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Photo of the Month: The Walking Rainbow

July 31, 2025 | Leave a reply

Three early elementary school age children watch in wonder as a folded napkin with its ends in cups of colored water turn into a "walking rainbow"

Kenya (left), Nylaiah (back), and Hailey (right) observe the walking rainbow.

Summer camp at Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center is more than just a break from school. It’s a special time when memories are made, friendships blossom, and young people engage in learning and fun—and the two are never mutually exclusive.

In this Photo of the Month, second-graders Kenya and Hailey and first-grader Nylaiah are learning about capillary action: the movement of a liquid along another material against an opposing force.

But if we just told them that definition and asked them to memorize it, chances are it wouldn’t mean much. That’s why our afterschool and summer programs use project-based learning (PBL) activities, like the walking rainbow you see in the photo. Following instructions found in the Doctor Jupiter Junior Science My First Science Kit, participants folded a paper napkin in half, applied food coloring in the colors of the rainbow on the ends, dipped them into water-filled cups—and then watched the colors travel upwards after coming into contact with the water. The result is a “walking rainbow.”

It looks like magic, but the participants of our Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center summer camp know it’s science: The water soaks into the napkin and carries the colors with it due to capillary action, a concept that now makes sense to them.

“We enjoy doing activities like STEM and art with our participants because they inspire creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning in a fun and engaging way. These activities help kids explore new concepts while building confidence in their ideas and problem-solving skills,” says Krystle Raghubeer, director of Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center. “The walking rainbow STEM project, in particular, is a favorite because it combines science with visual creativity—it teaches concepts like color mixing, absorption, and capillary action in a playful, colorful way. It’s a great example of how science and art can come together to spark curiosity and excitement in learning.”

“My favorite part of the activity was when the colors made the rainbow,” says Hailey. “It was really cool.”

Another thing that participants love about summer camp at Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center?

“FUN FRIDAY!” says Kenya.

Nylaiah agrees: “My favorite part of summer camp is all the water activities on Fridays!”

The Child Center operates 25 summer camps. During the school year, we operate 30 afterschool programs. We also support youth development through NYC Community Schools, transfer high schools, mental health services, internships, and more. Visit childcenterny.org/youth-development/ to learn all about the ways we ensure our youth can discover and achieve their potential.

Celebrating Milestones at The Child Center: Tania Franco-Mora, Early Head Start Home Visitor

July 22, 2025 | Leave a reply

“I began my journey in June 2014 as a substitute teacher with the Head Start program in Corona, driven by a deep desire to make a difference in my community. My motivation to become an Early Head Start home visitor grew when a coworker shared the powerful impact an early childhood specialist can have. The opportunity to work closely with families in my own community was something I felt truly passionate about.

In January 2015, I was grateful for the chance to join The Child Center of NY, marking the start of a new chapter in my career. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the program evolve, constantly reshaping itself to ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to be part of that transformation.

What I appreciate most is the company’s commitment to professional development. The Child Center offers ongoing training that not only enhances my skills, but also strengthens my ability to deliver services with empathy and compassion. I’m proud to be a part of a team that prioritizes growth, both for its employees and the families we serve in the Corona community.”

Photo of the Month: Juneteenth

June 30, 2025 | Leave a reply

Youth and staff gather outside Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center during their Juneteenth celebration. Some are raising their fists. Banners are behind them.

Afterschool and youth council participants and staff at Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center celebrate Juneteenth. Emily, quoted below, is in the middle row, second from the right, in a royal blue shirt.

When deciding how to mark Juneteenth at our DYCD-funded Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center, Program Director Nelson Sarweh knew he wanted to do something that would be both meaningful and celebratory for the youth in the afterschool program and youth council. Nelson and his team decided on a Juneteenth end-of-year barbecue with celebration, performances, and reflection.

“We collectively as a staff at the Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center think it is very important for our young people to learn about their history,” Nelson said. “They learned important historical facts about Juneteenth and performed a skit that illustrated the challenges that were faced to achieve freedom. The parents and community were pleased with the performance, and we had a barbecue afterwards. We are trying to establish an environment of home in the center, and meaningful events such as this are the building blocks towards that goal.”

After the day’s events, 11-year-old Emily stated that when she thinks of Juneteenth, she thinks about how the observance “symbolizes freedom for all, fighting for your rights, and having fun with others.”

