Tag Archives: youth development

Cornerstone Community Center Team Members: Coming Full Circle

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

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

Micha sits at her desk at 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.

Photos of the Month: Artistic Inspiration at Latimer Cornerstone Community Center

Five elementary school children at Latimer Cornerstone Community Center stand in a line holding up their floral artwork.
Five elementary school children at Latimer Cornerstone Community Center hold up their floral paintings.

From left to right: First graders Amerah, Alvin, and Aiden; and second graders Zuri and Zyon hold up their Georgia O’Keeffe-inspired artwork.

Students (and team members!) at Latimer Cornerstone Community Center in Flushing, Queens, explored their artistic side this month. First, they made scratch ornaments for Eid al-Fitr (see below) after learning about the holiday. Then they studied the late great artist Georgia O’Keeffe and created paintings inspired by her life and legacy.

Elementary school children at Latimer Cornerstone Community Center hold up their Eid stratchwork art in front of a celebratory Eid display.

Students hold up the scratch ornaments they made in honor of Eid.

The Child Center’s 30 afterschool programs prioritize opportunities for students to discover their strengths and all the wonderful things they are capable of. As you can see from these pictures, the young people of Latimer are on their way!

A Latimer staff member sits at a table and holds up her artwork with a paintbrush in her hand.

Activity Specialist Chanel Johnson creates art along with her students.

Aliyah Seecheran: From Student to Staff

Meet the program director of COMPASS at P.S. 273

Aliyah stands beside Karisma, a former participant, holding a t-shirt celebrating the 10th anniversary of COMPASS at P.S. 273.

Aliyah with 11-year-old Karisma, a former participant who stays in touch

As a child, Aliyah attended The Child Center’s COMPASS afterschool program at P.S. 56 in Richmond Hill, Queens. She now serves as program director at our COMPASS afterschool program at P.S. 273, also in Richmond Hill. Her shared experience with participants and their families helps her excel in her role.

“I remember the impact my group leaders had on me,” Aliyah said. “I was the quiet child. It was difficult for me to make friends. My group leaders made sure I felt included and got me involved in extracurricular activities—like fashion club—that I never would have done on my own, but which allowed me to connect with other students and be myself. I came to love afterschool because of how inviting it was. It became a comfortable place to be. If it weren’t for afterschool, I would’ve been home with my grandmother every day instead of coming out of my shell and socializing, and finding my strengths.”

Aliyah remembers the impact the Child Center team had on her brother and parents, too. “We adopted my brother from Guyana when he was 6,” Aliyah explains. “He didn’t know anything about school. It was difficult for him to adjust, and he would deflect by having difficult behaviors. My parents didn’t know what to do. But they trusted the Child Center team. My mom would confide in the group leaders, and the support they offered was a huge help to my parents. They were a sounding board for my mom. They heard my mother when she expressed anxiety about my brother’s ability to read. So they sat down with my brother with books and helped him with reading. They helped him adjust to school and life here with so much care and attention, and I’m sure that’s why he remembers them all these years later. He still lives in the neighborhood and sees his former group leaders out in the community. It’s a great feeling.”

Today, Aliyah strives to be that kind of support for the families enrolled in the program she oversees, and she supports the group leaders on her team to do the same.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aliyah realized how important the bonds of trust her team had built with families truly were. When school went remote, the team made phone calls to check on families. Many had lost jobs because they worked in the service industry or because they had to stay home with their children, who were too young to be left alone. Some were facing food insecurity. Others were concerned about their children’s behavior because the isolation had caused them to have no social life, act out, or be on a screen all day. Just as the afterschool team had been a sounding board for Aliyah’s parents, Aliyah and her team listened to families’ concerns, connected them with resources, and assured them the team was there for them. “Sometimes the relationships we have with these parents are based on them having someone they know that cares,” Aliyah explains. “They feel comfortable with us.”

Although there can be a lot of resistance to mental health services, for example, Aliyah and her team were credible messengers, and when they referred families to mental health services, “they were super thankful,” Aliyah says. “Sometimes the resources from a doctor didn’t work out because of the cost, and I was able to refer them to The Child Center’s family wellness centers. I could connect them with Benefits Access for assistance with food. It makes a huge difference.”

