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
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.
“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 toomuchgratitude, 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 listof 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.
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
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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 Aarons
Ms. Marie Saint-Cyr, F.I.T. Student and YTFCE Peer Leader
Ms. Marie Saint-Cyr, takes participants on an exciting Study Abroad Journey
Ardent Volunteer, Ms. Zellin Lowe
Yet Another Ardent Volunteer, Ms. Terri Hall
Dedicated to Youth Empowerment: Mrs. Janet Gooding, Ms. Merle France and Ms. Regis Thompson-Lawrence
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 – Compliments Panera Bread and Gino’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant
Creative Empowerment Arts Contest $1000 College Scholarship Winner, Ms. Sage Fortune
Youth Forum Participants listen to Malaika Foster’s winning Poem entitled “21stCentury Youth”
Mr. Joshua Garard Expresses his Views at Youth Forum
2015/16 Contest Winner, Ms. Malaika Foster Expresses her Views on Life for the 21st Century Youth
Laughter is Good for The Soul!
Peer Leader and College Scholarship Recipient, Ms. Nailah Garard Delivers an Empowering Message About Her College-Bound Journey
Med Student and YTFCE Presenter shares empowering details of his journey to Medical School
Mr. Caleb Garard, our Medical Doctor of Tomorrow!
Ms. Madona Ayorinde Branch Presents to College Students and Recent HS Grads – 11th Grade Students
Ms. Madona Ayorinde Branch, Wellesley College Grad Discusses the Characteristics of Various Relationship Dynamics for College Success
YTFCE Self-Empowering Workshop 2016 Participants
YTFCE 2016 Parenting Workshop facilitated by Ms. Vivienne Anderson
Ms. Vivienne Anderson Presents to Parents at Your Time For Creative Empowerment 2016 Day of Inspiration, Empowerment and Warm Embrace
Captivating!
Recent High School Graduate, Ms. Nailah Garard Empowering Speech
Your Time For Creative Empowerment 2016 Youth Forum Participants
L to R: Ms. Sage Fortune, Ms. Nailah Garard, Mr. Joshua Garard, and Mr. Michael Desir
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.
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
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:
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?
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?
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?
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.”
“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.
Our Warmest Gratitude to all who contributed to the success of Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.’s Scholarship and Fundraising Gala on Saturday, November 21, 2015.
The room was filled to capacity as parents, students, public officials, community members, honorees, their friends and families assembled at the Merrick Golf Club House to celebrate the Supportive Spirits of our honorees and the Creative Spirits the Creative Arts Contest participants. As the spirits of volunteerism and support were embraced and celebrated, so were the respective voices of Long Island’s youth through their Creatively Empowering expressions.
There was something for everyone. The spiritually-focused who, as a rule, embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of others were well fed, as was the curiosity of the creative-minded! Warm gratitude must be extended to County Executive Mangano for recognizing our honorees with a citation presented to them on his behalf by his Deputy County Executive, Dr. Phillip Elliott, who in the capacity of an ordained minister, offered the invocation for the evening. Also on hand with citations, was Councilwoman Viviana Russell of the Town of North Hempstead. Town of Hempstead Councilwoman, Dorothy Goosby, provided a creatively designed citation to the organization which was very much in line with the way we encourage our youth to use their talents to meaningfully express themselves. We thank the Town of Hempstead Parks and Recreation Department for graciously hosting us, and appreciate the unwavering support and involvement of community organizations, businesses and individuals who stood out this time.
Thank you is in order to Mr. and Mrs. Desmond Morrison and Ms. Geraldine Gooding for traveling all the way from Maryland to support us, the Art League of Long Island, Colonial Flower Shop, and Havana Central. A special thank you goes out to our honorees (E. Vivienne Anderson, Florence Bell, Dr. John Clarke, Marjorie Whigham-Desir, Michael Desir, Alicia Figueras, Presiding Officer Duwayne Gregory, Terri Hall, Gail King, Zellin Lowe, Diane Lucas, Esq., Anita Marco, Felicia Serrette, Dr. Lizette Wright-Polk), without whom the evening would simply not have materialized had they not accepted our request to honor them for the role they have played in our quest to empower and embrace 21st Century youth in our own unique way. Ms. Cognac Wellerlane’s role in providing media coverage for the event has not been taken lightly, and neither has the task of our professional photographer, Frank Fontana of Fontana Studios in Merrick, the Print Cafe of Lynbrook for our printing needs, Tim Dorsey for providing music and Florence Bell for the beautifully set tables. Special thanks also are expressed to Mrs. Janet Gooding and Claudestine Williams-Tucker for their volunteer and community service assistance respectively with preparations for the event, and to Peer Leader Marie Saint-Cyr for gracing the event with her refreshing art work and for taking on the responsibility of greeting our guests at the registration table, Evynn McFall for onsite coordination, and last but by no means least, our Masters of Ceremony Shelly Cohen and Gregory Singer for their role in moving the program along.