The youth enjoyed the Juneteenth celebration and learning about their heritage. The event offered a special opportunity to reflect on the significance of this landmark holiday, honor those who came before them, and inspire those who will come after.

Judeen’s Story: Q&A with the President of the Parents As Partners Project

June 26, 2025 | Leave a reply

PAPP president Judeen poses standing with her third grade daughter at an afterschool event.

Judeen and her daughter, following an afterschool performance in which her daughter participated.

In 2023, The Child Center of NY received a grant from the MacMillan Family Foundation to support the launch of the Parents as Partners Project (PAPP) across the 20 NYC DOE-funded Community Schools in Queens and Brooklyn for which The Child Center serves as lead community-based organization. PAPP emphasizes that school success relies on collaboration among schools, parents, students, and other stakeholders. The primary objective is to train and empower teams of parent ambassadors from each of our Community Schools to learn from each other and lead parent engagement efforts on the ground. By facilitating a supportive network of engaged families, PAPP strengthens not only our schools, but also our communities at large, demonstrating that together we can build a brighter future for all our children.

Since parent voices are the foundation of PAPP, we asked Judeen, this past school year’s PAPP president and mom to a student at P.S. 123 in Jamaica, Queens, to share her thoughts on what PAPP is all about and why she and her family find it so meaningful. The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

The Child Center of NY: Can you describe PAPP from your perspective as a parent?

Judeen: PAPP is just a ball of information that helps parents achieve what they want to accomplish at their school. Parents get together and share their ideas and struggles related to their children’s schools. We share our goals, what we want to accomplish, and really discover how important parents’ voices are. We support each other, and it’s helpful to find out what’s worked and not worked at other schools.

We are also lucky to have Saran [Shields, Vice President of Youth Development], who has so much information and gives us incredible resources. With input from Saran and other parents, families are getting connected with resources like food pantries and housing.

We also do fun things like a sip and paint (with apple cider!) and a sports day barbecue for Father’s Day. We are working with our new physical education teacher, Mr. Chip Howell, to have another sports day, since it was so well-attended.

I have been active in the parents’ association at my daughter’s school since she was in kindergarten. All the information I learn from being a part of PAPP helps me be effective in my advocacy for my daughter and in my position in the parents’ association.

Can you give an example?

One of the most important ways it’s helped me is that I learned about the rights I have as a parent—how to be able to walk into the school and have a dialogue with the principal or assistant principal. Since being a part of PAPP, I have a great relationship with Principal [Anthony] Hooks. There was an issue where I didn’t think my daughter was placed in an appropriate class. She has high reading and math scores, and I thought she would benefit from being challenged more. I spoke to Mr. Hooks, he looked into the issue, and we got it resolved.

Being a part of PAPP, I learned how strong my voice is, and I’ve been able to convey this to other parents—how to have a meeting with the principal, how to support the school. I learned that it’s all about trust. If the principal and families believe that we all have the same shared goal, we can be there for the students, and I’m there to help the parents as best as I can. It’s a good relationship, and I love it. Getting information for myself and being an ambassador for other parents is the number one goal.

What are some of your proudest accomplishments as president of PAPP?

My proudest accomplishment is the friendships we’ve built! I have met parents whose children are in middle school, coaching me about what’s going to happen when my daughter reaches middle school. We all exchange information, and there’s so much of it. We always need, like, an extra 40 minutes at each meeting! And then we bring that information back to our own schools and PTAs.

I’m also proud of the ideas we’ve generated to get the parents out and not be afraid to advocate for their kids. English is not the first language for a lot of parents, and they don’t always feel comfortable speaking up. They want to be like Casper the Ghost, drop their kids off and pick them up and then disappear. Lita, another parent in the PA whose child graduated last year, and I worked hard to help them understand that they have rights; you have a child in the school and the right to speak to the principal or a teacher, and they want to hear from you.

A successful initiative we started was rewarding kids with “paws bucks” to use in the school store for bringing their parents to a meeting. We would talk in groups, and there is usually a parent in a group that speaks both languages and can serve as a translator. We discovered that the number one problem parents were having was common core math and how to help their children with it, since we were unfamiliar with it ourselves. We brought in a math coach to help the parents understand and teach common core math. We also had a literacy coach. In every meeting, we teach so that parents can implement the lesson at home. If a parent is stuck, we give them resources for seeking help.

