Category Archives: Events

Remembering Dr. sandra Morris-Aarons


A Parent Empowered Enough to Tell It!

After going on a journey with some of our presenters we broke out into several workshops. There was something for everyone. The one I attended was the one for parents on Parent Child Relationship facilitated by Dr. Ann C. Eckardt Erlander, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Molloy College. She had a special way about her! She made sure we all got to speak and listen to each other. She shared her area of expertise and gave examples to help us with solutions. We felt so comfortable that everyone wanted to engage in the discussions. We spoke about several things, but mostly about the impact of technology on the family, especially cell phones and how they suck the life out of family time. For example, you sit around the dinner table as a family and most of the family members instead of having meaningful conversation, they’re busy with their head down on their cell phone.

We also spoke about the impact of video games on our young people, and the fact that your child can stay at home and still learn to be extremely violent through these games because when they enter these virtuoso worlds they become thugs, thieves, killers and computerize beings that become addicted to the game.  We spoke about setting standards in our homes and being role models for our children.Dr. Ann Eckardt Erlander: Facilitator

Can you imagine the impact on a child when they see daddy reading a book? We spoke about getting our children out from behind  the walls by taking them on trips as a family to the museum or a ride on the train by developing more time for teachable moments.Parenting Workshop

When it was time to break for lunch some of us were too excited to eat and felt filled with empowerment. However, lunch was from Panera Bread; Baked Ziti, Lemon Chicken and sesame rolls from Gino’s of Rockville Centre; Fried Rice from Island Buffet and Hibachi Grill. Who could refuse that? yummy!! As we ate there was more time to network. During lunch, my daughter shared with me one of her favorite presenters who happens to be the young doctor to be, Mr. Caleb Garard, who is always very inspirational and spoke about medical school: the journey Part 2. Mr. Caleb Garard Presenter

He attends Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education. She also shared with me her notes that she collected from his presentation, and said when she goes home she will compare them to her notes from last year.

She spoke about her Get Set Mind Set workshop, that was led by Mrs. Madona Cole-Lacy and how Mrs. Lacy got them to open up and talk freely about preparing to deal with the obstacles that can affect life at school next year.

One of the young ladies that I had invited to the workshop, who graduated from high school two years ago and had no intentions of going to college, also came over to me during the lunch break and shared with me how empowered she felt, and that now she felt driven to go to college and be more productive.Get Set Mind-Set WorkshopMs. Ajana Wilkinson-Financial Aid Presenter

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After lunch, we had the youth panel discussion and some more presenters. The presentation on Financial Aid by Ms. Ajana Wilkinson, MBA, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Kings Borough Community College was well done and extremely informative.

A Parent Empowered Enough to Tell It!

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Connecting the Dots of Gratitude and Empowerment Series


“The mindset to express gratitude once put in motion, unwittingly celebrates the gift of humanity. – A MadonaRism by Madona Cole-Lacy

This sentiment comes from my penchant for, and belief in, the limitless, all-inclusive nature of healthy expressions of gratitude. Not unlike kindness, one cannot express too much gratitude, and with that in mind, I shine the spotlight on one of such experiences last year – The Conversation – Molloy University 2022 Women’s Initiative and Symposium.

Determined to keep off the “Gotcha list of the unrelenting claws of cumulative grief”, I took advantage of this opportunity, to rekindle my identified purpose! Navigating the effects of the passing of my dear supportive mother and exceptional husband, who labored with me to engender youth and community empowerment, has not been easy! Thankfully, the option to maneuver a new normal with intentionality is available when the side effects of grief strike!

Another reason I stepped out of my “comfort zone” was the quest for meaningful human connection centered on my purpose in life. It was time for more inspiration to set ablaze an already determined flame of empowerment. I was so revved up that I arrived way ahead of time at Molloy University’s Madison Theatre. And yes, there were others in the lobby who had shown up much earlier! That, to me, was confirmation that I was going to be in good company! Once ushered in, I had a fleeting ‘fish-out-of-water’ moment, even though I initiated small talk with attendees around my table. Happily, it was not long before I considered giving myself a proverbial pat on the back for stepping out in faith.

