A Bronx Supreme Court Judge joined the grand opening of a new education center named in his honor, in Concourse Village on Sept. 25.
The new center, located at 705 Concourse Village West, will be run by East Side House Settlement, where Judge Eugene G. Oliver Jr. got his start. As a boy growing up at NYCHA’s Mill Brook Houses a few blocks from East Side’s Alexander Avenue building, he attended its programs.
As an adult, Oliver has served on the organization’s board for 53 years. While addressing the gathering at the ribbon cutting ceremony in September, he reflected on the many people he had worked with in the room.
“It feels good to be loved. That’s what this is all about,” Oliver told the East Side staff and Bronx elected officials who gathered for the ceremony.
The early childhood education center, funded by the Head Start program, is a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the needs of underserved children in the South Bronx, with dedicated rooms for children who need extra care. It will stand out as one of the few centers in the neighborhood that caters to children with special needs.
“Before COVID, we were already seeing an increase in children needing early intervention,” said Diana Rodriguez, director of development at East Side House Settlement. “During the pandemic, that number rose significantly, and we continue to see many children in need of services.”
The wait for these services is currently about 18 months. However, East Side House Settlement has partnered with The Kennedy Children’s Center, a provider for children with special needs, to expedite screenings and services, reducing the wait time to 9 months. While this is still a lengthy process, the reduction has made a substantial difference, she said.
In the South Bronx, approximately 30% of children require special education services. Daniel Diaz, Executive Director of East Side House Settlement, emphasized the ongoing demand for such resources.
“If you invest in the youngest children, you set them up for success. Early childhood education is an important part of development and growth and that’s what this center will be,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.
The education center is currently supporting 43 students and continues to enroll students 18 months to five years old with diverse needs, including those requiring physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistance for visual impairments, mobility challenges, Down syndrome, and autism.
The program is free and families can apply online in both Spanish and English. This commitment allows East Side House to effectively address the specific needs of the community.
Judge Oliver Jr. said he was proud being one of the few Black judges in the Bronx.
“But now, if you look around, you’ll see we’re everywhere,” said Oliver, who was the first South Bronx resident to receive a full college scholarship from East Side House. “One thing I’ve learned is the importance of giving back,”
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