We learned that the most convenient time for the meetings was during Saturday Academy, when students who are struggling with a subject can come in for extra assistance. The teachers are already there, and parents can ask questions and get resources. For example, many parents didn’t know how to log onto Raz math. The literacy coach showed them which books are good for their children to read and how to utilize resources at the school. Once parents started attending these meetings, they felt more empowered and became more engaged. And that’s what it’s all about.

What do you hope to accomplish in future years?

I am hoping that the PAPP is here to stay! My goal for my daughter’s school is to have 50 regularly active parents. Right now, it’s about 30. I want to let them all know, you are part of the school, and your voice does matter.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I just love the team. Mr. Brian [Pantakoek, P.S. 123 Community School Program Director] is the bomb! He has so much energy. You can tell he loves what he does. He is always there for the parents and loves the students. Saran has so many resources and is always available. Mr. Hooks is great. And of course, the parents. You really feel that everyone is in it together for the kids, and it’s a great feeling.

Guadalupe’s Story

June 16, 2025 | Leave a reply

Wow! Where do I begin? I want to first say thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I am forever grateful for all that The Child Center of NY has done for my family and me. Before TCCNY, I had no idea the amount of impact an organization like this could have on a family.

My journey with TCCNY began in March 2021. After a pregnancy and birth during the pandemic and tons of baggage (trauma) that I carried with me my whole life, a social worker reached out during my postpartum hospital stay. She asked if I needed any resources, including therapy. Even though I knew I needed it, I was scared to say yes. Coming from a family steeped in trauma, I had a difficult childhood and adolescence, but we never considered therapy because of the stigma. My family thought therapy was for crazy people. So, I held off, even though I knew I struggled with depression, anxiety, and so many things throughout my life. But something changed after I gave birth. I had read a lot about postpartum depression and how it can affect women, especially if they have a history of trauma. I remember holding my daughter in my arms and thinking, “My child cannot grow successfully with a mom who hasn’t received the help she needs.” And so began my sessions with my therapist.

I was connected to Catholic Charities for other services, and they connected me to The Child Center’s Early Childhood Mental Health program for therapy with a clinician named Jazmin Fortuna.

From that first meeting with her, I felt trust. I was very shy and felt like she waited ages for me to answer a question or speak on a life event, but she was so patient and nonjudgmental. A postpartum evaluation revealed that I had more than the baby blues. A main goal of my therapy was dealing with my postpartum depression, and also with my older anxieties. After a car accident in 2018, just leaving home caused me tremendous anxiety. I wouldn’t go out without my husband or my mom. If I was halfway to crossing the street and thought a car was getting too close, I’d run back. Jazmin helped me with my anxieties around leaving my home, crossing streets, speaking up for myself, and being there for my family and people I love.

About five months in, my home flooded in Hurricane Ida, and we lost everything (I now have another trauma added to my list). Jazmin connected me to Family Peer Advocate Nodia Reyes, who helped me apply for another place to live. But my anxiety suffered a setback, as I became scared of weather, particularly storms and thunder. I also suffered a miscarriage. Jazmin and Nodia helped me through this tough time. Jazmin introduced me to coping strategies, including reframing and the 5-4-3-2-1 method, which helped with my current anxieties and would help me with future challenges. Jazmin always makes me feel like she truly cares, and not just because that’s her job. And Nodia, who is also a mom and shares a lot of life experiences with me, was able to help me see that a lot of my insecurities were not shortcomings, but rather just part of life. “That’s just motherhood,” she would say. Jazmin and Nodia are the team that put me back together and made me the person I am today.

They also helped me find The Child Center’s early childhood education programs. They suggested that Early Head Start (EHS) would be a good fit for my daughter. Home Visitor Norma Mejia was assigned to my family. We were concerned at first, thinking it was something akin to a wellness check by children’s services (even though we had nothing to hide). It still worried us to let a new person into our home. But those fears quickly dissipated. Norma is such a bright, loving person. She has been a tremendous part of our support system and never came from a place of judgment or malice.

Let me tell you, the change in my daughter after starting home visits with EHS was amazing. Allison was shy at first. She is a pandemic baby and didn’t socialize much, even when we took her to the park. As her home visitors could tell you, she wouldn’t leave our side. But by the time she ended the program, she was ready for school; her socialization skills went up 100 percent. By the last two sessions of socialization, she was a completely different child.