The panelists were quite adept at connecting the dots of their passion and purpose with the theme, Redefining Your Purpose: How To Align Your Actions With Your Life’s Passion. The featured speaker, author and Nonprofit Founder, Genevieve Piturro, gave a presentation that indicated a lack of shortage of creative ways to pursue our passion! Guests received a copy of her book entitled; Purpose, Passion and Pajamas! The empowerment process continued with Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Allison Haunss. The Creator/Host and Producer of The Working Woman Report passionately moderated the panel of purposeful women who follow their respective bliss. Wendy Abrams, Senior Vice President Regional Manager – DIME, and Kerry Gillick-Goldberg, Founder/KGG Enterprises, LLC. made valuable contributions by identifying their chosen purpose in life, and responding to questions posed by the attendees.

It was an especially invigorating moment for me when Ms. Haunss mentioned youth empowerment. The opportunity to ‘reconnect’ with ‘pre-adversity Madona’ had come! This attendee who, for once, was more intent on being a silent observer – rather than ‘the outspoken one’, without hesitation, placed her hand up. That the program was winding down with less than 10 minutes to go did not seem to matter! The fear of the likelihood I would hug the mic had now taken a back seat. I instead embraced the realization that there was nothing I could have done to prevent myself from sharing my determined purpose with others. The sound of those two keywords had awakened my enthusiasm and something had to be said! Time was of the essence, so my knee-jerk response had to be a test of my ability to be succinct. Thanks to the patience and graciousness extended to me, I completed the ‘task’ at hand. I found it comforting that grief had not robbed me of the passion to empower and to be empowered! The spirits of my loved ones must have been relieved that their expectations of me were still intact! This experience, without a doubt, has uplifted my spirit in ways that go beyond what the naked eyes could see. Besides the opportunity to reconnect with familiar movers and shakers and meet with staff essential to my youth-oriented cause, it had enhanced and elevated to another level, the rekindling process of Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.

It is with profound gratitude I shine a spotlight on Molloy University’s Office of Advancement and Ms. Costanzo Metzger.

In addition to making this much-needed experience possible for me, the unwavering support of my youth empowerment initiatives over the years

As Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. prepares to execute its 2023 activities, the board of directors and I look forward to more of the Molly University Community Empowering posture in our organization.

When the passion to empower others as much as ourselves becomes uncontrollable, we invite purpose as an ally to help us preserve the health and welfare of humanity.” – A MadonaRism by Madona Cole-Lacy

Click here for more about Molloy University’s Office of Advancement and here to find out how you can join Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. in our quest to make a difference in the lives of youth and families in Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens and neighboring counties.

Feel free to respond or share your own gratitude and empowerment story.

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It is your time 4 talk too!


A Parent Empowered Enough to Tell It!


Just when I was contemplating the need to adjust my multi-tasking oriented schedule to include writing a blog post that would capture the spirit of our most recent Self-Empowering Workshop for College Bound Students and Their Parents, I received an email from one of the parents that our non-profit has served over the years which should help the process along…with her permission, of course!
I am actually quite excited at the prospect of sharing the opinions and account of this year’s workshop in the words of participants who are inspired and empowered enough to tell their Your Time For Creative Empowerment story. We are indebted to our parents, community leaders and students, our donors and supporters, and our volunteers who were on hand to render much-needed support. It was indeed, the concerted efforts of all that makes the event worth talking about.

Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. takes the relationship that has been established by guest-writer, Mrs. Sandra Morris Aarons, and that of other repeat participants quite seriously. It is the level of involvement and the reasoning behind their relationship with us that empowers us to navigate challenges in a way that keeps us going and makes us consider them members of the Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. Family. We, of course, extend an open-heart and open arms to our first time participants as we welcome them to the Your Time For Creative Empowerment family.

Before you go on to read what Mrs. Aarons had to say, I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who wishes to join us as a guest blogger on matters that inspire them as a result of their involvement with Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. This blog post also includes a submission by rising high school senior, Michael Desir.   

Please contact us through this blog or email us. Info@yourtime4liny.org

Thank You For Your Special Contribution our 2017 Self-Empowering Workshop
When community members come together for good, wonderful things happen!

This is a multiple page post. Go to the next page by clicking on the page numbers 2-5 below the word “Related“.

 

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Elmont High School Senior Receives Creative Empowerment Arts Contest College Scholarship Award


Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. Creative Empowerment Arts Contest $500.00 College Scholarship Winner Malaika Foster of Elmont Memorial High School — for her literary submission entitled “21st Century Youth”— pictured with: (L to R) Program Director, Mr. James Lacy; Founder/CEO, Mrs. Madona Cole-lacy and Board Member, Dr. Jeanine Cook-Garard, at the Elmont Memorial High School 2017 Senior Award Ceremony.