That’s why Aliyah says what she likes best about her job “is not just loving on the kids and having this great relationship with them; it’s the impact on the whole family. It’s nice to hear when a parent who wasn’t doing well four years ago is doing well now: They’re no longer living in a shelter and are living in a home, they have a job. … It’s like that with my own family, too. My parents were immigrants who struggled and saved their money, so I grew up with a sense of them working all the time. My dad just retired this year. He worked so hard for my siblings and me. Seeing him work for more than 30 years and now wake up when he wants and enjoy a slower and more enjoyable pace of life is really something.”

Another great part about her job is working with the very people who changed her life when she was a child. “Manisha [Singh, senior program director] was my group leader, and I was her student. Fast forward to 2019, and she was the one who interviewed me for the position of group leader. I said, ‘I don’t know if you remember me,’ and she was like, ‘Of course I remember you!’”

Things moved quickly from there. After brief stints as office manager and program coordinator, Aliyah assumed the position of program director in 2022.

“I remember every single one of my group leaders’ names—even my mom remembers!” Aliyah says. “Jennifer Alvarado, Nick [Ferreira, senior vice president of youth development], and Manisha were all staff when I was a student. It’s pretty neat that all these years later, they’re my colleagues. P.S. 273 is a 10-minute walk from my home. This is literally my community.”

Aliyah never forgets the impact her group leaders had on her, and it inspires how she interacts with children, families, and her team. “As someone who was in afterschool myself and now being a program director, I look back to what it was like being a child in afterschool. I want to ensure that the participants get from this program what I got out of it and more. I make sure my team knows our mission and goals as a program. They know they’re not here just to watch kids, but also to make sure they feel safe and heard and discover who they can really be. It’s an important job. I remember all my group leaders, and these kids will too. I take it very seriously. And I love it.”

Photo of the Month: Civics for All at Elm Tree Elementary School

During Civics Week, a smiling girl gives peace signs while she waits to vote on a school proposal for civics for all week. Elm Tree Elementary students in Corona, Queens, engaged in Civics Week, March 10-14. The week consisted of daily classroom conversations on the importance of civics and the sharing of resources by fourth grade teacher Ms. Haynes. It also included voting! Three proposed projects were chosen by Elm Tree’s Chippy All Stars (student council) and shared with all. The week concluded with students practicing their right to vote on their favorite proposal, facilitated by a dedicated team consisting of Community School Director Aremni Francisco; Assistant Principal Ms. Pinargote; Mr. Raniolo, a school social worker; and two guidance counselors, Ms. Vargas and Ms. Graef. Pictured above is third grader Cindy waiting for her turn to vote!

The three proposals were Read, Succeed, Lead!; Recycle Today, Shine Every Day!; and Together We Make a Difference: Be Kind. After all the votes were counted, Recycle Today, Shine Every Day! emerged as the winner.

The Chippy All Stars had this to say about the next steps: “Keeping our school and planet clean helps everyone! We will start recycling projects to take care of our school and the environment. We’ll make sure paper, plastic, and other materials are put in the right bins instead of being wasted. We may even start a school garden to grow plants and make our school more beautiful! When we work together to help the Earth, we all shine a little brighter every day!”

In honor of Civics Week, a boy and a girl each hunch over a tablet, where they are casting their votes.Here are Antony and Ava, also third graders, casting their votes and learning about the workings and importance of democracy.

Elm Tree Elementary is a New York City Community School, defined by partnership between the school and an embedded community-based organization (CBO), which, in the case of Elm Tree Elementary, is The Child Center of NY. We work with school administrators, parents, teachers, community members, and students to accelerate school success and coordinate and deliver services to young people and their families. This can take many forms, from engagement opportunities and attendance mentoring to health care access. It is a whole-child, whole-family, whole-community model that lets young people and families know we are here for them all. When students feel supported and welcome, they thrive in school, and we love watching them soar!

Fostering Inclusivity During Ramadan: Insights from Mehak Mahmood, Program Director

Mehak stands near an Eid sign on a fence

Mehak stands next to an Eid sign on a fence.Mehak Mahmood is a Program Director at our SONYC afterschool program at J.H.S. 185 Edward Bleecker Middle School, in Flushing, Queens. She has been with The Child Center for more than a decade, and has served at J.H.S. 185 for eight years. This month, we had the opportunity to speak with her about Ramadan. For the Muslim community, Ramadan is one of the holiest months of the year, marked by abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset. It is a time to deepen faith, cultivate self-discipline, and give back to the community.

The Child Center of NY: Ramadan Mubarak! How are you observing Ramadan this year at J.H.S. 185?

