to those struggling with mental health disorders. When you trust ZenZone Health for online therapy in Mount Vernon, NY, you're taking the first step toward rediscovering joy in your life, one session at a time. Contact us today to learn more about telehealth therapy and how our providers can help you overcome the hurdles holding you back.

Latest News in Mount Vernon, NY

Mount Vernon Knights Have Reason To Celebrate After Homecoming Night

The Mount Vernon Knights kicked off their Unified Homecoming Football Game, scoring a touchdown not even a minute into the game. Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Oct 8, 2024 at 10:22 pm ETMOUNT VERNON, NY — For a few hours this weekend, Memorial Field in Mount Vernon felt like the center of the universe.From the Mount Vernon City School District.The stands of Mount Vernon’s Memorial Field boomed with excitement as it was packed with many Mount Vernon Knights Football Team fans. Most people in...

The Mount Vernon Knights kicked off their Unified Homecoming Football Game, scoring a touchdown not even a minute into the game.

Patch Staff

|Updated Tue, Oct 8, 2024 at 10:22 pm ET

MOUNT VERNON, NY — For a few hours this weekend, Memorial Field in Mount Vernon felt like the center of the universe.

From the Mount Vernon City School District.

The stands of Mount Vernon’s Memorial Field boomed with excitement as it was packed with many Mount Vernon Knights Football Team fans. Most people in the crowd dressed in maroon and gold attire, representing Mount Vernon. On October 5, 2024, the Mount Vernon Knights kicked off their Unified Homecoming Football Game, scoring a touchdown not even a minute into the game!

"It’s our fifth game of the season today," said Head Coach Mark "Sparks" Murray, encouraging the team. "Play fast, play strong. They know their jobs and they work hard all year. It’ll pay off today."

The game started with a tribute to senior players. Underclassmen stood in a line on the turf and applauded their senior players, who held banners with their photos and names on them. Families also participated in this walk-in by accompanying their players onto the field and standing with the team as the audience cheered for the Mount Vernon Knights.

Find out what's happening in Mount Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Family and friends were excited to see the Mount Vernon Knights play against the Yonkers Force this afternoon. Many Alumni of the Mount Vernon City School District supported the team both on and off the field. Myla Allen, MVHS Class of 2010, showed her support on the field by volunteering to help out the Football team during their games throughout the season.

"It feels great to give back and watch how much the programs have grown and to see the differences from back then and now," said Myla. "It’s interesting to watch."

Alumni of the District are encouraged to volunteer and get involved in any way they can to support students and help them achieve their potential and goals throughout the school year.

"I am most excited to see my teammates blowout Yonkers and show Mount Vernon our talent," said Wayne Dier, a 10th grader at Mount Vernon High School who plays Safety, Wide Receiver, and Running Back on the team. "People underestimate us, so I want to tell them to believe in us."

The game was intense, having the crowd at the edge of their seats for all four quarters. Cheers erupted over the audience when the Knight proved victorious, winning against Yonkers Force with a score of 37 - 6.

This release was produced by the Westchester County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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Corrections Officer From Westchester Smuggled Drugs Into Rikers: DOJ

She brought contraband including cocaine, smokeable synthetic cannabinoids (K2) and food into the jail, according to the feds. Patch Staff|Updated Fri, Oct 4, 2024 at 7:53 pm ETMOUNT VERNON, NY — Federal prosecutors say a corrections officer from Westchester abused her position for profit.Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jocelyn E. Strauber, the Commissioner of the NYC Department of Investigation, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New Yor...

She brought contraband including cocaine, smokeable synthetic cannabinoids (K2) and food into the jail, according to the feds.

Patch Staff

|Updated Fri, Oct 4, 2024 at 7:53 pm ET

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Federal prosecutors say a corrections officer from Westchester abused her position for profit.

Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jocelyn E. Strauber, the Commissioner of the NYC Department of Investigation, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, announced the unsealing of a complaint charging 37-year-old Ghislaine Barrientos, of Mount Vernon, with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and false statements as part of a scheme to smuggle narcotics into Rikers Island.

Barrientos was arrested Wednesday and was scheduled to appear before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn later that day.

