Tag Archives: parents

A Parent Empowered Enough to Tell It!


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 Creative Empowerment, 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

Thank You For Your Special Contribution our 2017 Self-Empowering Workshop
When community members come together for good, wonderful things happen!

This is a multiple page post. Go to the next page by clicking on the page numbers 2-5 below the word “Related“.

 

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Your Time For…Social Gathering 101


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.

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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 know better 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.

For updates on current and upcoming activities: www.creativeempowermentarts.org                                www.yourtime4liny.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program inspires LI kids to use the arts to deal with life’s challenges | Verizon FiOS1 News – Long Island


Thank you 2016 workshop

Click on link below for News Coverage

Program inspires LI kids to use the arts to deal with life’s challenges | Verizon FiOS1 News – Long Island

 

youtime4liny.org 2016
What 21st Century Youth Are Thinking – Get Set Mindset Participants. See Workshop Slide Show Below 

 

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2016-07-09 ytfce self empowering workshop www.yourtime4liny.org

Your Time 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 

2016-07-09 yourtime4liny.orgCollege Student Presenter Mr. Mel Aarons
Lincoln University Student Presenter, Scholarship Recepient, Mr. Mel Aarons
Marie Saint-Cyr yourtime4liny.org
Ms. Marie Saint-Cyr, F.I.T. Student and YTFCE Peer Leader
2016-07-09 Marie Saint-Cyr yourtime4liny.org
Ms. Marie Saint-Cyr, takes participants on an exciting Study Abroad Journey
2016-07-09 YTFCE Ms. Zellin Lowe
Ardent Volunteer, Ms. Zellin Lowe
Ms. Terri Hall
Yet Another Ardent Volunteer, Ms. Terri Hall
2016-07-09 Ms. Janet Gooding, Merle France and Ms. Regis Thompson-Lawrence
Dedicated to Youth Empowerment: Mrs. Janet Gooding, Ms. Merle France and Ms. Regis Thompson-Lawrence
Lunch at YTFCE Self-Empowering Workshop
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 at Self-Empowering Workshop 2016

YTFCE Lunch at Self Empowering Workshop
Lunch – Compliments Panera Bread and Gino’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant
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Creative Empowerment Arts Contest $1000 College Scholarship Winner, Ms. Sage Fortune
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Youth Forum Participants listen to Malaika Foster’s winning Poem entitled  “21st Century Youth” 

 

yourtime4liny.org 1 2016 Caleb Garard expresses his views - Youth Forum
Mr. Joshua Garard Expresses his Views at Youth Forum
Youth Forum Participant and past contest winner, Malaika Foster
2015/16 Contest Winner, Ms. Malaika Foster Expresses her Views on Life for the 21st Century Youth
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Laughter is Good for The Soul!
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Peer Leader and College Scholarship Recipient, Ms. Nailah Garard Delivers an Empowering Message About Her College-Bound Journey
College Student Presenter Mr. Caleb Garard 2016-07-09 yourtime4liny.org
Med Student and YTFCE Presenter shares empowering details of his journey to Medical School
College Student Presenter, Mr. Caleb Garard
Mr. Caleb Garard, our Medical Doctor of Tomorrow!
Madona Ayorinde Branch. www.yourtime4liny.org
Ms. Madona Ayorinde Branch Presents to College Students and Recent HS Grads – 11th Grade Students
Madona Ayorinde Branch Presenter
Ms. Madona Ayorinde Branch, Wellesley College Grad Discusses the Characteristics of Various Relationship Dynamics for College Success
Self Empowering Workshop 2016 Marie'sPresentation
YTFCE Self-Empowering Workshop 2016 Participants
Ms. Vivienne Anderson Parenting Workshop Facilitator 2016-07-09
YTFCE 2016 Parenting Workshop facilitated by Ms. Vivienne Anderson
Parenting Workshop
Ms. Vivienne Anderson Presents to Parents at Your Time For Creative Empowerment 2016 Day of Inspiration, Empowerment and Warm Embrace
2016-07-09 www.yourtime4liny.org
Captivating!
Nailah Garard yourtime4liny.org
Recent High School Graduate, Ms. Nailah Garard Empowering Speech
Nailah Garard, Contest Winner and Peer Leader
Your Time For Creative Empowerment 2016 Youth Forum Participants
yourtime4liny.org youthforum
L to R: Ms. Sage Fortune, Ms. Nailah Garard, Mr. Joshua Garard, and Mr. Michael Desir
2016-07-09 The Family That Works Together...
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.

