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 CreativeEmpowerment, 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
When community members come together for good, wonderful things happen!
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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 ElmontMemorial High Senior Class, the 2016/17 Mutual Supportive Spirit Award!
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
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. 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
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
What 21st Century Youth Are Thinking – Get Set Mindset Participants. See Workshop Slide Show Below
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YourTime 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
Lincoln University Student Presenter, Scholarship Recepient, Mr. Mel AaronsMs. Marie Saint-Cyr, F.I.T. Student and YTFCE Peer LeaderMs. Marie Saint-Cyr, takes participants on an exciting Study Abroad Journey Ardent Volunteer, Ms. Zellin LoweYet Another Ardent Volunteer, Ms. Terri HallDedicated to Youth Empowerment: Mrs. Janet Gooding, Ms. Merle France and Ms. Regis Thompson-LawrenceWe 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 – Compliments Panera Bread and Gino’s Pizza and Italian RestaurantCreative Empowerment Arts Contest $1000 College Scholarship Winner, Ms. Sage FortuneYouth Forum Participants listen to Malaika Foster’s winning Poem entitled “21stCentury Youth”
Mr. Joshua Garard Expresses his Views at Youth Forum2015/16 Contest Winner, Ms. Malaika Foster Expresses her Views on Life for the 21st Century YouthLaughter is Good for The Soul!Peer Leader and College Scholarship Recipient, Ms. Nailah Garard Delivers an Empowering Message About Her College-Bound JourneyMed Student and YTFCE Presenter shares empowering details of his journey to Medical SchoolMr. Caleb Garard, our Medical Doctor of Tomorrow!Ms. Madona Ayorinde Branch Presents to College Students and Recent HS Grads – 11th Grade StudentsMs. Madona Ayorinde Branch, Wellesley College Grad Discusses the Characteristics of Various Relationship Dynamics for College SuccessYTFCE Self-Empowering Workshop 2016 ParticipantsYTFCE 2016 Parenting Workshop facilitated by Ms. Vivienne AndersonMs. Vivienne Anderson Presents to Parents at Your Time For Creative Empowerment 2016 Day of Inspiration, Empowerment and Warm EmbraceCaptivating!Recent High School Graduate, Ms. Nailah Garard Empowering SpeechYour Time For Creative Empowerment 2016 Youth Forum ParticipantsL to R: Ms. Sage Fortune, Ms. Nailah Garard, Mr. Joshua Garard, and Mr. Michael DesirBrighter 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.
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
I must acknowledge the ingenious way Mr. Snowden has creatively woven “the common thread” that runs through the fabric of humanity so beautifully. My knee-jerk reaction to this video clip calls for the sharing of the words to a song I was taught as a primary school pupil in Sierra Leone, West Africa.
“The more we are together, together, together, the more we are together,
the happier we shall be.
‘Cause your friends are my friends and my friends are your friends.
The Huddle!
The more we are together the happier we shall be.”
My apologies to the writer as I take the liberty to further tweak the original song (which reads online as “get together”) to declare, “The more we work together, the happier we shall be!” When we unselfishly give of ourselves for the common good, comfort and advancement of our children and families, this seemingly mammoth job is quite easily done.
I am honored to be the recipient of unwavering support from those who undoubtedly exemplify outstanding leadership in their respective areas of specialization. Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. thanks you; the youth we serve thank you!
Be on the look out for our online 2014 Commemorative Journal for more on Your Time For Creative Empowerment’s journey through our activities and relationships.
Creatively Embracing 21st Century Youth Scholarship & Fundraising Gala
A Giant Embrace for Youth Creative Expressionists
Lindenhurst NY. Thursday, November 20, 2014, 6:30pm.
Your Time for Creative Empowerment, Inc. presented several scholarships and awards to the winners and participants in their Creative Empowerment Arts Contest at their Creatively Embracing 21st Century Youth Gala on Thursday, November 20, 2014. The youth-focused event was attended by community leaders from Nassau and Suffolk Counties, supportive family members, and friends of the Long Island high school contest participants in excess of 100 people. Grant awardees and scholarship winners were given an opportunity to share their thoughts on their own inspiration and creative process as the Creative Expressionists of the evening.
“The idea of encouraging our youth to speak through their unique art forms is one whose time has come. We intend to keep this culture going as a way to effect heightened awareness among parents, and valuable community involvement in the lives of Long Island’s children as we see and hear them express themselves in healthyinnovative ways.” -Madona Cole-Lacy, Founder/CEO-
Some sentiments from high school contestants are as follows:
“Wow, Thank you so much for the scholarship, I really do appreciate it. You did an amazing job putting the event together, it was an incredible evening.
