About La Peninsula
A neighborhood organization built by and for the South Bronx.
La Peninsula Community Organization, Inc. (La Pen) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing comprehensive early childhood education and family support programs in Hunts Point and Longwood. Our work is grounded in evidence-based practices, cultural responsiveness, and a deep commitment to the South Bronx community — with bilingual services in English and Spanish.
Mission
Prepare every child for kindergarten. Support every family for life.
Vision
A South Bronx where every child arrives at school ready, curious, and safe.
At a glance
- Founded 1964 · Independent since 1981
- Bilingual English / Spanish classrooms
- 1,020+ hours of classroom instruction per year
- NAEYC-aligned quality standards
Our history
Six decades on the same blocks.
1964
The Hunts Point Coordinating Council is founded
Community leaders Daisy Bradshaw and Fred Williams — the “Mama and Papa of Hunts Point’s Head Start” — open the first Head Start classroom at 710 Coster Street, serving local families on the Hunts Point peninsula.
1965
Head Start becomes a national program
President Lyndon Johnson launches the national “War on Poverty,” and Head Start is created to support children from low-income families with early learning, health, nutrition, and family services. HPCC’s program joins the movement.
1981
La Peninsula becomes its own organization
As federal Head Start standards evolve, La Peninsula Community Organization, Inc. is formed as an independent spin-off from HPCC and receives its first federal Head Start contract.
1981 – today
Growing with our community
La Pen continues expanding early childhood services across Hunts Point and Longwood, staying deeply connected to local families through decades of change in the South Bronx.
Our operating principles
How we work — with families, and with each other.
Respect
Every family brings individual strengths to our school community. We recognize that each family is in a unique place on their journey, and we support them wherever they are.
Holistic approach
Social-emotional competencies are the foundation for academic success. Our program builds those skills alongside self-confidence, physical health, and curiosity about the world.
Communication
Honest, straightforward communication between staff and families about each child's successes and challenges — so we can collaborate on their growth.
Family stability
Children learn best when their home lives are stable. We invest personnel, time, and resources to help families reach their own goals.
Belief in our students
Every La Peninsula staff member believes every child can fulfill their highest potential — and demonstrates that belief in every interaction.
Academic excellence
Every child in our program will leave with a strong academic foundation, prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
Administrative leadership
The team behind our centers.
Willis F. Kettrell, Ph.D.
Executive Director
June Glaze
Center Director, 711 Manida Street
Yohani Guity
Center Director, 1054 Intervale Avenue
Board of Directors
Governance sponsoring board
La Peninsula is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that includes community leaders, former Head Start parents, and professionals from education, finance, and public health. A current roster is available upon request.
Interested in serving on our Board? Email board@lapen.com.
Delegate Policy Committee
Parent-led program governance
The Policy Committee is Head Start's parent-led governing body — made up of current Head Start parents and community representatives who help shape program design, budget, and hiring decisions. New parent representatives are elected each program year.
Current Head Start parents interested in serving can speak with their family worker or contact our main office.
Transparency & accountability
Our reports and public filings.
La Peninsula publishes audited financial statements, IRS Form 990s, Head Start Community Assessments, Program Information Reports (PIR), and annual School Readiness Goals. Our three most recent Form 990 filings are available to download below.
Additional reports and filings—including audited financial statements, Head Start Community Assessment, Program Information Report (PIR), annual School Readiness Goals, and program quality assessments (ECERS, CLASS)—are available upon request through our standard request process.