Community News | 2015 | Issue 1 by New York City's YMCA

COMMUNITY NEWS 2015: ISSUE 1

SEIZE THE DAY

THE Y ROADS PROGRAM EXPANDS TO THE BRONX

FRESH OPPORTUNITIES

AT THE “HUB” OF IT ALL

WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS

REAL TALK 4 BUILDING ON SUCCESS

ASPIRING FOR GREATNESS

ON THE MOVE DEVELOPING DREAMS

5 6-7

“IF I CAN MAKE IT THERE…”

SUPPORTERS WHO MAKE Y ROADS POSSIBLE NYC Department of Probation NYC Department of Youth & Community Development US Department of Labor Altman Foundation BNY Mellon Capital One The Clark Foundation The Dammann Fund Hagedorn Fund

ronx youth who need support re-entering school or finding work can now get that and more at the new Bronx Y Roads Center. The second center of its kind, which operates as a partnership between the YMCA of Greater New York and Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, the Bronx Y Roads Center will provide job training, Department of Education courses, and comprehensive case management to hundreds of disconnected youth each year. To celebrate the opening, Bronx officials and community members came together to tour classrooms and counseling offices, hear from a Y Roads graduate from Queens, and recommit to supporting the dreams of all young people in the Bronx. •

Ira W. De Camp Foundation JPMorgan Chase Foundation Marion E. Kenworthy-Sarah H. Swift Foundation van Ameringen Foundation, Inc. (Top) Community leaders and staff launch the new program (front row, l to r): Council Member Vanessa Gibson; Eric Gertler of NYC Economic Development Corp; Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene; Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo; Jamaica Y Roads Director Clare Dwyer; (back rows, l to r): former YMCA Senior Executive Marty Forth; Bronx Y Roads Director Roberta Solomon; YMCA President & CEO Jack Lund; former Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT) Program Director Pablo Sierra; OBT Executive Director Randy Peers. Council Member Arroyo (left) speaks about supporting youth in the Bronx. 1

FRESH OPPORTUNITIES

JAMAICA Y ROADS CENTER CONNECTS YOUTH TO THEIR GOALS

n Jamaica, Queens, the original Y Roads Center hosted 65 youth for an inspiring gathering of business and community leaders at the Second Annual Career Panel. The event featured keynote speaker Coss Marte (top right), who founded the successful CossAthletics despite a previous history of court involvement. The career panel included Beth Casso, a long-time Nursing Home Administrator and current Program Coordinator at Westchester Seniors Out Speaking; Charles Nuñez, Community Advocate at Youth Represent; Dordy Jourdain, Executive Director of the BedfordStuyvesant YMCA; Kristen Cure, Administrative Assistant at The Friar’s Club; Ricardi Calixte, Deputy Director of the Queens Economic Development

Corporation; and Colby Swartz, Director at Suzuki Capital LLC. Panelists fielded questions from youth, and spoke about their career paths and the ways they overcame obstacles to achieve success. Break-out sessions included: “The Right Career for Me: Discover Who You’re Meant to Be,” “Basics of Banking & Budgeting,” “Job Interview Tips & Job Survival: Strategies for Success,” and “Networking & Using Your Resources to Get Ahead.” The Jamaica Y Roads Center also received a visit from City Council Member I. Daneek Miller (bottom right), who spoke with staff and participants about the impact the program is having on young people’s lives.•

AT THE “HUB” OF IT ALL

YMCA PLANS NEWEST BRANCH AT LA CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH BRONX

he YMCA is excited to expand its presence in the South Bronx in the coming years. The Y is partnering with BRP Companies, The Hudson Companies, The Kretchmer Companies, ELH Mgmt LLC, The Related Companies, Common Ground, and

Comunilife, Inc. to create La Central, a critical new development just a block away from The Hub in the South Bronx. La Central will feature a full-scale YMCA, with two pools, a gymnasium, multi-purpose spaces, and a wellness center. The development will also

include 989 affordable housing units, 45,000 square feet of retail space, and 30,000 square feet of community space. The new YMCA at La Central will bring much-needed recreational and support services to underserved residents in the South Bronx. •

Artist’s renderings of the gymnasium and pool at the planned YMCA at La Central. 2

2015: ISSUE 1

WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS THE Y’S AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS OPEN UP NEW WORLDS FOR KIDS

any refer to “magic” when talking about Y After School. Y staff make magic every time they help a student achieve an “aha” moment in a difficult subject, watch a shy child bloom in drama, build leadership skills as middle school students transition into adolescence, or create lasting support systems for vulnerable children. All Y After School programs incorporate YMCA core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring, and through projectbased learning “academies” youth explore themes such as Stories and History, How Things Work, and The Art of Expression. The Y’s goal is to transform a gym space into an Olympic stadium, a table into a gourmet kitchen, a multipurpose room into a Broadway stage; and to transform

after school into a time of discovery, friendship, and joy. The YMCA currently operates 77 Elementary and Middle Y After School programs at public schools, NYCHA centers, and branches throughout the five boroughs, reaching approximately 10,000 youth in the 2014-2015 school year. Supporters making children’s after school experiences a priority include NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, NY City Council, NYS Department of Education, NYS Office of Children and Family Services, NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Prevention Services as well as numerous private donors, such as Con Edison, Imperial

