Empowering Long Island’s Youth – A Collaborative Endeavor


Please read the quotes below which capture the essence of some of what I hoped to accomplish with the founding of Your  Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.

YTFCE UPCOMING FINAL

Download PDF of flyer –Your Time For Creative Empowerment Upcoming Events 2015  

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.

www.yourtime4liny.org

Crucial Connections


 

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 WantaghPlease 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.
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.
Caleb Garard, College Freshman bound for medical school, (August 2014) shared his academic experience and gave college survival tips.

 

F.I.T bound Marie Saint-Cyr, her sister Pierrelande and friends Emily Kehrli and Madeleine Mottel (also F.I.T bound) at the Arbornne health and wellness table
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
Program Director James A. Lacy and Resource Person Deon a Brown-Harrison with Parent Clarence Brown and Daughter Chinara Brown

 

What Others Had to Say about our Community Networking Soirée  

Click on link to a sampling of comments and visuals that capture …
&
Our Community Networking Soiree Photo Album

 

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.yourtime4liny  or call (516) 965-3242.