"Rikers Island is less safe, for inmates and officers alike, when corrections officers and others in positions of public trust accept bribes to smuggle contraband," Williams said. "As alleged, the defendant in this case engaged in corruption for her own enrichment. In our relentless pursuit of justice, we leave no stone unturned, especially within the confines of jails and prisons, where the safety and dignity of all individuals must be safeguarded. We will not tolerate any breach of trust or corruption that jeopardizes the well-being of inmates and staff."

According to court documents, Barrientos, a former NYC Department of Correction officer, conspired with others to smuggle contraband, including cocaine, smokeable synthetic cannabinoids (known as "K2"), and food, to inmates at the Robert N. Davoren Complex on Rikers Island in exchange for thousands of dollars in bribes.

Find out what's happening in Mount Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For example, on April 11 of this year, Barrientos discussed with an associate of an inmate about how the associate would send her a package through a delivery service, according to law enforcement. On April 15, surveillance footage showed Barrientos entering the inmate's cell, where surveillance footage could not capture her actions. Two days later, the DOC searched the inmate's cell and found sheets of paper that tested positive for cocaine.

On April 24, the associate sent Barrientos another package using the delivery service. When Barrientos went to work later that day, a drug-detecting canine alerted for the presence of narcotics, federal officials said. DOC employees searched her belongings and found approximately 10 sheets of paper that tested positive for K2.

In an interview, federal officials say, Barrientos falsely stated, among other things, that no inmate had ever asked her to bring them contraband. Law enforcement officers then searched her vehicle and found additional sheets of paper, as well as around $2,466 in cash.

"The contraband trade destabilizes the City’s jails, and City Correction Officers play a vital role in maintaining order and keeping persons in custody, and their fellow officers, safe," Strauber said. "But this defendant, as charged, ignored her obligations and violated the trust the City placed in her when she took bribes in exchange for smuggling dangerous narcotics and other contraband into Rikers Island jail facilities. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI for their partnership with DOI in the effort to stop illegal contraband smuggling in the City’s jails."

Barrientos was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. She was also charged with one count of false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI and DOI.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption and Narcotics Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Coyle and Sheb Swett are in charge of the prosecution.

Pastor T. Basil Sturrup to Lead Mt. Vernon SDA Church as Senior Pastor

Installation Service for Pastor Sturrup to Be Held on September 28th, 2024MOUNT VERNON, NY— (September 26, 2024)—The Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist Church Board is pleased to announce that T. Basil Sturrup will be the new senior pastor. The Installation Service for Pastor Sturrup and his family will be held on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Sturrup ...

Installation Service for Pastor Sturrup to Be Held on September 28th, 2024

MOUNT VERNON, NY— (September 26, 2024)—The Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist Church Board is pleased to announce that T. Basil Sturrup will be the new senior pastor. The Installation Service for Pastor Sturrup and his family will be held on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Sturrup will succeed Dr. Nicardo Delahaye, who led Mount Vernon SDA church as the senior pastor for the past two years. Most recently, Pastor Sturrup served as the senior pastor of the Faith Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hartford, CT.

“We are excited about the visionary and spiritual leadership of Pastor and Sis. Sturrup to the Mount Vernon Church family and community,” shared Dr. Eldeen C. King, President, Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. “We are anticipating a mighty moving of the Holy Spirit on the church and on the community. May the life and ministry of your first family be a transformative one to the church and community.”

Pastor T. Basil Sturrup is a visionary leader, provocative thinker, and innovative pastor. He is also an evangelist, prolific author, sought after preacher and motivational speaker. Well known for his seminars on Leadership, Vision Casting, Church Growth, and Biblical Preaching, Pastor Sturrup travels extensively to conduct workshops and specialized training for Seventh-day Adventist conferences, churches, and the corporate world.

He is a member of the John Maxwell Leadership Team, and Chairman of the T. Basil Sturrup Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Pastor Sturrup has developed two international leadership conferences namely, SOAR (Solutions to Obstacles Adventist Retreat) and ALERT (Advance Leadership, Evangelism and Retention Training). His mantra is “Starting Each Day with Hope,” and he finds joy in sharing his faith in God and doing whatever he can to add value to others.