Bag & Paper Co. LLC, The MasterCard Foundation, New York Life Foundation, and Wells Fargo. Each year the Y invites parents to experience Y After School first-hand in our Lights On Afterschool events— the only nationwide celebration of after school programs. An October 2014 report released by the New York State Afterschool Network confirmed what we hear every day—that after school programs play an important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. In the report, an overwhelming 91% of parents are satisfied with their child’s after school program, and 74% say it helps parents keep their jobs. •

Council Member Paul Vallone (top left) visits students at JHS 194 in Whitestone; Council Member Mark Weprin (top right) talks with students at JHS 194; Council Member Mathieu Eugene (bottom right) shares a story with students at Brooklyn Dreams Charter School in Flatbush. 3

REAL TALK

TV ANCHOR GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS AND COUNCIL MEMBER COREY JOHNSON SPEAK TO Y TEENS

s part of the Y’s commitment to inspiring a new generation of leaders, two branches hosted special talks with inspiring guest speakers. At the West Side Y, ABC News and Good Morning America Anchor George Stephanopoulos (right and below left) discussed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and the path to success with more than 70 Y teens. Mr. Stephanopoulos shared stories from his career, fielded questions, and shared advice. “Don’t be afraid to push

outside your comfort zone when you’re applying to college...Make sure you develop the tools you need to thrive in any setting, in any profession.” At the McBurney Y, Council Member Corey Johnson (below right) spoke to over 40 teens about his decisive leadership as an LGBT youth athlete. Council Member Johnson discussed the steps he took to develop his leadership skills and represent a broad range of issues within his community. •

BUILDING ON SUCCESS THE Y EXPANDS ITS YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM IN QUEENS

he U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration funded a new cycle of the Y’s YouthBuild program, which receives guidance from YouthBuild USA, after the successful graduation of 60 participants in 2014. YouthBuild provides an alternative style of education, plus vocational training, individual counseling, and leadership development opportunities for unemployed and out of school youth ages 17-24. The YMCA has successfully

operated a YouthBuild program in Queens since 1995, serving 60 lowincome youth each year. Starting this year, participants will be able to choose from one of four career tracks: 1) Construction, 2) Sports & Fitness, 3) Early Childhood Education, and 4) Buildings & Facilities Management. The YouthBuild program also got a generous boost from the New York City Council, which provided funds so that all NYC YouthBuild providers could continue their important work. •

Council Member Mathieu Eugene (center), the Chair for the Committee on Youth Services, meets with the NYC YouthBuild Coalition to discuss program goals and achievements.

2015: ISSUE 1

ASPIRING FOR GREATNESS AT&T SUPPORTS YMCA’S ROWE SCHOLARS PROGRAM

hanks to the AT&T Aspire High School Success Initiative, students in Queens will be getting an academic boost. Out of approximately 1,100 applications, the YMCA of Greater New York’s Rowe Scholars program was chosen, along with 29 other recipients nationwide, to share in nearly $12.5 million of grant funds from AT&T. This grant represents the company’s second major investment in Rowe Scholars. The Rowe Scholars and Y Scholars programs, which served 1,252 young people in grades 6-12 in 2013-2014, use evidence-based curricula and Grade Specific Outcomes to help high-risk, lowincome students develop the academic, social and emotional skills they need to graduate high school on-time and gain acceptance to a college of choice, prepared to succeed. Rowe Scholars students face every obstacle: in 20132014, 83% were low-income, 45% were First Generation Americans, and 27% were

foreign-born immigrants. Yet with support from the Y and partners like AT&T, participants maintained an 81% academic average and 99% of seniors graduated on time (compared to the City’s 61.3% high school graduation rate). During the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 school years, the Y will use these funds to expand the Rowe Scholars program at Flushing International High School. “We are truly grateful to AT&T for helping to ensure a brighter future for New York City’s kids by supporting the growth and continuation of the Rowe Scholars program,” said Gary Laermer, chief development officer of New York City’s YMCA. “Rowe Scholars gives kids the structure and support they need to make college a reality.” •

(top, l to r) Council Member Peter Koo, New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, AT&T New York State President Marissa Shorenstein, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, New York State Assembly Member Ron Kim; (bottom) elected officials and AT&T staff join principals and students from Flushing International High and Flushing High schools.

