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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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.
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 knowbetter 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.
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
Slide Show
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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
Please read the quotes below which capture the essence of some of what I hoped to accomplish with the founding ofYour Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.
I recognize we are only in the infancy stage of fulfilling the organization’s mission – a stage we could not have arrived at without a dream, tremendous determination and the selflessness of a number of people whose contributions and encouragement have played a big role in our buoyancy. It is my intention to periodically shine the spotlight on those who are supportive of our quest to empower Long Island’s youth and families.
That we have had no reason to worry about a home for our Self-Empowering Workshops, is owed to the benevolence of Molloy College’s Office of Advancement Associate Director of Development, Corporate Relations; Cynthia Costanzo-Metzger. The warmth with which I am greeted by Barbara Simms and Gina Renaldi of the Town of Hempstead each time I approach them with a space request for our organization’s Free Community Networking Soiree, gives me much encouragement!. The Art League of Long Island’s Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery’s perfect backdrop for our Scholarship and Fundraising Gala Kick-Off, would not have been possible without one for whom I have great respect – Charlee Miller, the League’s Executive Director, and the Development Director, Bobbie Janowitz.
In the interest of transparency, I must admit that the inordinate energy and effort expended to get student participation, is disproportional to the outcomes thus far. This leaves me asking “WHY?”….. even as I graciously acknowledge the help of volunteers, teachers, parents and school administrators who like Dr. Deborah Wortham, Superintendent, and Mrs. Barbara Evans, Art Teacher of the Roosevelt School District, who saw the benefit in exposing their students to the Annual Creative Empowerment Arts Contest we are offering Long Island’s high school students.
As part of our growth process, we welcome the support and assistance of like-minded individuals. We are open to constructive criticism accompanied by viable, executable suggestions. We take all concerns into consideration as we underscore our philosophy with an unwavering emphasis on the following: Your Time For Creative Empowerment is race, class, gender and socio-economically sensitive in all that we do.
“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.”– Mary McLeod Bethune –
Madona Cole-Lacy, M.A.Ed, Founder/CEO Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.
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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