Mehak Mahmood: During my time at J.H.S. 185, I’ve always offered a designated area for Muslim students who wish to perform one of the five obligatory prayers or salah during school hours. This space is clean, equipped with facilities for ablution, and supervised by someone knowledgeable about the prayer process.

Before Ramadan began, I discussed this arrangement with the school’s administration team and offered the space to them. They included this information in the morning announcements. To my surprise, since Ramadan started, we have had at least ten students coming downstairs daily to pray.

Ramadan materials

Mehak dedicates a prayer space for Muslim students at J.H.S. 185 and hands out goodie bags for Ramadan.

Ramadan materials

Can you share what Ramadan means to you personally, and how you celebrate it with family and community?

Ramadan is a deeply personal time when I slow down and focus my energy on strengthening my spiritual and religious connection. I grew up in a modest Islamic family, and since childhood, I’ve always loved fasting and answering the question, “Not even water?” with a proud “Yes, not even water.” Over the years, my family and I have developed a routine of waking up before dawn to have breakfast, or suhoor, and praying together before either going back to sleep or heading out to work. Some days, it’s easier to fall back asleep, while other days can be more challenging depending on when I need to get up for work.

Every year, we decorate our house for Ramadan by putting up moon and star lights, displaying “Ramadan Mubarak” signs, and buying dates to break our fast (iftar). We also give out Ramadan Mubarak goodie bags, and since my niece was born nearly two years ago, we’ve enjoyed watching Ramadan cartoons like “Omar and Hannah” in the background, as long as her screen time allows.

At the end of the month, we celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festival where we all dress in our best and newest outfits and jewelry, women apply mehndi/henna, we pay our respects to deceased loved ones, and perform the special Eid prayers. Afterward, we enjoy our morning coffee and share meals with family and friends, cherishing the togetherness and joy that this special time brings.

What are some of the challenges you face during Ramadan, and how do you manage them, especially in a work environment?

Growing up, some of the challenges I faced during Ramadan included finding accommodations during lunchtime and explaining to classmates or colleagues that I could not eat. It was important to clarify that my fasting did not mean I was triggered by others eating. As I’ve gotten older, the eating aspect has become less of an issue, and the primary challenge I now face is managing sleep and the fatigue that comes with fasting.

Today, I usually plan ahead and schedule my time off so that I take every Friday off for the month. Since joining The Child Center and at previous jobs, I’ve always communicated with my supervisors about my schedule, letting them know I’ll be off on Fridays as well as Eid. In my religion, Friday is the most sacred day, so it’s important for me to rest and worship. Given the nature of our work, we often have working lunches, so I request to use that one hour to come in later, and if necessary, I am willing to stay later in the evening to complete my tasks. This helps me manage my energy and avoid burnout. As a manager, I offer similar accommodations to my Muslim staff, such as allowing them to adjust their schedules and making a space available for prayer at work.

Before Ramadan begins, I make sure that I complete any high-priority tasks and prepare my team by informing them about the changes during the month. I let them know that my days will be shorter, and my energy levels may be lower, but I will continue to lead by example and make sure both my team and the participants we serve are well taken care of and safe.

How can we be supportive of our colleagues, clients, and community members during Ramadan?

Supporting our colleagues, clients, and community members during Ramadan requires understanding, empathy, and flexibility. One of the simplest ways to be supportive is by just acknowledging that many of us are fasting, which can affect energy levels and routines. Being mindful of these changes can help foster an environment of respect.

For colleagues, offering flexibility in work schedules can make a big difference. One of the major requests I’ve had during Ramadan is to avoid setting up early morning meetings or adding extra meetings to the schedule. Fatigue is a real challenge, and while we may not have the luxury of taking the entire month off, at the very least, letting us work from home once a week or avoiding early morning meetings can help manage energy levels. Additionally, providing a quiet, designated space for prayer or reflection shows support for those observing Ramadan.

For clients, being considerate of meal times or other religious practices is important. If your work involves serving food, for example, offering alternatives or scheduling meals around prayer times can be a thoughtful gesture. It’s also helpful to have a conversation with Muslim colleagues, clients, or community members about how they feel if you are eating around them. While eating around me doesn’t trigger me personally, it may be uncomfortable for others, and having that open dialogue can go a long way in creating a supportive atmosphere.