ON THE MOVE

EMPIRE BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD FOUNDATION HELPS THE Y GET KIDS ACTIVE

hanks to a generous, renewed gift from Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation, the Y has expanded its Y Schools as Active Schools program to seven elementary schools, serving approximately 4,100 students during 2015. Led by Y staff, Y Schools students take part in daily, structured physical

activities during recess, lunch, and after school time. The program teaches young people the importance of daily exercise and responsibility in a fun and caring environment, thereby improving overall health and reducing risk for diseases related to obesity. The physical activities are guided, in part, by the Move-to-

Improve curriculum, which was jointly developed by the NYC Department of Education and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The Y is grateful for the support of the Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation and its employees. •

DEVELOPING THE Y AND ITS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARTNERS

NOW HIRING State Senator Joseph Addabbo (pictured at right above with Rockaway Y Executive Director Rick Hopkins and YMCA President & CEO Jack Lund) sponsored a job fair at the Rockaway YMCA at Arverne by the Sea to address ongoing employment issues for residents affected by Super Storm Sandy. Over 60 vendors had tables at the event, including AARP, Duane Reade, FDNY Recruiting, FedEx Ground, H & R Block, Home Depot, New York Community Bank, New York Life Insurance Co., and Sears. Hundreds turned out, with many also attending free lectures on Dressing for Success and Conducting an Effective Interview.

BON APPETIT! Over 200 friends gathered at the Eighth Annual Bon Appetit Fundraiser to sample delicious treats and generate support for the Bronx YMCA. Honorees included (above right, l to r) Baron Ambrosia of Fornal Films LLC; Sandra Erickson of Sandra Erickson Real Estate; Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. (also pictured above left with Bronx YMCA Executive Director Sharlene Brown); Louise Sedotto, Principal of PS76; and Oriquidea Andreyev of Caridad Restaurant. The event was sponsored by ConEd, Hutchinson Metro Center, Montefiore Hospital, and CUNY.

NORTH POLE BOUND 150 children from PS 154, a Y School in the Bronx, took an airplane to the North Pole at the Holiday in the Hangar event at JFK Airport. Children got to go through security, get boarding passes, board the plane, and ride to the hangar with Yankees second baseman Martin Prado (above left) and Mets pitcher Victor Black (above right). After participants were welcomed at the “North Pole” by Santa’s elves, Delta Airlines presented the YMCA with a generous donation for youth programming. HONORING DR. KING Over 250 teens from YMCAs around the city took part in the Y’s 5th Annual MLK Day of Service in Harlem, where they painted a mural and engaged in peer-led workshops on topics such as gender inequality, racism, and access to education. Deputy Borough President of Manhattan, Aldrin Bonilla (above with participants), stopped by to congratulate teens on their efforts. 6

2015: ISSUE 1

DREAMS SUPPORT HOPES THROUGHOUT THE CITY

IN SERVICE The Flushing YMCA celebrated its 14th Annual Community Service Awards Dinner, at which the Y presented the Special Distinguished Public Leadership Award to Assembly Member Ron Kim (top, with Flushing YMCA Executive Director Jen Silvers and Flushing YMCA Board member Zach Stern), and the Elda Ramratan Community Service Award to Al Harris (above right with State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky), Public Affairs Manager, Con Edison. The event included special guest Council Member Peter Koo (above left), and generated support for programs that serve over 16,000 children each year. DANCING FOR JOY Over 400 guests attended the 4th Annual YMCA Arts & Letters Reception at Jazz at Lincoln Center, which raised over $560,000 for the Y After School initiative. The event honored Toby Byrne (top left) of Fox Broadcasting Company, Tony® Award Winning director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw, and Luise Barrack (second from left in center photo) from Rosenberg & Estis with Outstanding Leadership Awards. Guests were treated to performances by the BedfordStuyvesant YMCA Ballerinas, led by former American Ballet Theater principal dancer Michele Wiles (left), and Broadway’s Adam Jacobs.

CHANCELLOR’S CORNER Chancellor Carmen Fariña (above with UPK Teacher Sangeeta Gargi, Cross Island YMCA Executive Director Dana Feinberg, Early Childhood Director Sunita Batra, and students) of the NYC Department of Education stopped in to the Cross Island YMCA’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten program to visit with kids and talk with staff. Chancellor Fariña noted the ways in which the program is excelling, and shared her thoughts on how to make it even stronger in the years to come. 7

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“IF I CAN MAKE IT THERE…”

THE Y SUPPORTS NEW AMERICANS IN SECURING JOBS IN NEW YORK CITY

t over 20 branches and off-sites throughout the five boroughs, the YMCA provides free English classes and skills workshops to support new Americans in adjusting to life in New York City. Collaborating with agencies like the New York State Office for New Americans and the NYC Commission on Human Rights, the Y hosts free entrepreneurial training seminars and workers’ rights workshops, and empowers non-native speakers to be self-reliant through classes and workshops on resume writing, job interviewing, and work ethic. For native Venezuelan Henry Torres, the Y was instrumental in helping him

secure a job. Although he held a Master’s degree in engineering, Henry struggled to find work in New York. After a year of free English classes at the Y, and support in changing his 9-page curriculum vitae to a 1-page resume, Henry finally landed a job. He started as a park ranger at Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island (right), and then moved on to become Project Manager at a construction company, where he applies his newfound English skills to his field of engineering. “Thanks to the Y, I can now practice my English on the job, and start making plans to pursue my goals in this country, including my PhD.” •