Just after Allison aged out of EHS, I found out we were expecting again. Very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the EHS program for my new baby, I spoke to the assistant director, and we started with home visits and socialization groups. I also self-nominated to be chairperson on the parent committee, and then the chairperson of bylaws and grievance on the policy council committee. It was a bit of a challenge to keep up sometimes, but I loved it. I remember my first policy council meeting happened about 12 hours after giving birth to my baby boy, and everyone was so excited to meet him! Filling these roles gave me an opportunity to be more involved with the education of my daughter and the kids she had socializations with. It also challenged me to work on speaking up and making changes to better support and help myself and others parent in the program. These were two more things I took on in order to challenge myself into speaking up.

During one of the parent committee meetings, a job opportunity for the role of EHS family worker came up, and I applied. To my surprise, I was hired! Not only did I get the job, but my baby and husband were given the opportunity to continue the EHS program (which is amazing, they LOVE it) while I worked. Now my husband gets to do the home visits with our son, and I attend the socializations, which are family events for caregivers and children to connect. With Allison, my husband wasn’t as involved. Participating in the home visits with our son has been a great opportunity for them to bond and for my husband to be involved in his development. He’s done a whole 360, and I’m very proud of him.

Being an Early Head Start family worker is a great fit for me. Participating in EHS parenting workshops as a mom and as an employee, for example, has helped me in both roles. My supervisor said that she can see me picking up things and executing what I’ve been learning in workshops. Thanks to therapy with Jazmin, I feel comfortable speaking about my traumas and connecting with other parents about theirs. When I know something is affecting me, I’m no longer afraid to ask for help. Even on my first day of work, I wasn’t shy about speaking up!

It’s been an awesome journey so far. I’m both learning so much and helping so much. I hear from other people, “You’re so amazing,” and it’s hard for me to believe. It’s hard to see what people find so great about me. I know all the times I messed up and did things incorrectly. But working here and helping the families makes me feel like I’m doing something right.

To this day, I continue my therapy sessions, and even though we have a lot to work on, there has been an insane amount of growth and progress. I truly feel I have a home here that provides support, and that without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

A special thanks to my family—especially my husband, who has always been the biggest part of my support system, encouraging me not to give up and seeing the best in me—and to my therapist, God, and everyone who has been a part of my time at TCCNY. Thank you for reading my story.

An Evening Celebrating Resilience

June 12, 2025 | Leave a reply

Exploring the intersection of art and impact

It was billed as a night of unforgettable art, music, and engaging discussion—and wow, did it deliver.

On June 3, The Child Center of NY hosted An Evening Celebrating Resilience. Around 300 supporters came together at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City to celebrate the remarkable resilience of the nearly 60,000 children and families we serve, along with the unwavering commitment of our dedicated staff.

The moment guests arrived, they stepped into a world of beauty. Looking more closely, they saw that the beauty was not only because of the stunningly set tables and ambient lighting, but also in large part because of the artwork set out before them—paintings, needlework, and other artistic pieces created by teens at The Child Center Residential Treatment Facility (RTF), where the creative and therapeutic arts programming plays a vital role in their journey toward achieving wellness and their full potential.

Nina Grae, a gifted singer-songwriter who serves as the arts expansion coordinator at the RTF, was our emcee. With her extraordinary voice and firsthand knowledge of Child Center programming, she captivated the room and added meaning and emotion to her role.

At the top of the night’s program, Christajah, a teen from the RTF, set the mood with her moving reading of a poem she wrote called “My World.”*

A young woman in a light pink dress stands at a podium and microphone at Evening Celebrating Resilience, the child center gala.

Christajah

Next up was a presentation of the Russell L. Carson Visionary Award, named for Russell L. Carson, a steadfast supporter of The Child Center. The Visionary Award recognizes employees who perform above and beyond expectations, initiate creative solutions despite limited resources, and demonstrate entrepreneurship in increasing the accessibility to services and opportunities for children and families. The 2025 award recipient was Tracey Elting, director of our Escalera Head Start and Early Head Start center in Manhattan. In accepting the award, Tracey spoke about how she worked as a teacher for 20 years before joining The Child Center, where she was drawn by a yearning to contribute to an organization where she would help not only the children, but also the families.

