Announcing the Launch of Clubhouse Café
Starting as a grassroots soccer program, South Bronx United has transformed from a soccer program into a multifaceted organization— expanding its services far beyond the soccer field and now serving over 1600 young people and their families. From offering academic and career support to social work and immigration services, South Bronx United is a community resource.
At Spring Bank, we’ve had the opportunity to work and partner with many committed Bronx-based nonprofit organizations. As one of a few community banks in Bronx, New York, we take seriously our role as lender, banker, and financial partner. Today, we are introducing South Bronx United, their youth empowerment work, and the exciting launch of their new Clubhouse Café!
“It’s about reevaluating what the community needs, what’s working well and what’s not, how we can do better to serve the students and families we’re already serving and who are we missing as well,” says Andrew So, South Bronx United’s Executive Director.
Realizing that young people faced many barriers after leaving the soccer field, South Bronx United combined the recreational sports program with professional development programs. By tapping into the passion for soccer, the organization engages young people and finds innovative ways to support their diverse needs.
In 2010, the second year of the soccer program, South Bronx United started offering free after-school tutoring and college prep nights. The coaches also served as mentors and teachers, discussing the value of academics and developing leadership skills.
“We provided the students a chance to compete, practice, play in a league, and then we realized pretty quickly that we could do a lot more and have a much bigger impact than just soccer,” Andrew says. “It’s powerful when you start with what a young person loves to do or what they’re really interested in. That’s what really engages them long-term.”
Additionally, South Bronx United recognizes the importance of holistic and family support. Their first full-time hire was a social worker.
“Even if they have a supportive family, these kids need reliable adults outside the home, especially in more challenging environments. We aim for them to feel comfortable here,” Andrew emphasizes.
In addition to their youth programs, they offer adult and family services, including immigrant and citizenship services, social gatherings, job boards, workshops, and more.
“To serve the youth, you also have to serve the family. To provide stability to a young person means helping the family find stability, too,” Andrew states.
South Bronx United’s newest endeavor is their Clubhouse Café, a “social enterprise operated by Bronx youth.” As part of their 3,000-square-foot clubhouse, where they run programs, host classrooms, and run practices on an indoor mini-soccer field, they now host a community café.
In addition to delicious coffee and treats, the Clubhouse Café serves as a training ground for students aged 16-24, providing them with job training, food handler certifications, and resume-building opportunities. The cafe aims to benefit the neighborhood and the youth, preparing them for careers and providing a space for the community to unite.
“We thought it would be great to generate additional awareness in the community and bring people in through a café for everyone,” Andrew explains.
How You Can Support South Bronx United:
- Visit the Cafe: Stop by River Avenue and 157th Street. Your visit not only supports Bronx youth but also contributes to the growth of a local small business.
- Encourage Participation: Young people of all ages, from toddlers to teens, are welcome to join South Bronx United programs. Classes in the clubhouse are open to all, and no one is turned away based on their financial situation.
- Make a Donation: Financial support is crucial for organizations like South Bronx United. Consider donating to help them continue their impactful work in the community.
- Spread the Word: Share the inspiring story of South Bronx United and encourage others to get involved.
We were introduced to South Bronx United through Rocking the Boat, a client we’ve worked with over the years who has also been having a large positive impact on youth in the South Bronx through educational programming around boat building, sailing, and environmental stewardship.
“We’ve been with [large financial institutions] since day one, but we’ve never had a personal relationship with our bankers. There’s not a branch on every corner, but the relationship and the support with Spring Bank has been fantastic,” shares Andrew.
If you are a nonprofit organization looking for personalized community-driven financial services, explore our nonprofit checking and lending programs. You can also learn how your personal checking account, personal savings account, or business checking account creates local impact for our nonprofit partners.