The Allyn Family

For more than 5 years, the Allyns have been involved with The Children's Village, a multi-service childcare agency dedicated to healing children and their families. Each member of the family is devoted to alleviating problems at-risk youth face, offering above and beyond what has been asked of them and contributing significant amounts of time to the program. Pam, mother of Charlotte and Katie, founded the Books for Boys program 5 years ago. It has grown from what were initially a few small reading groups into a comprehensive, campus-wide literacy program which includes a dedicated group of volunteers, a visiting author series, and a fully operating campus library.

Charlotte and Katie visit Green Cottage, developing friendships with the boys and leading reading groups every week. Both girls visit Hebrew Home for the Aged with CV residents, helping the boys read to and connect with the elderly who live there.

Jim, Pam's husband, takes part in Books for Boys events. However, he primarily dedicates his time each week to mentoring Corey, reading books with him, talking about life, or helping him study for exams. Jim mentored Corey through this transition from residential living to independence, and he continues to offer guidance, support, and friendship.

The Allyn Family's passion for service to CV's children reflects their commitment to strengthening the community, as well as their relationships with each other. Pam, as the director of the program, is actively involved with Books for Boys and visits campus 2-3 times a week. Charlotte and Katie visit campus weekly. Jim sees his mentee Corey for a few hours every week. There are often events on campus that bring together the family as a whole, such as poetry workshops and author visits.

The Children's Village serves 270 highly at-risk boys ages 6-18 at our residential treatment campus in Dobbs Ferry, NY. The children come from violent, dysfunctional, and fractured households in the region's most impoverished neighborhoods.