Tracey Elting

Upon accepting the award, Tracey said, “There is no better feeling than watching the excitement in a child’s face when they catch a ball, or write the letter S, or discover what happens when they mix two colors together. That never gets old.” But, she added, “It’s not all flowers and bubbles. Working with children can also be stressful, overwhelming, and challenging.” Exuding resilience, she noted how she has covered every position from cook to custodian—whatever role needed filling on a particular day. She accepted the award on behalf of her team, in recognition of their dedication and hard work.

This year’s program included a panel on the intersection of art therapy and impact featuring Traci Donnelly (CEO, The Child Center of NY), Dr. Claire Wang (Executive Director, Make An Impact), Joseph Di Salvo (Managing Partner, Di Salvo Howard PLLC), and Drew Sora (Founder, Port Jefferson Youth Council). The discussion was moderated by Greg Alba, creator and host of The Reel Rejects. The participants discussed the personal impact that art has had on their lives and why it is such a crucial part of the work The Child Center does each and every day.

members of a panel sit in chairs on a dark stage.

From left to right: Drew Sora, Claire Wang, Joseph Di Salvo, Traci Donnelly, and Greg Alba

Following the panel discussion was a highlight of the evening: Krystal, another teen at the RTF, joined the stage with Nina to perform a song called “Underestimated.” Krystal wrote the entire section that she performed with Nina’s support. The lyrics, their meaning, and the beauty of Krystal’s voice took the audience’s breath away and led to a standing ovation.

Krystal (left) and Nina (right) singing their song, “Underestimated.”

Other honorees of the night included Joseph Di Salvo of Di Salvo Howard PLLC, who received the Voice of Resilience Award; Kristen Lonergan of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, who received the Distinguished Service Award; and the wider team at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, who received the Impact Award. We are grateful for their tireless commitment to building stronger families and more resilient communities.

Kristen Lonergan

Greenberg Traurig CEO Brian Duffy with Child Center CEO Traci Donnelly

Joseph Di Salvo

While the event has passed, there is still time to support our vital programming. Text TCCNY to 50155 or visit childcenterny.org/donate to make a donation today. If you are not already on our list, email us at fundraising@childcenterny.org to receive communications about future events and happenings so you don’t miss a thing.

See you next year!

*Lyrics to “My World”:
My world is gray.
My world is me pacing.
My world is me overthinking about my past.
My world is me overthinking about my future.
My world is me zoning out of reality.
My world is me trying my best.
My world is me trying my best to use self-control.
My world is me trying to build a good relationship with my Grandmother.
My world is me trying to build a good relationship with my parents.
My world is me trying to be there for my sister.
My world is me trying to be a better person for myself and my family.
My world is me being positive.
My world is me not giving up on myself.
My world is me knowing what’s wrong and what’s right.
My world is me believing in myself.
My world is me depending on myself.
My world is me writing poems to cope with my feelings.

Diki Sunshine Childcare Center Opens in Long Island City!

June 3, 2025 | Leave a reply

A testament to an idea and the women who put it into practice

Several people stand in front of the balloon-decorated doors of Diki Sunshine Childcare Center and cut a ceremonial ribbon.

Tap on the photo to see the excitement of the grand opening!

In 2022, a group of women from The Child Center of NY’s perinatal intensive outpatient program joined our groundbreaking pilot initiative, Cash+Community Works: a first-of-its-kind program that combines direct financial support with peer mentorship and community-based goal planning. The premise was simple but radical: trust communities to know what they need and equip them with the resources to pursue it.

Three years later, that same group of women turned their vision into reality as founding shareholders of Diki Sunshine Childcare Center, a new community-rooted business designed by and for local families, which opened its doors in Long Island City, Queens, on April 18.

In a vibrant celebration filled with music, laughter, and heartfelt words, a group of determined women—known as Perinatal C for their beginnings in the program where they met—cut the ceremonial ribbon on a new child care center that promises to bring lasting impact to their community.

Families, friends, and local leaders gathered in front of the bright, welcoming building, decorated with balloons and child-friendly artwork. Among the nearly 100 people who came to celebrate were State Senator Zellnor Myrie; Diki Founder and Executive Director Tsering Diki; and, most important, members of the community. Children enjoyed investigating the fun and enticing spaces filled with enriching toys and activities, and families came together to share food, stories, and hope.

