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.
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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