College Scholarship Winner Nailah Garard of Half Hollow Hills High School East shares her thoughts behind her creative expression ‘Trapped’
You have really inspired me to keep my creative juices flowing by drawing, painting or anything I can do to express myself. I enjoyed talking to the other contestants and looking at the impressive artwork they did. Again, it was such an honor to be presented with an award. If you are having another event, I would love to be there. Please stay in touch.” – Creative Empowerment Contestant –
“…As soon as I turn 18, I am going to look into volunteering at the Trevor Project headquarters to hopefully help make a positive impact on someone’s life and be the helping hand that they might need. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – Creative Empowerment Contestant-
Even though guests got to enjoy a gourmet dinner along with a powerful networking opportunity against a backdrop of art and music, the purpose of this gathering at the stately Chateau La Mer in Lindenhurst was not lost as these sentiments suggest:
“I found the Gala interactive and electrifying for all stakeholders. The idea lays the groundwork in creativity and artistic productivity for our young millennials. Top Marks for Your Time for Creative Empowerment, Inc. for this brave new venture for youth!” –Kwame “Kumale” Fitzjohn, Host/Sr. Producer, Global African Media-
Samantha Uebel of Babylon High School talks about her winning poem.
The 2014 Creative Empowerment Arts Contest winners are as follows:
Samantha Uebel – A Poem “Girl Without A Voice” (9th Grade – North Babylon High School) $500.00 to set up and run a club/support/leadership group at school. Ben Rhee – A Poem “Just A Click Away” (10th Grade – Syosset High School) $500.00 to set up a club/ support/leadership group at school. Nailah Garard – Portrait – “Trapped” (11th grade – Half Hollow Hills High School East) $1,000.00 College Scholarship. Aly Brier – Short Film – “A Helping Hand” (12th grade – The Wheatley School) $1,000.00 College Scholarship.
Julia Maher – Portrait – “Paranoia”/ “Slipping Away From Sanity” (12th grade – Farmingdale High School) $1,000.00 College Scholarship. Gigi Larios -Mendez – Portrait- “Too Blind To See” (Roosevelt Senior High School Graduate/ SUNY Old Westbury Freshman) $1,000.00 College Scholarship.
Other contestants with compelling creative expressions are: Tatiana Woellhof – Drawing -“You Are A SlaveTo Whatever Controls You” – (10th grade-Centereach High School) Kitty Zheng-Watercolor/black sharpie pen painting-“Growing New Layers”- (12th grade-Southold Jr/Sr High) Veronica Lane – Photography – “Portray Yourself Wisely” – (12th grade – St. John The Baptist DHS) Madison Migliaccio– Pen and Ink – “Hate Sold By The Bottle” – (12th grade – Farmingdale High School) Radiyyah Hussein– Oil Painting – “Freeing Peace” – (12th grade – Central Islip Senior High School) Emily Williams– Painting and Marker -“20 Flight Rock” – (12th grade – Seaford High)Marie Saint-Cyr – Collage – “A Helping Hand”-(F.I.T Freshman /Westbury High School Graduate) Plans are underway for a Community Creative Empowerment Arts Exhibition, which will open with a forum co-facilitated by the contestants.
Honoree Cynthia Metzger receives a handcrafted plaque
Another highlight of the evening was the acknowledgement of a special breed of community role models for 21st Century youth, who were honored. “I am thankful and excited over the valuable support and input our Honorees conveyed in their respective messages, as they in their unique ways, pointed to the importance of and the urgency for the proverbial villagers to come together and serve our youth. We now have to work as hard and as smart as ever to open the hearts of those we seek to help, as well as those who straddle the fence of warm embrace, for this simply cannot be a one-woman or man show. There is plenty of room for like-minded altruistic volunteers and supporters.” – Madona Cole-Lacy-
“Dear Madona, I appreciate and thank you & Jim ever so much. The night was wonderful and very memorable. I was especially impressed with the works that you inspired the youth to produce. I’m proud & honored to be connected to such an effort, and I can’t thank you enough for thinking of and including me as an honoree. Regards & Best wishes.” -Mel Jackson-
Honoree Patricia Francis had this to say about her role in the gala: “It was a pleasure to assist our youth in obtaining their goals. They truly need to feel and have our/adult support.”
Honoree Cynthia Costanzo Metzger and guests-Photography by Anahi DeCanio – ArtyZen Studios
Creatively Embracing 21st Century Youth Scholarship & Fundraising Gala Honorees:
Patricia J. Francis, Co-Organizer and recent past president -The Sisters of the Arts, Nassau/ Suffolk/Queens Chapter, The Society Incorporated, and Member of National Executive Board
Jacqueline A. Gordon, Councilwoman -Town of Babylon, Lieutenant Colonel-United States Army Reserves, Western Suffolk BOCES Guidance Counselor
Sharon Gordon, Detective, Nassau County Police Department, Child Abuse and Special Victims Unit
Devon Harris, Motivational Speaker, Author, Philanthropist, Founder of Keep On Pushing Foundation, original Jamaican Bobsled Team member.