It was a delight to witness the overwhelming support the 2016/17 Senior Class exhibited at the Elmont Memorial High School Senior Awards Ceremony. The rousing applause that followed as each recipient was called to the podium was nothing short of contagious. This camaraderie did not go unnoticed and, as such, has earned the 2017 Elmont Memorial High Senior Class, the 2016/17 Mutual Supportive Spirit Award! 

Find out more about the winning entry of this extraordinary college-bound youth advocate and future Journalist by clicking the link below: http://www.creativeempowermentarts.org/MalaikaFosterwinner.html

Your Time For Creative Empowerment Inc. has proudly served Makaila and her Mom, Ms. Marta Foster since 2014. Ms. Foster’s willingness to participate in the events and activities refects what she perceives as the importance of working collaboratively with community organizations and schools as a parent.— with Makaila Foster and Ms. Marta Foster.

We welcome with open hands and heart, Dr. Jeanine Cook-Garard, who recently joined us as a member of Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. Board of Directors. We thank her for bringing to the table her life and professional skills (as a mother of high-achieving children and a college professor) that will no doubt help in the empowerment of Long Island Area youth. — with Makaila Foster and Ms. Marta Foster, Mr. James Lacy and Mrs. Madona Cole-Lacy.

Makaila Foster, who will pursue her post-high school education in Journalism in the Fall, has been invited to play an active role at the non-profit’s Annual Self-Empowering Workshop, on July 8th, 2017, by sharing with participants, tips on how she navigated high school as a 21st Century youth.  This workshop will address the needs of Junior High, High School, College-Bound Graduates, and Current College Students and their parents. Registration is necessary for this event. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-your-time-forself-empowering-workshop-tickets-34556142352?aff=es2

Click here for event page

Wyandanch High School Students Participate in Arts Contest and Wins For the Third Time!


It was our distinct pleasure to once again make a presentation to a Wyandanch Memorial High School Creative Empowerment Arts Contest Winner. This year’s winner, Pierrelande Saint Cyr, who received a runner-up award of a $500.00 college scholarship is pictured with Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.’s Founder/CEO, Mrs. Madona Cole-Lacy and Program Director, Mr. James Lacy.

Pierrelande’s Creative Expression of the theme: “Our Hopes, Our Dreams, Our Fears, Our Solutions!” is in the form of a poem entitled “I am Who I am.”

(L to R:  The Wyandanch Memorial High School Principal, Mr. Paul Sibblies; Guidance Counselor, Ms. Tifanny Kee; Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.’s Founder, Mrs. Madona Cole-Lacy and Creative Empowerment Arts Contest Runner-Up, Pierrelande Saint Cyr and Program Director, Mr. James Lacy
 
(L to R:  The Wyandanch Memorial High School Principal ; Guidance Counselor, Ms. Tifanny Kee; Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.’s Founder, Mrs. Madona Cole-Lacy; Creative Empowerment Arts Contest Runner-Up,  Pierrelande Saint Cyr; Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. Program Director, Mr. James Lacy and Assistant Principal, Mr. Noel Rios)

While this event was no exception, one thing that stood out at the ceremony that deserves mentioning is the fact that roughly 99% of scholarship recepients were attired for success in some form. Kudos to Principal Paul Sibblies, Guidance Counselor Tifanny Kee, staff, parents and last but not least, the students themselves who followed guidance, and kept the focus of the event on scholarship and dignity by being appropriately attired!

We want the students to know that we NOTICED and APPRECIATED their efforts. And that it is without reservation that we name the 2017 Wyandanch Seniors Class “The 2017 BEST DRESSED Senior Award Ceremony Class!”

This does not surprise us in the least as the Wyandanch Memorial High School is one whose Principal champions the idea of the social aspect of college and workplace readiness.  The following article says it all: http://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/wyandanch-high-school-students-revel-in-a-school-uniform-policy-1.11222770

 

Farmingdale High School Students Receive Creative Empowerment Arts Contest College Scholarship Awards


It was an honor to present to Ashley Burbano (Winner) and Urooba Abid (Runner Up), of Farmingdale High School, the 2016/17 Creative Empowerment Arts Contest college scholarship award on Monday, June 8, 2017 for their Creative Expressions of the theme: “Our Hopes, Our Dreams, Our Fears, Our Solutions!”