“It is my great pleasure to follow God’s call to lead the Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist Church,” said Pastor Sturrup. “Under God’s Guidance, I look forward to serving, collaborating and partnering with our members and the Mount Vernon community to share the love of Christ and win souls for God’s Kingdom!”

Pastor Sturrup is married to a Blessed woman of God. His wife Lavern is the Communications Director of the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. They are the proud parents of Tarea and Brandon Sturrup.

The Installation Service for Pastor T. Basil Sturrup, Senior Pastor of the Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist church will take place on Sabbath, September 28th, 2024, at the church located at 230 S. Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10553 starting at 11 A.M. For more information, please contact Elder Jenese Linton at admin@mtvernonsda.org, 914.664.8586 or visit mtvernonsda.org.

Mount Vernon awards $400,000 in small-business grants to boost downtown

Mount Vernon has awarded grants totaling nearly $400,000 to 16 small businesses to help them recover from Covid-related challenges and spur a revitalization of the city's shopping corridor.The grants were announced Thursday by city officials, with Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard saying priority was given to ground-floor commercial spaces along Gramatan Avenue and South Fourth Avenue to best stimulate economic development. The grants, ranging from $9,000 to $25,000, are to be used for facade fixes, new signage and other im...

Mount Vernon has awarded grants totaling nearly $400,000 to 16 small businesses to help them recover from Covid-related challenges and spur a revitalization of the city's shopping corridor.

The grants were announced Thursday by city officials, with Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard saying priority was given to ground-floor commercial spaces along Gramatan Avenue and South Fourth Avenue to best stimulate economic development. The grants, ranging from $9,000 to $25,000, are to be used for facade fixes, new signage and other improvements.

"When you're walking through the city you want to make sure that your ground level businesses are open, that they look inviting, that people want to come in, that they want to stop, eat, spend money, enjoy themselves," the mayor said.

Patterson-Howard said El Patio was a prime example of a business the city was targeting. It started as a food truck but its owners decided to open a restaurant, choosing Mount Vernon since the truck had been so popular there.

"I prayed for this grant before it existed," co-owner Melanie Garrido said. "If you have a dream, chase it."

Admira Tosaka of Budget Kitchen Cabinets on Gramatan said the grant was "much needed help (for the) beautification of our street."

"To make it look approaching, appealing for our customers because when they come and see something that is not right, people seem to go back," he said. "When we have everything aesthetically looking good then people are going to come more and do business in our city."

The grant program was announced in May with a plan to disburse up to $500,000 from American Rescue Plan funds the city received. Patterson-Howard said additional money is being used to install surveillance cameras at as many as 50 businesses because equally important as having a vibrant downtown is having a safe one.

Robin Mack, the city's director of business development, who oversaw the panel that reviewed the grant applications, said the goal was to ensure an “aesthetically pleasing" downtown where city residents and others want to shop.

"These funds will kickstart the revitalization of the downtown," she said.

The Rev. Darren Morton, the city comptroller, said the grant program offered a lesson in municipal economics and encouraged people to patronize businesses so the city benefits from increased sales taxes.

“The math is very simple,” he said. “You cannot make money until you spend money.”

Mount Vernon School District Has Highest Graduation Rate In 2 Decades

The projected graduation rate of 79.9 percent for last year was 5.6 percentage points higher than the previous year.Patch Staff|Updated Wed, Sep 25, 2024 at 8:42 pm ETMOUNT VERNON, NY — Mount Vernon schools have surpassed a key milestone where it matters most.From the Mount Vernon City School District.The Mount Vernon City School District's 2023-2024 graduation rate climbed to a level not seen in more than two decades. The projected graduation rate — 79.9 percent &mda...

The projected graduation rate of 79.9 percent for last year was 5.6 percentage points higher than the previous year.

Patch Staff

|Updated Wed, Sep 25, 2024 at 8:42 pm ET

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Mount Vernon schools have surpassed a key milestone where it matters most.

From the Mount Vernon City School District.