In the broader community, we can extend our support by participating in charitable acts. Ramadan is a time of giving, so volunteering or donating to local causes can be a great way to engage with and help those in need.

Lastly, it’s essential to provide a space for Muslims to pray. Whether they are colleagues, clients, or community members, a fast is incomplete without the prayers, and having a space available for them to pray is a key form of support.

Ultimately, being supportive during Ramadan is about respecting the observances and challenges of those observing the month, offering understanding when needed, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

What is one thing you’d like others to understand better about Ramadan?

It’s not just about abstaining from food and drink; it’s a time to make better habits (such as eating healthier, quitting smoking, or getting up earlier), let go of the bad ones (like road rage, cursing, or gossiping), and, most importantly, it’s the best time to spiritually and religiously reset your mindset. Ramadan offers an opportunity to reflect on one’s actions, improve personal discipline, and develop a deeper connection to faith. It’s about being more mindful of how we treat others and taking steps to become better versions of ourselves.

Photos of the Month: Our Youth Find Inspiration in Celebrating Black History Month

Ashley shows her project for Black History Month.

A young woman holds a pinanta of a fist in red, yellow, and green.The youth of The Child Center of NY marked Black History Month in ways that showcase their creativity, insight, character, and potential.

The Child Center Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) in Brooklyn organized several activities to celebrate and delve into Black History Month, with discussion topics such as who were pioneers in Black history, and how did they shape their time and ours; movies that included Soul, Self Made, Harriet, and Hidden Figures; and art projects. The art project in the above photo was made by 15-year-old Ashley. “The liberty to create and express through art is freedom within itself,” Ashley told us and called her project “a symbol of freedom, pride, and justice for African Americans.” Ashley also noted that her making this piece of art was a way to support her peers and community by honoring Black History Month.

Ashley made this powerful piece of art during a piñata making workshop led by Victoria Ortiz, the RTF’s activity and events coordinator, who spoke to the youths about creating a small business out of recyclable materials.

Students at our COMPASS afterschool program at P.S. 251Q in Springfield Gardens, Queens, created an A-Z bulletin board featuring Black leaders they studied. We’ll let students’ direct quotes in the above photo collection (make sure to view each one!) speak for themselves.

These young people clearly are eager and poised to learn about and build on the incredible legacy of Black History in the United States, and we couldn’t be prouder or more inspired.

Photo of the Month: Thank you, Council Member Ung!

Spreading toys and joy this holiday season

Council Member Sandra Ung poses with T'yana Coutrier, program director, and students of The Child Center of NY's COMPASS program at P.S. 24Q in Flushing, Queens

Council Member Sandra Ung (left) and COMPASS Program Director T’yana Coutrier (far right) with participants of The Child Center of NY’s COMPASS afterschool program at P.S. 24Q.

‘Twas truly the season for joy, giving, and gratitude at The Child Center of NY! Friends and supporters showed up for our families in a big way, leaving no doubt that there is a whole community that cares about them and considers them part of our larger New York family.

With this Photo of the Month, we especially want to thank New York City Council Member Sandra Ung, who stopped by our DYCD-funded COMPASS afterschool program at P.S. 24Q in Flushing to deliver toys and sports equipment to our children for the holidays. As you can see, Council Member Ung delivered not just presents, but smiles, too!

“Government and government officials, and what they do, can seem abstract to children this age,” says T’yana Coutrier, the COMPASS P.S. 24 program director. “This was a wonderful way to talk to the children about public service and what it means to be part of a community—and, most important, for them to experience joy!”

Between individual efforts like Council Member Ung’s visit and The Child Center’s annual holiday drive, we truly had kids covered this season!

The holidays can be a difficult time for families who face daunting financial challenges but, like all of us, want their children to have a gift to unwrap. The Child Center of NY’s holiday drive aims to bridge the gap and bring unexpected joy to our families by offering new, unwrapped toys and gift cards during this special time of year. Thank you to all who contributed to our drive and played a part in creating a season of giving and a lifetime of smiles!

Editor’s Note: While our holiday drive has ended, you still can bring joy to a child’s life and contribute to the spirit of giving by supporting our programming. A gift of any size helps children grow emotionally, thrive academically, and reach their full potential.

Ashely’s Story

Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center Youth Council President Ashely wearing the Rock in the Right Direction shirt designed by the youth council

Ashely rocks the “Rock in the Right Direction” shirt she and other youth council members designed. “We call it ‘Rock in the Right Direction’ because we’re from Far Rockaway,” Ashely explained, “and because the council is dedicated to supporting teenagers in the direction they want to go.”