The road to this point wasn’t easy or certain, but the participants’ will and determination were steadfast and gave them the strength to reach their goal.

“Three years ago, we were a group of mothers composed of new immigrants, many of whom lived in poverty,” explains Anna, a group participant. “Through Cash+Community Works, each member of the group received a $5,000 impact project grant. It was a rare amount of start-up capital.”

The moms realized that if they pooled their money, they could achieve more together than separately.

It wasn’t their first joint C+C venture. They all cared deeply about their children’s education, so they had previously pooled their monthly incentives to purchase full sets of children’s books to share. With the $5,000 impact grants, they realized they could partner on a much larger project: They could earn 12 C+C grants, which they could combine to open a high-quality, affordable child care center. After intense research, they decided to apply to become shareholders in a child care franchise—Diki Daycare—in their neighborhood. They collaborated on the applications and established a business plan. Their proposal was among those that were selected, and they received the grants.

“This angel investment gave us moms the opportunity to invest in a new million-dollar campus of a day care chain,” Anna says. “Now we are shareholders. We aspire to provide the best service to the community and be the best child care facility!”

They are well on their way to achieving that goal. Diki Sunshine Daycare promises not only to be a place where children are safe and cared for, but also where they can thrive. Using the Diki Daycare model, the center offers age-specific classrooms to support each stage of a child’s growth through play-based learning. Every room is designed to nurture children’s natural curiosity, build essential skills, and foster a lifelong love of learning. The center welcomes children of all backgrounds and abilities, regardless of their ability to pay, recognizing that all children deserve a bright start.

Families in the community couldn’t be happier to have this top-notch option for their children right in their own neighborhood. Already, 38 families have preregistered their children for enrollment when the center officially opens, likely in the next few weeks as the staff undergoes required background checks. The center already passed government inspections last month, and as they wait for the final green light, the team is providing enrolled families with early access opportunities to help families familiarize themselves with the center, as well as adaptive playdates, one-on-one educational philosophy sessions, and a facility safety standards tour.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity C+C has provided us,” Anna says. “This program really helps each mother and their family. Now, we moms will help the community the way The Child Center helped us.”

Participant Xuhui marveled at how far the group had come—and gave credit to the strength of their cohort, which she says gave her more than economic gain. “The mothers in our group are all very brave, strong, and hardworking,” Xuhui says. “They gave me a lot of courage and motivation. We trust each other, and we are grateful to start the day care together!”

Another participant, Mandy, reflected on both their C+C project and their beginnings in the perinatal program. “We are growing up together with The Child Center,” Mandy told us. “Our group mothers are not only working hard for their children, but also want to improve themselves. During the uncomfortable pregnancy period, the day care plan gave me a goal and something to do, which helped me get rid of my panic disorder as we worked together to develop our business smoothly! Life is getting better and better, and richer and richer. I am grateful for everything!”

Lily, also a member of the group, ended with this poignant thought: “We are unstoppable mothers with dreams! Brought together through Cash+Community Works, we rewrite life’s possibilities through shared wisdom. Where united hearts meet unbreakable resolve, we:

Join hands and stand united…

Blossom towards the sun…

March forward guided by light

Together, we rise stronger!”

Photo of the Month: Two Halves of a Whole

May 23, 2025 | Leave a reply

Mother’s Day the COMPASS at P.S. 89 Way

The Child Center COMPASS afterschool program at P.S. 89 celebrated Mother’s Day with a paint and sip event that reflected the creativity, engagement, and togetherness that are a part of every day at COMPASS at P.S. 89!

Children and their moms or other personal role models created a work of art together while sipping ginger ale from champagne flutes.

Julie Pena, a neighborhood artist, provided the instruction. When thinking about the subject of the artwork families would create, Julie knew she wanted to choose something that symbolized the special bond between children and their moms or other caregivers. She decided on the above painting, perfectly captured in this Photo of the Month featuring third-grade participant Alejandro and his mom, Leidy, who is also COMPASS at P.S. 89’s program coordinator.

“I chose this painting because two ladybugs on heart-shaped stems facing each other represent love, connection, and affection,” Julie told us. “This piece is split into two halves that come together to form one unified image. It encouraged communication and collaboration between the child and their loved one.”

