District Attorney Charles J. Hynes honors Joyce Mattera in honor of Women's History Month
March 25, 2009: Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes honors Joyce Mattera at his third annual Extraordinary Women’s event. In honor of Women’s History Month, Joyce Mattera will be recognized for her accomplishments and contribution to the Sunset Park community. District Attorney Hynes unveiled a huge calendar, in the lobby of 350 Jay Street, for the month of March with each day dedicated to one of the extraordinary women who were nominated by Brooklyn residents.
March 24th was set aside for Executive Director and Founder Joyce Mattera, who is lovingly referred to by many as the "Mother Teresa of Sunset Park." She has devoted herself to helping others through service to children and the families of Sunset Park, Brooklyn since 1981. District Attorney Hynes bestowed the title of Special Ambassador to Joyce Mattera, formally acknowledged at a ceremony on March 25 in the Ceremonial Court Room at Brooklyn Borough Hall, along with other women.
For further information and to view the calendar, visit the Kings County District Attorney website here.
From the Kings County District Attorney website:
Joyce Mattera is the Founder and Executive Director of Children of the City (COC), a community-based organization formed to address the academic and social needs of children in southwest Brooklyn. In 1981, while hosting a one-day children’s event in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Mrs. Mattera became appalled at the conditions of the children in attendance, many of whom were poorly clothed, hungry for food and attention, and some clearly the victims of abuse and neglect. Mrs. Mattera galvanized every resource available in order to respond to the needs of these children. With the help of many community volunteers, she visited the homes of hundreds of children, assessing their needs and referring them to various services, as well as facilitating their attendance at a weekly prevention program which she initiated. The organization grew steadily and for over 20 years has been working with over 1000 children annually, making 800 home visits each month and connecting the children to much-needed services. Mrs. Mattera initiated “Create Success,” an after-school and summer program that addresses the academic needs of disadvantaged and underserved children. This program has been in operation since 2003 and has proven very successful, with 20% of the children increasing one whole grade level in their reading every summer. Mrs. Mattera also spearheaded the Heal New York Project, a trauma response project for children affected by the 9/11 attacks. For more then 26 years Joyce Mattera has worked with some of the most vulnerable children in Sunset Park. Many of these children are now upstanding members of the community, volunteering their own time to ensure the ongoing success of an organization that is truly making a difference. Mrs. Mattera is a proud mother of 5 children, all of whom are successful in their education and careers. In addition to their own children, she and her husband, Joseph, have taken in numerous children over the years.
Joyce Mattera is the Founder and Executive Director of Children of the City (COC), a community-based organization formed to address the academic and social needs of children in southwest Brooklyn. In 1981, while hosting a one-day children’s event in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Mrs. Mattera became appalled at the conditions of the children in attendance, many of whom were poorly clothed, hungry for food and attention, and some clearly the victims of abuse and neglect. Mrs. Mattera galvanized every resource available in order to respond to the needs of these children. With the help of many community volunteers, she visited the homes of hundreds of children, assessing their needs and referring them to various services, as well as facilitating their attendance at a weekly prevention program which she initiated. The organization grew steadily and for over 20 years has been working with over 1000 children annually, making 800 home visits each month and connecting the children to much-needed services. Mrs. Mattera initiated “Create Success,” an after-school and summer program that addresses the academic needs of disadvantaged and underserved children. This program has been in operation since 2003 and has proven very successful, with 20% of the children increasing one whole grade level in their reading every summer. Mrs. Mattera also spearheaded the Heal New York Project, a trauma response project for children affected by the 9/11 attacks. For more then 26 years Joyce Mattera has worked with some of the most vulnerable children in Sunset Park. Many of these children are now upstanding members of the community, volunteering their own time to ensure the ongoing success of an organization that is truly making a difference. Mrs. Mattera is a proud mother of 5 children, all of whom are successful in their education and careers. In addition to their own children, she and her husband, Joseph, have taken in numerous children over the years.