This year’s ceremony, not unlike others we have attended in the past, quite naturally featured some of Long Island’s highest achievers. What I would like to shine the spotlight on though, is the engaging way in which the Principal, and staff acknowledge presenters. That special letter the Director of Guidance and Social Work, Maureen Moloughney,  sends out before the event does it for me! What a wonderful gesture! My experience with the Farmingdale High School Staff in charge of the Senior Awards Ceremony can simply be characterized as stellar. This year’s CORDIALITY AWARD goes to the Farmingdale High School!

1.              2. 

1. Ashley Burbano, the 2016/17 First Place Winner of a $1000.00                                                                                                                                            Creative Empowerment Arts Contest College Scholarship for her Creative Expression  entitled ” The Silent Syrian Crisis”
2. Left to Right: Your Time For Creative Empowerment Inc.                                                                                                                                                                  Program Director, Mr. James Lacy; Founder/CEO, Mrs. Madona Cole-Lacy;                                                                                                                       Ashley Burbano and her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Luis Burbano

Urooba Abid —a runner-Up and Winner of a $500.00 Creative Empowerment Arts Contest College Scholarship for her Creative Expression entitled “Slaves To The System”

Left to Right: Your Time For Creative Empowerment’s Program Director, Mr. James Lacy; Founder/CEO, Mrs. Madona Cole-Lacy; Urooba Abid and her supportive Mother,  Mrs. lqbal Abid

Ashley Burbano and Urooba have been invited to share how they impressively navigate 21st Century life with participants at the upcoming Self-Empowering Workshop for College Bound High and Junior High School Students at Molloy College on July 8th. Registration is necessary for this event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-your-time-forself-empowering-workshop-tickets-34556142352?aff=es2

   Left to Right: Creative Empowerment Arts Contest Runner-Up, Urooba Abid; Founder/CEO of Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. and Ashley Burbano,  Winner of 2016/17 Creative Empowerment Arts Contest

Find out more about these well-rounded, phenomenal college-bound students who are obviously also bound for greatness. http://creativeempowermentartscontest.homestead.com/AshleyBurbano201617Winner.html?_=1493965596717

http://creativeempowermentartscontest.homestead.com/UroobaAbid201617RunnerUp.html?_=1494365371159

Your Time For…Social Gathering 101


When was the last time you went to a holiday social gathering and walked away sober, intellectually intact, motivated, and self-assured you were in the driver’s seat of self-improvement? For me, it was a week ago when involved family members, and the children they passionately support, assembled for an ‘impromptu’ get-together. This exceptional experience has left me hoping that there were many more of such events around the country – and the world – at a time when we celebrate peace, love and goodwill to all men.

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It was the thought of maintaining a strong bond with the people we serve through participation in meaningful ways, that caused us to press on with the idea of reaching out to parents and students who have participated in Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.‘s workshops as a holiday activity – with only a week’s advance notice.

I had no idea who would want to show up and for what reason they would want to do so – or even what good reason they would have to stay away.  My faith in mankind and determination to implement creative ways to form critical partnerships and identify the needs of those we serve was more in focus than the “what if?”, failure-bound, second-guessing position that can occasionally sneak up on people and overpower them.

I am writing this post to shine the spotlight on a remarkable cadre of people who joined us for a casual get-together that was clearly driven by openness to personal and social enrichment that Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. has gained a reputation for providing. I know better than to entertain the thought that, by virtue of their association with the organization, this stellar group of people navigated the evening by giving back to us what we have given to them in the past. My educated guess is that students, parents, grandparents, grand aunts and community leaders who are on a mission, showed up to bring to the table the unique gifts they possess that they recognize are vital to the existence and good health of the organization. I thank you for being an integral part of this vision. To those well-wishers, parents and volunteers who could not join us for this family gathering, we acknowledge your importance in this equation and hope to see you soon. Thank you for your support.

 

Below are highlights of some of the lessons taught by and learned from our insightful youth at what turned out to be an evening which embodied the elements of a lesson plan for  Social Gathering 101. 