The Mount Vernon City School District's 2023-2024 graduation rate climbed to a level not seen in more than two decades. The projected graduation rate — 79.9 percent — increased 5.6 percentage points over the previous year. The district utilized data to provide feedback for targeted progress monitoring and intervention to make this increase possible. Targeted monitoring and intervention also allowed faculty and staff to foster a connection with students to help them succeed.

Graduation rates will become official when the New York State Education Department releases its numbers.

Mount Vernon High School registered its highest graduation rate since 2000, with 82.7 percent of students graduating. Denzel Washington School of the Arts graduated 93.5 percent of its students and Mount Vernon STEAM Academy had a graduation rate of 90.7 percent.

Find out what's happening in Mount Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Rebecca Turner Academy graduated seven of its 37 students for a 21.9 percent rate. Most of these students would not have graduated had they not had the opportunity to attend RTA. 436 students graduated from the district in total.

"This graduation rate improvement is a source of great pride for the District, and it shows that we are on the right track academically," said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. "Through intense data-management, personalized instruction, and the commitment of our teachers and staff, we were able to do something as a District that has not been accomplished in decades. We are not going to stop here, and we will work persistently to continue this trend. Our goal is always for every student in Mount Vernon to receive a diploma, and we have made tremendous progress toward that goal."

Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Dr. Marie Gaboton-Swift presented the graduation rates at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

She credited much of these improvements to data monitoring and implementing interventions with students based on data. During Dr. Smith’s tenure as Associate Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Services, the district began monitoring seniors before June, and that has continued and expanded.

Throughout the district, data is used heavily in how programs are implemented and changed. There are targeted performance monitoring, intervention and data analysis and monitoring. This use of data gives administrators and teachers a firm understanding of what needs to be done to further improve.

At the root of this growth was a combined effort of the four high school principals, their teams and teachers, the Pupil Personnel Services Department, and the Technology Department.

"The other thing that we have done is we have had targeted intervention," said Dr. Gaboton-Swift. "We are trying to be very purposeful with after school credit recovery with Saturday school Regents prep. We also have target progress monitoring, even at the District office with transcript reviews for grades nine through 12, which was started by Dr. Smith."

The district has put an emphasis on social emotional learning (SEL) as well. Most counselors have interns, provided for by the Mercy HEART Grant. The interns provide additional staff to handle tasks in the office, and counselors can spend more time focusing on students.

Mount Vernon High School, which has been utilizing coordination of services teams (COST), has been a major factor in the district’s graduation rate improvements. The school’s graduation rate is typically below the district level, but it is above the district rate of 79.9 percent for 2023-2024.

The COST system is similar to the Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) that is used in other schools. Principal Dr. Pauline Pearce and Assistant Principal Tiffany Izzo joined Dr. Gaboton-Swift to explain how they made advancements at their school.

"In those teams we look at the data," said Ms. Izzo. "We pull data on attendance, trends in attendance, academics and SEL. We collected a lot through talking to the teachers and talking to our support staff that are part of that team. In that team, we really worked on reaching out to the individual students in a very personalized way that was focused on where their attendance was going, what do they need to graduate and where we were seeing their grades going."

The coordination of services teams consist of faculty and staff from the school that work together to ensure that students are making the progress they need to graduate. If a student needs to go to counseling, get extra afternoon help or make a call, safety monitors are helping them as members of the support team. Each grade level at MVHS has their own support team led by an assistant principal.

"At the New Mount Vernon High School, we are indeed building community because there is not one stakeholder in that school who is not participating in all of the initiatives that we have put in place," said Dr. Pearce. "We are all working together for the betterment of our children, and we are extremely, extremely proud of the work that we are doing."

Mount Vernon High School takes a personalized approach to rewarding students in order to keep them motivated. Students receive rewards for their grades and attendance, which are the two biggest factors in a student's success. One reward that seniors can earn this year is the ability to eat off-campus for lunch.

Meticulous data-keeping has also allowed the district to reduce graduation rate discrepancies seen in past years. For example, if a student moved to a new school district but was discharged improperly, they were counted as a drop-out. This negatively impacted graduation rates, and it has been corrected with new registration and discharge processes and training.

Through data analysis, personalized plans for students and committed teachers, the district has been able to make steady improvements to its graduation rates over the last several years.

This release was produced by the Mount Vernon City School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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