Mel Jackson, Executive Director, Leadership Training Institute
Cynthia Costanzo-Metzger, Associate Director of Development and Corporate Relations, Molloy College
George Siberon, Executive Director, Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association
Carrie Solages, Nassau County Legislator – District 3, Attorney at Law
Theresa Statz-Smith, Executive Director, Long Island Arts Alliance
Dr. Deborah L. Wortham, Superintendent, Roosevelt Union Free School District
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was award-winning Video Journalist and Executive Producer of Fios1/ My Long Island TV, Waldo Cabrera. Executive Producer, Bob Spiotto, handled the coordination of the event.
Proceeds support Your Time For Creative Empowerment’s FREE creative programs and services to Long Island’s youth and their families, and provides funds for its Creative Empowerment Awards and Scholarships.
Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. on Saturday, August 2, 2014, hosted a group of approximately 70 people comprised of college and high school students; community members from academia, the business and professional sector and; public officials, Suffolk County Legislator, DuWayne Gregory and Nassau County Legislator, Carrie Solages for a Community Networking Soiree. This event, which was held at the Town of Hempstead’s Merrick Golf Clubhouse at Merrick Road Park Golf Course, provided a rare opportunity for high school students to get a candid, insider look into the college, pre-college and professional experience. A broad range of topics from how many AP’s one should take, and how to pick a major, to what one does after college were presented and laid bare for the perusal and questioning of the youth that attended the event. The casual conversation format of the Community Networking Soirée allowed both the attendees and Resource Persons to speak openly and honestly. Most importantly, it put the young people at ease to fully take advantage of the opportunity to converse and ask questions about topics that they were truly interested in learning about.
As was mentioned throughout the event, this was their show. The adults and college students in attendance imparted some helpful and relevant tips on personal development to the students in attendance. Wise words regarding the company one keeps and the importance of hard work and time management were spoken and warmly received.
Long Island Villagers took Volunteerism to Another level
Your Time For Creative Empowerment would like to thank everyone who made it a point to contribute to the success of our Community Networking Soirée. This event was a true demonstration of the lessons of life unleashed by community members for the benefit of Long Island’s future leaders. We could not have asked for a finer group of Resource Persons who ‘taught’ by example as they embraced our youth with such exuberance, and selflessly gave of themselves. Our college students were clearly empowered by a setting which lent itself to their taking on a leadership role too!
A special “thank you” goes to our parents and significant adults in the lives of the youth present. The quality of their participation and overall involvement spoke volumes about their parenting and leadership skills. Kind, loving and sensitive parents and adult role models without a doubt, raise kind loving and sensitive children society would one day be proud of! The willingness of the youth present, to work with us, both on and off site, at making this initiative a success, will always serve as an inspiration for us to do more.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Suffolk County Presiding officer, Legislator, DuWayne Gregory, and Nassau County Legislator, Carrié Solages whom we know, had to tweak their busy schedules for that day to stop by and register their commitment to the success of 21st Century youth. We also acknowledge the participation of Jason Zove, candidate for New York State’s 8th Assembly District for the valuable interaction he had with both students and parents as part of this vital process that creates the opportunity for our children to share their concerns and ideas with caring representatives from the business and professional community who understand the importance of subscribing to their social, academic and professional well being.
Our call for community involvement and support was also answered by Las Bahias Latin American Restaurant of North Bellmore, Spice Negril of Baldwin and Eye Supply of Wantagh. Please stop by and experience for yourself why we think these kind and caring local businesses are “all that and then some”.
Board Member, Madeline Quintyne extended a warm welcome to Brendan Sperling while his mother and aunt look on.
Caleb Garard, College Freshman bound for medical school, (August 2014) shared his academic experience and gave college survival tips.
Fashion Institute of Technology-Bound Marie Saint-Cyr, her sister Pierrelande, and friends Emily Kehrli and Madeleine Mattel (also F.I.T-bound) at the Argonne health and wellness table.
Program Director James A. Lacy and Resource Person Deon a Brown-Harrison with Parent Clarence Brown and Daughter Chinara Brown
What OthersHad to Say about our Community Networking Soirée
Click on link to a sampling of comments and visuals that capture …
To volunteer and learn more about how you can contribute to the growth of the not- for-profit organization, Your Time For Creative Empowerment, visit www.yourtime4linyor call (516) 965-3242.
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