1. HARMONY– people coming together for a purpose and a reason.  Strength in life to come together for a purpose; strength to press forward; togetherness; connecting the dots (harmony-love-joy-pride, etc.). We need love to bring harmony, we need courage to go on a journey

2. JOURNEY – steps which are part of our successes and failures

3. LOVE – found in a society among each other; giving back; charity

4. JOY – people need joy; giving to the needy; giving joy to others; everything you give – — your love is joy.

5. HONOR – self respect; high self-esteem

6. SELF – self-worth; how you value yourself as a person

7. PRIDE – don’t let others knock your confidence down

 8. ENDURANCE – a lot of goals; a lot of work, projects; in bettering yourself for a purpose; not knowing where I am going; excited

 9. DETERMINATION – calls for repetition until you get perfection

10. TIME – we don’t have enough time to do all we need to do but we must make time to be with people who support us – “Putting time in perspective”

11. COURAGE – to go to school away and be by myself – To find myself; do what I have to do. “I like that word. Parents need to develop courage too.”

What a Creative Empowerment Arts Contest Donor had to say: “Your journey is about connecting the dots to a “higher being.” It’s important to be you. Your steps are woven blessings on your path; they are your stepping-stones to your future. Your journey never ends. It’s an investment in who you are and will become. Whether you are soft-spoken or out-spoken, “believe in yourself” and as a donor, I’ll believe in you and me.   -Florence Bell-

 Please click on this link  to make a difference in the lives of the youth and families we serve.  

 

Our Mission

Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that educates and empowers children, adolescents and parents of both secular and faith-based communities in the Long Island area, through the use of art, fashion and culture as mechanisms to improve interpersonal relationships; to avoid pitfalls that are unique to life in the 21st Century; and to specifically identify and effectively develop healthy problem-solving, enhance personal development and increase cultural sensitivity.

For updates on current and upcoming activities: www.creativeempowermentarts.org                                www.yourtime4liny.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program inspires LI kids to use the arts to deal with life’s challenges | Verizon FiOS1 News – Long Island


Thank you 2016 workshop

Click on link below for News Coverage

Program inspires LI kids to use the arts to deal with life’s challenges | Verizon FiOS1 News – Long Island

 

youtime4liny.org 2016
What 21st Century Youth Are Thinking – Get Set Mindset Participants. See Workshop Slide Show Below 

 

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2016-07-09 ytfce self empowering workshop www.yourtime4liny.org

Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. Self-Empowering Workshop and Community Networking Soiree 2016

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See More Empowering Moments Captured by Cameras of Caring Attendees and Volunteers.  We are Thankful for their Help 

2016-07-09 yourtime4liny.orgCollege Student Presenter Mr. Mel Aarons
Lincoln University Student Presenter, Scholarship Recepient, Mr. Mel Aarons

Marie Saint-Cyr yourtime4liny.org
Ms. Marie Saint-Cyr, F.I.T. Student and YTFCE Peer Leader

2016-07-09 Marie Saint-Cyr yourtime4liny.org
Ms. Marie Saint-Cyr, takes participants on an exciting Study Abroad Journey

2016-07-09 YTFCE Ms. Zellin Lowe
Ardent Volunteer, Ms. Zellin Lowe

Ms. Terri Hall
Yet Another Ardent Volunteer, Ms. Terri Hall

2016-07-09 Ms. Janet Gooding, Merle France and Ms. Regis Thompson-Lawrence
Dedicated to Youth Empowerment: Mrs. Janet Gooding, Ms. Merle France and Ms. Regis Thompson-Lawrence

Lunch at YTFCE Self-Empowering Workshop
We Thank our Food Donors, Panera Bread (Doherty Enterprises), Dino Pizza and Italian Restaurant and our Volunteers. We are particularly touched by the kindness of the  parent who brought in some water. Thank You!  

 

Lunch at Self-Empowering Workshop 2016

YTFCE Lunch at Self Empowering Workshop
Lunch – Compliments Panera Bread and Gino’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant

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Creative Empowerment Arts Contest $1000 College Scholarship Winner, Ms. Sage Fortune

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Youth Forum Participants listen to Malaika Foster’s winning Poem entitled  “21st Century Youth” 

 

yourtime4liny.org 1 2016 Caleb Garard expresses his views - Youth Forum
Mr. Joshua Garard Expresses his Views at Youth Forum

Youth Forum Participant and past contest winner, Malaika Foster
2015/16 Contest Winner, Ms. Malaika Foster Expresses her Views on Life for the 21st Century Youth

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Laughter is Good for The Soul!