 

Thank you 2016 workshop
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

What We Must Not Forget As We Forge Ahead


ytfcevolunteers

With three years of invaluable insights and enlightenment under my belt, I think it is only fitting to share with you a sampling of an abundance of reflections on my experience as a nonprofit founder. As you read on, you will find a summary of four of what I characterize as the basic components of a not-for-profit journey that I have embraced as mine. This desire to share thoughts on some of the nonprofit related lessons of my life can be attributed, in part, to the deep appreciation for people who have repeatedly answered the call, and even exceeded expectations, to assist with Your Time For Creative Empowerment events and activities over the years. Some of these dedicated volunteers and supporters have consented (reluctantly) to be honored at the upcoming 3rd Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. Annual Gala! I suspect the reason that outstanding volunteers kick and scream at the thought of being honored is captured by this quote which I understand quite well. “Anything can be accomplished as long as you don’t care who gets the credit.” -Unknown-

The 2015 Scholarship and Fundraising Gala which will hopefully raise funds for our college scholarships, student-driven leadership clubs, and take our signature programs to the next level, is the perfect vehicle through which I can humbly extend my gratitude to each and every one who has contributed to the success of the first and subsequent fundraising events. Please click here for pictorial memories or an introduction to highlights of our 2013 and 2014 Galas. You are invited to browse our websites (www.yourtime4liny.org and www.creativeempowermentarts.org) for a reason to support our initiative this year.

The excitement I feel from the sweet spirit of support and understanding from all who have contributed to the glorious moments of this organization must not, however, be dampened by some of the most challenging moments of disappointment, bias, pettiness that can get in the way of, and completely destroy the faint of heart on this nonprofit-nurturing journey. It is for this reason that I offer the following as tools with which one can prepare oneself to set out on this journey.

The Dream and the Marriage

It all starts with the first step towards the unknown! With not much more than a burning desire to make a selfless contribution to the quality of life of others that you may or may not know, you toss your hat into the ring of the nonprofit world. It is at this time that the “I” becomes the “We” in a manner that is not unlike the expectation of a healthy marriage dynamic. The slight difference here, is that this relationship is sustained by the support of people from all walks of life, of all social and economic status, and race and religious affiliations with a genuine desire to pitch in and help make a Founder’s vision come to life. After all, there is a reason why successful “dreamers” are best complemented by effective and efficient “doers” in order that they can keep on dreaming. This is not to say that a visionary must not orient herself or himself to be an implementer of the related skill-set required to keep things moving! My mindset on taking on this mission is summarized in the following quote: “The only time it is about me, is when I show basic respect and common decency towards my co-laborers as my primary contribution towards upholding the integrity and facilitating the goals of a common cause” -Madona Cole-Lacy-

A Case for Mentorship

Mentoring, offered formally or informally by those who already know the ropes, is also as important as the benevolence of those who give freely of their time in other areas, share their expertise, make donations and contributions to help make things work out for the beneficiaries targeted in the vision. The following says it all for me! “Leaders should influence others in such a way that it builds people up, encourages and edifies them so they can duplicate this attitude in others.” -Bob Goshen- 

Founder? Let’s try Volunteer/Donor-in-Chief

Do titles really matter? Yes, when they clearly reflect the role and realities of the position, they do matter. This designation is one I have come up with to describe a role that founders play in the equation of the nonprofit startup – one that is likely to be taken for granted by those who are standing on the outside looking in. Those who fit into this category find themselves making unbelievable sacrifices that at times can affect their own state of well-being, as they work toward building a firm foundation that others might find worthy to identify with. I duff my hat to all who fit into this category, and pray that more like-minded folks will bring some relief soon! “I found that the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy and enthusiasm and hard work.” -Harry S. Truman –

Personal Growth and Development

This is the greatest area of challenge, even with all the competent personal development coaches or well-written books and manuals that aspiring and seasoned nonprofit leaders can easily access.  I know how important these resources can be with regards to the development of self in readiness for working successfully with others. It is my belief that the main contributing factor to a halfway successful venture is the ability to work with the many personalities that will be encountered along the way – exercising self-control and discipline in dealing with people you encounter. Rather than elaborate on this important issue which I suspect every founder or leader has to deal with sometime, I want to invite you, the reader, to share how you deal with this make or break issue. What is your experience? Please do not hesitate to SHARE. Here is a quote on the subject that hits the nail on the head for me. “Personal growth is to see each moment, each person, each challenge and each adversity as an opportunity to embrace more of yourself and the world around you.” – Tom Erik Green-                 

As I sign off, I want to thank you for allowing me to engage you up to this point. It is now time for me to go back to this year’s Gala preparation. Do plan to be there if you can, or show your appreciation for what Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. does to empower 21st Century youth by selecting one of the options for support here.

Madona Cole-Lacy, M.A.Ed.

Visual/Teaching Artist & Cultural Partner ~ Motivator ~    Social Entrepreneur ~ Educator

Founder/CEO: Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. www.yourtime4liny.orgContinue reading “What We Must Not Forget As We Forge Ahead”