My name is Ashely, and I’m a senior in high school. I’m also the president of the youth council at Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center. The role is about giving young people a safe place to have fun and make friends. It’s also so much more.

One day I was walking down the street, and Ms. Kia* said to me, “Ashely, I think you should come back with me to the center.” I had never been to the center before. But I’m always willing to do new things, and I’m not going to lie, I usually just would come home from school and do nothing. So I went to the center and met Ms. Nydriah** and Mr. Dennis*** and learned about the youth council. Ms. Nydriah explained that the youth council was an opportunity for teens to make decisions and develop leadership skills. We get to decide what’s important to us, what we want to do and learn about. It sounded beneficial, so I decided to join and serve as vice president of the council. That was in April, and now I’m president.

It’s a fun role. We have a say in the events we want to do and the trips we want to go on. We organized a couple events called Family Day. The whole community came together as one and celebrated like family. We also started a fundraiser for trips. We had a meeting about entrepreneurship to discuss things like, if you have a dollar, how can you use that dollar to make another dollar? We use the money to go on trips, like to RPM Raceway and Launch.

So the youth council is about having fun after school, but it’s also much more than that. It’s an opportunity for us to talk about what matters to us and make decisions that will move us forward in life, toward our own goals. Everyone needs a push in the right direction. What that direction looks like is different for everyone. As president of the youth council, I can help all of us teens find our own path—the one that’s best for us as individuals. Maybe it’s college; maybe it’s trade school. I want to talk about things that will benefit us in life. For high schoolers, we’re about to graduate, and we need to start thinking about this type of stuff before we get out to the real world.

Members of the youth council working on the shirts they designed.

Youth council members working on the “Rock in the Right Direction” shirts they designed.

That’s why one of my goals for this year is starting a podcast. We’ll invite teenagers to talk about career goals, the future, and our opinions on things that are important to us. It’s good to hear other people’s opinions on the issues affecting our world and learn about where other people stand and why. We had a meeting and came up with a lot of topics and learned that the center has the equipment for us. I’m ready for it to start! I have a lot I want to say, and I’m sure everybody else has a lot they want to say, and I’m excited to begin, because everyone should be able to have a voice.

Another goal I have is to promote the youth council to other students and try to get it bigger. Two weeks ago, we invited middle schoolers to listen in. They’ve come back to spend time at the center, which I think is great. The youth council is open only to high schoolers for now, but I told them, when they’re ready, the door is always open. For now, just the fact that they decide to come here to the center every day means a lot. They decide to come here and do something productive.

When Ms. Nydriah first started the youth council, I didn’t know anyone. Being on the council brought me closer to the people here and gave us a bond. I really enjoy being around them, even if we’re just playing a video game or hanging out in the game room. You can always meet new people here and make connections. Everyone deserves a safe space they can come to where they can make friends, because it’s not easy out there for us teenagers. I’m so glad this is a safe space for us to come if we need to talk. We are always here for them.

*Ms. Lakia Echols, community school program director, Rockaway Park High School for Environmental Sustainability

**Ms. Nydriah Collins, program coordinator, Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center

***Mr. Dennis Williams, security guard, Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center

Photo of the Month: Annual Report Photo Shoot at Ocean Bay Cornerstone Community Center

Child Center of NY Afterschool Group Leader and Creative Artist Shaymon Thomas-Simmons with two afterschool program participants engage with shadow puppets.

Photo credit: Kyo Morishima Photography

Every year, The Child Center of NY presents an annual report to share the stories and accomplishments of the past 12 months with our community members, friends, and supporters. We also enlist a professional photographer to document what really goes on in our programs! This year, among the sites we photographed was Ocean Bay Cornerstone Community Center in Arverne in the Rockaways.  

Cornerstone Community Centers, supported by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and private donors, are special places where community members of all ages, from children to seniors, can come together to learn new things, build bonds, and have fun!  

This Photo of the Month features Afterschool Group Leader and Creative Artist Shaymon Thomas-Simmons with two of our afterschool program participants, Jordyn (left) and Meneyelik (right), both in kindergarten. Here they are engaging with shadow puppets, which present a hands-on way to teach children scientific concepts of light and shadow, promote language development and storytelling, and hone fine motor skills—not to mention instill a sense of curiosity and wonder!  


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