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Peer Leader and College Scholarship Recipient, Ms. Nailah Garard Delivers an Empowering Message About Her College-Bound Journey

College Student Presenter Mr. Caleb Garard 2016-07-09 yourtime4liny.org
Med Student and YTFCE Presenter shares empowering details of his journey to Medical School

College Student Presenter, Mr. Caleb Garard
Mr. Caleb Garard, our Medical Doctor of Tomorrow!

Madona Ayorinde Branch. www.yourtime4liny.org
Ms. Madona Ayorinde Branch Presents to College Students and Recent HS Grads – 11th Grade Students

Madona Ayorinde Branch Presenter
Ms. Madona Ayorinde Branch, Wellesley College Grad Discusses the Characteristics of Various Relationship Dynamics for College Success

Self Empowering Workshop 2016 Marie'sPresentation
YTFCE Self-Empowering Workshop 2016 Participants

Ms. Vivienne Anderson Parenting Workshop Facilitator 2016-07-09
YTFCE 2016 Parenting Workshop facilitated by Ms. Vivienne Anderson

Parenting Workshop
Ms. Vivienne Anderson Presents to Parents at Your Time For Creative Empowerment 2016 Day of Inspiration, Empowerment and Warm Embrace

2016-07-09 www.yourtime4liny.org
Captivating!

Nailah Garard yourtime4liny.org
Recent High School Graduate, Ms. Nailah Garard Empowering Speech

Nailah Garard, Contest Winner and Peer Leader
Your Time For Creative Empowerment 2016 Youth Forum Participants

yourtime4liny.org youthforum
L to R: Ms. Sage Fortune, Ms. Nailah Garard, Mr. Joshua Garard, and Mr. Michael Desir

2016-07-09 The Family That Works Together...
Brighter Prospects are in the Works for Familes and Communities that Work Together! With our Annual Fundraising Event around the corner, we graciously welcome your involvement in Your Time For Creative Empowerment Inc. If you cannot physically chip in your time, a donation will register your support of our mission quite well. Thank you for your consideration.

 

Thank you 2016 workshop
I am grateful to all, who in their special ways, contributed to the success of this event.  -Madona Cole-Lacy, M.A.Ed., Founder/CEO- copyright 2016 Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. All rights reserved

With Open Arms and Mind


It is with open arms and an open mind that I serve as the Founder and CEO of a non-profit that I believe has such great potential to blossom.

The key to Community service, as modeled by my parents when I was young and impressionable is unequivocal selflessness. It is not possible to effectively serve with ‘reservation’. This is where the open arms, heart and mind policy comes to play. Service- whether socially or spiritually based – I believe, should be positioned to address the needs of those who feel they can use what the provider has to offer. It should be devoid of biases, personal vendettas or anything that casts a shadow of insincerity.

It is unfortunate that what can be characterized as innate discriminatory practices, more often than not, come to play in this process and muddy things up. When the absence of open mindedness is not wreaking havoc with the obstacles and barriers that otherwise ‘well-meaning’ people place in the way of others, it is busy reinforcing the superiority complex in others who simply ‘know’ this can’t be for them even though it is this very practice of denial that has created a need for service.  This, to say the least, is not for the faint of heart. It must be emphasized here that most people who serve, do so, looking for nothing in return as they bless others with what they have been blessed with.

How does one rise above this, and continue to serve with open arms, heart and mind – even in the midst of man-made psychological hurricanes?

I will now share some of the tools I have used to navigate this self-help personal development dilemma:

  1. Introspection – a serious look into the essence of my being. Why am no I here? Where do I see myself in the bigger picture of the fabric of mankind or humanity?
  2. Commitment: How badly do I feel the need to be of service to my fellow man, knowing that I have no control over who will or will not appreciate my efforts?  How willing am I to learn new ways to handle my life so that the service I render is more complimentary rather than a distraction to me? 
  3. Determination – How strong is my desire to stay the course- no matter what or who for that matter, becomes an obstacle in my way? What would it take to derail me, if anything?
  4. Empathy: How am I doing in the unwavering love, respect, and understanding for my fellow man/woman department? How capable am I of feeling agape love, respect and compassion to the extent that I can understand and appreciate the plight of others around me? Do I have a desire to relate to others who are ‘not like me’, or am I embarking on a solely self-serving journey?  It is the “there but for the grace of God go I” reality of life that keeps one grounded and humbled enough to serve with open hands, mind and heart.