All of the participants had so much fun being together, both with each other and with other families. As Leidy put it, “Being part of the paint and sip event at my son’s afterschool program reminded me that even when things get tough, coming together with your child to create, laugh, and connect turns our school into a true family.”

Cornerstone Community Center Team Members: Coming Full Circle

May 15, 2025 | Leave a reply

Three team members share their journeys from participant to staff—and sometimes both.

Anjolaife (AJ) Ahmed, Group Leader, Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center

Group photo of AJ and Cornerstone Community Center participants in costume for Halloween.

AJ, far left in the back row, and his partner Iyanla Walcott (also a group leader; in the center with green hair) with their group.

My journey with The Child Center of NY began in 2018 at the Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center. At that time, I joined Team Crate, a co-locator basketball team, and was first introduced to the center. The community center quickly became a second home for me, offering not only a safe space, but also an incredible facility where I could practice with my teams. This environment helped me excel in my high school basketball career and continues to support me as I pursue my college basketball career.

In 2021, I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Amanda Etienne, The Child Center’s Senior Vice President of Youth Development, at a local Carvel. I was inquiring about job opportunities when Ms. Etienne graciously took my information and referred me back to Ms. Krystle, who was the director of the program I attended with Team Crate. Coincidentally, Ms. Krystle had been instrumental in my initial introduction to the center. Despite it being the middle of the summer, I was quickly placed in a position at the center, and Ms. Krystle has supported me throughout my journey ever since.

Throughout my time working at The Child Center of NY, Ms. Krystle has worked with me to ensure that I could maintain my employment while balancing my collegiate studies, basketball schedule, and changing commitments. This flexibility has been invaluable, and I deeply appreciate the support.

This job has taught me not only the importance of professionalism and responsibility, but also crucial life lessons. Working with kids and teens has inspired me to continue my journey in youth development, as it has shown me the positive impact I can have on the lives of young people. I am truly grateful for the opportunities provided to me by The Child Center of NY and for the ongoing support I receive from the Hammel Houses Cornerstone community.

Dionte Davis, Group Leader, Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center

Dionte is sitting next to a fifth-grade participant. Dionte is laughing and the participant is smiling.

Dionte and Prince, now a seventh grader, en route to Splish Splash. The team takes fifth-grade participants on this trip every year to celebrate their graduation from the afterschool program.

My experience with The Child Center of NY Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center began when I was a young teen. I became an active participant at the center, particularly enjoying the open gym sessions in the evenings. I would attend almost every day. Over the years, I have had the privilege of getting to know the staff very well. I often talk about how short and young I was when I first met them, and now, as I look back, it’s clear how much the Cornerstone community has shaped my life.

Through my pre-teen and teenage years, I remained an active part of the community center, even through renovation and relocation stages. While attending open gym and playing basketball, I began to inquire about job opportunities at the center. Ms. Krystle, who had known me since I was a young boy, quickly agreed to offer me a position. Over the course of our interactions, she saw my potential and expressed confidence that I would be a great group leader, and that belief has stuck with me.

Working at the center has taught me invaluable lessons about working with kids, understanding their unique needs, and recognizing how each child learns differently. It has been a truly fun and rewarding experience, and every day I learn something new. My passion for working with kids has only grown, and I hope to continue contributing to the community. In fact, one day I hope to be in the same position as Ms. Krystle, leading and mentoring the next generation of young people.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been given by The Child Center of NY, and I look forward to continuing this journey in making a positive impact on the lives of the children I work with.

Micha Simon, Office Manager, Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center

Prior to my employment with TCCNY, I was a client of the organization. My daughter participated in the afterschool and summer camp programs, and my sons were in the evening programs for the middle and high school kids. As for myself, I participated in the adult programs, including running the Saturday bingo activity and helping out at center events in whatever capacity I was needed. Though I am now an employee and my daughter is now in middle school, we are all still participants in the center.

Being a client family and from the neighborhood helps with my job in a positive way since I’m a familiar face to the staff, parents, and kids, and they are all familiar to me. My children have benefited tremendously from the programs they have participated in, developing strong friendships and social skills. I also have benefited from the program in the sense that I have made friends, enhanced my social and emotional skills, and found an outlet to volunteer and give back to my community.

The Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center means a great deal to my family. Growing up in the Caribbean, we have this saying, “It takes a village.” Now it means I get to be a part of somebody’s village as an Oceanside Cornerstone team member and community member. We are all there for each other.