Rumor has it that the multi-ethnic culinary delights were well received by our guests! Bravo to all who came on board to make this happen, including The Island By The Sea Jamaican Restaurant of 300 Wellwood Avenue, Freeport, New York – our Primary Restaurant Food Sponsor. Havana Central from Roosevelt Field, the Imperial Diner of Merrick Road, Freeport, New York; and Ayhan’s Mediterranean Restaurant on Sunrise Highway in Baldwin also consented to participate. The labor of love of volunteers who prepared Sierra Leonean, Dominican and Southern culinary delights will never be forgotten. We are truly grateful for their help.
The stage was set, and the message was clear as Malachi Aarons join his brother Melchizedek Aarons (our 12 grade category 2014/15 Creative Empowerment Arts Contest Winner) to creatively express the art of collaboration through the saxophone and keyboard; Sisters, Brianna and Jasmine Gobourne, ministered in dance to honor their grandmother; the volunteer mother and son team of Marjorie Desir and Michael Desir that brought to light the axiom “if you show them, they will learn”. Also featured were the expressions of Contest first runner up, Glorieanne Quiban, who expressed her concern for the 21st century youth though her “Fighting for the Same Thing Now and Then” digital illustration which illustrates how nothing has changed since the 60’s when Black folks fought for their civil rights; and Malaika foster, who in poem, told us how the world we create affects her and her peers in a manner that calls for change through self-empowerment. The visual art work “Deja Vu” of Dany Mazariegos symbolizes hope and faith – “the ability to persevere in the outside world’s negativity.” On her topic of choice, “The Broken Self Esteem”, the voice of Jhalisa Bayer was heard loudly and clearly through the summary of her winning entry in the visual arts category in which she talks about the damaging effects of the broken self esteem.
The 2014/15 Creative Empowerment winners are as follows: Malaika Foster – Elmont Memorial High School, 10th Grade Winner (Poem) ~ Jhalisa Bayer – Wyandanch Memorial High School, 11th Grade -Visual Arts Winner: pen, broken mirror pieces, hot glue, acrylic ~ Glorieanne Quiban – Farmingdale High School, 11th Grade – Visual Arts Runner Up: Digital Illustration ~ Dany Mazariegos – Wyandanch Memorial High School, 11th Grade -Visual Arts 2nd Runner Up: Drawing ~ Melchizedek Aarons – Wyandanch High School Graduate 12th Grade Winner – Music: Jazz – Saxophone.
The evening wrapped up with a “surprise” presentation to Mr. James Lacy, the organization’s Program Director. The well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Supporter-In-Chief Integrity Award was presented to him as he was ministered to in dance and poetry by Liturgical Dancer Florence Bell in a public acknowledgement of the extraordinary support he has offered the organization in good health as well as in the wake of health challenges that take “in sickness and in health” to a whole new level.
Our Mission
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.
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.
Come see and hear Long Island’s youth present their uncensored expressions on drugs, sex, alcohol, technology and life as they know it today at the
Creatively Embracing 21st Century Youth Scholarship and Fundraising Gala
at 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM on Thursday, November 20, 2014
Your Time To…Embrace Long Island’s Creative, Socially Conscious High School Students! `
At this year’s gala, we will feature students and their work from the following schools: Syosset High School * Roosevelt Senior High * Babylon Senior High * The Wheatley School * Farmingdale High School *Seaford High School *Central Islip Senior High School and Centereach High School so far.
Another highlight of the evening is the acknowledgement of distinguished community leaders.
All contestants get to attend at no cost to them. Discounted reservation rate is available for parents, teachers and well-wishers of contestants. Please click the link below:
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.
y we encourage our youth to use their talents to meaningfully express themselves. We thank the Town of Hempstead Parks and Recreation Department for graciously hosting us, and appreciate the unwavering support and involvement of community organizations, businesses and individuals who stood out this time.
Your Time 4 Talk Blog 