Now, for some service-related Madonarism by Madona Cole-Lacy 

“When we choose service with an open heart and mind, over the sideshows of the growth process of life, we can go to bed at the end of the day with a measure of appreciation for the true meaning of self-actualization that will lead us to a strong desire to reproduce the same in the morrow.”Madona Cole-Lacy

“The ability to empathize with others around us is the power cord upon which service with an open heart and mind is grounded. Handle this cord with care!”

It is my wish that this post, which was inspired by a WordPress One Word Prompt, will encourage others to develop their own list of self-help service-related tools. 

Your Time for Creative Empowerment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that educates and empowers children, adolescents and parents of both secular and faith-based communities in the Long Island area, through the use of arts, fashion and culture as mechanisms to:

* Improve interpersonal relationships* Avoid pitfalls that are unique to life in the 21st Century * Specifically identify and effectively develop healthy problem-solving* Enhance personal development and increase cultural sensitivity.

 

 

 

 

The Excitement Continues!


As the school year winds down this week after a hectic year for dedicated staff and administrators, we celebrate students who went above and beyond expectations. I say, “well done” to these students, some of whom I had the pleasure of experiencing at their Senior Awards event. It is my hope that parents, guardians and community members would take a moment to tell a student in their lives, how much they appreciate the hard work that they have put into making the year a successful one. It is easier and quite natural for the high achievers to receive compliments for obvious reasons, but let us not forget those who are striving to get there – those who also have their eyes on the prize, even though their individual life situations do not lend themselves to instant success. Such students could use some encouragement and cheerleading along the way to excellence. As I wish our youth a safe and exciting summer vacation experience, I would like to share yet another attempt at video-editing of the final 2015/16 school year Creative Empowerment Arts Scholarship presentation awarded to Visual Arts Winner Jhalisa Bayer, and Runner Up Dany Mazariegos (in absentia) of the Wyandanch Memorial High School on June 9, 2016.

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We were happy to see Melchizedek Aarons, last school year’s Geoffrey and Ivonne Canada Scholar and  Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. Creative Empowerment Arts College Scholarship recipient in the music category. Mel who has just completed his freshman year at Lincoln University, will be on hand to share his expertise on how to achieve balance at college. As we further attempt to encourage dialogue amongst youth peers, we have also invited Marie Saint-Cyr, a 2014 Creative Empowerment Arts contestant, to make a presentation on what it takes to prepare for, and successfully study abroad.  Marie, who has just completed her freshman year at F.I.T was also able to navigate her way to and through a study abroad opportunity. An exciting time awaits! Here is an introduction to Marie’s Spring Semester Abroad.

I would like to conclude this post by underscoring the reason why Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. was birthed. Our mission is to provide creative ways to effect youth and family empowerment in light of the challenges and pitfalls of the 21st Century. The programs and activities we offer, are designed to benefit students and families of the human race, regardless of their social or economic status. This is borne from my discovery as a licensed New York State teacher who had the privilege of demonstrating that teaching reading, writing and arithmetic is only a fraction of the task teachers are charged with doing.  Another source of inspiration is the realization that the challenges of life and pitfalls are no respecter of money or perceived racial, political and social superiority. This is enough to embolden me to ask you, the reader, and the world at large to support us and similar youth empowerment initiatives as an investment in leaders of tomorrow.

Love Notes:

Yes, multi-tasking does not afford me an opportunity to specialize in any one of the areas of the multiple hats I wear. It is my hope that my call for like-minded folks with a bit of time to spare will soon find its  way into the hearts of those who can volunteer in the video-editing area of need, as well as, other areas of need. 

Resource Persons:

Since we take the well-being of those we serve seriously, we ask that you please work with us by supplying verifiable information on your registration form if you want to be considered as a member of our pool of Resource Persons. We can work with you better when we understand your interest in joining us. 

Call to Action:

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Your Time For Creative Empowerment Workshop 2016 Countdown

Your Time for Creative Empowerment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that educates and empowers children, adolescents and parents of both secular and faith-based communities in the Long Island area, through the use of  the arts, fashion and culture as mechanisms to: * Improve interpersonal relationships* Avoid pitfalls that are unique to life in the 21st Century * Specifically identify and effectively develop healthy problem-solving* Enhance personal development and increase cultural sensitivity.