COMMUNITY

2015: ISSUE 3 NEWS TAKING AIM 1 – 2 STEM TO STERN 2 GOLDEN YEARS 3 SUMMER FUN 4 INSPIRED BY GREATNESS 5 TAKE US OUT TO THE BALLGAME! 5 TAKING AIM GROWING TOGETHER 6 – 7 SHARON GREENBERGER LOOKS TOWARD THE FUTURE AS THE OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO 8 YMCA’S NEW PRESIDENT & CEO

fter years of being a member at Estate at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, capital projects, and programmatic vision. Athe Park Slope Armory Y, Sharon as well as Chief Operating Officer for the Greenberger is stretching her reach – in New York City Department of Education, In her first few weeks Ms. Greenberger July she became the 10th President and she is well-versed in managing operations, was busy connecting with communities CEO of the YMCA of Greater as she visited YMCAs throughout the New York. city. Whether talking with Y members and program Ms. Greenberger brings to the participants or meeting with Y 20 years of experience in board members and elected urban planning, development officials, Ms. Greenberger has and education in New York City. set her sights on knowing the Having served as the Senior Vice Y inside and out and taking Y President of Facilities and Real programs to new levels. •

(below) State Senator Sharon Greenberger brushing Joseph Addabbo and Sharon up on her archery skills and Greenberger touring the sharing a laugh with campers Rockaway Y. in Orange County, NY.

1 New YMCA President & CEO Sharon Greenberger (center) joins in for a fun moment at the Rockaway Y day camp (adults, l to r): Eugene Shvartsman – Office of Assembly Member Phil Goldfeder; Lisa George – Office of State Senator James Sanders; Y staff member Erik Raney; Council Member ; Rockaway Y Executive Director Rick Hopkins; Franck Joseph – Office of Council Member Richards; Assembly Member Michele Titus; Mitch Noel – Office of Council Member Richards; Jon Greenfield – Office of Assembly Member Goldfeder; and Y staff member Tiffany Lee.

Visitors enjoy Camp Pouch on Staten Island (adults, l to r) Jacqueline Luciano - Office of State Senator Andrew Lanza; Ariana Borrero - Office of Senator Lanza; Joseph Collini - Office of Senator Lanza; Giuseppe Deserio - Office of Congressman Dan Donovan; William Matarazzo - Office of Senator Lanza; Sharon Greenberger; South Shore Y Executive Director Thomas Swanciger; Assembly Member Michael Cusick; and Y staff member Robert Palmeri. STEM TO STERN GREENPOINT TEENS ENGAGE IN COMPREHENSIVE SUMMER STEM PROGRAM

igh school students at the Greenpoint Y experienced Hsix weeks of intense environmental science education through the Greenpoint Y SYSTEM (Summer Youth in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program. A collaboration between the Y and NYU Wallerstein Collaborative for Urban Environmental Education, the program is supported by ExxonMobil and Broadway Stages.

The Greenpoint Y SYSTEM teaches students about environmental science, green technology, engineering and community engagement through a wide array of experiments and trips. Projects ranged from air quality monitoring to green roofs to composting to tree identification. At the end of the program, students proudly presented their projects to Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna and Assembly Member Joseph Lentol.

Energized by the experience, all participants stated that they are eager to pursue further STEM learning and career opportunities. •

(top, l to r) Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Diana Reyna at the Green Roof Station with participants Rebeca Paredes and Tatiana Garcia. (bottom) Assembly Member Joseph Lentol (center) with SYSTEM teens and Y staff member, Tanya Mejia.

2 2015: ISSUE 3

Council Members Mathieu Eugene (left) and I. (right) visit the YouthBuild program to hear from participants and emphasize how important they are to the Southeast Queens community. GOLDEN YEARS SENIORS MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YMCA SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE CITY

he YMCA of Greater New York serves support from elected officials. In Tsome 20,000 seniors throughout the Bronx, Council Member Annabel the year, often through fun recreational Palma supports the Y’s programs at activities that help them manage their the Glebe Senior Center. In Brooklyn, health and enjoy more quality time Council Member helps (top left) Senior weight training at the with their families and friends. Senior Y members from Bedford-Stuyvesant Staten Island Broadway YMCA. (top right) State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr. members stay active with swimming, attend the Empire State Senior Games, celebrates Senior Day at the Bronx YMCA water aerobics, chair aerobics, arthritis and Council Member with Executive Director Sharlene Brown. workouts, tai chi, and yoga classes. supports senior fitness programs in (bottom left) Swimming class at the Chinatown YMCA. (bottom right) Seniors Flatbush. • Additionally, the Y runs special in Flatbush work out at their own pace. senior programs around the city with

3 SUMMER FUN CREATING UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES FOR CAMPERS THROUGHOUT THE CITY he Y camps served up an amazing from reading games to swimming to The end result? An unforgettable Tsummer to approximately 12,000 field trips to healthy eating workshops. experience that had kids begging children, nearly 4,000 of which parents to let them sign up for one attended free of charge with support One area of focus across camps was more week. • from the NYC Department of Youth STEM, with staff using resources from and Community Development. Campers NY Hall of Science, PBS’ Cyberchase, and gathered at schools and YMCAs in all Developmental Studies Center’s KidzMath corners of NYC, and at the Y’s idyllic to introduce young people to technical 1,000+ acre camp in Orange County, fields, spur their interest, and show them NY to enjoy a wide range of activities— that they can transcend socioeconomic barriers to have rewarding futures.

(above) Mr. Met makes a special visit to Dodge YMCA day camp at PS 261. (upper right) Campers at the Coney Island YMCA get silly with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Executive Director Sam Moore. (right) Food Network star Chef Daisy Martinez visits the Bronx YMCA’s Summer Food and Fun program at PS 154. (right) State Senator Tony Avella visits campers at the Cross Island YMCA in Queens. (below) Assembly Member Michele Titus taking in artwork and (bottom) State Senator Joseph Addabbo preparing for a perfect spiral at the Rockaway Y day camp.

(above) State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky tours the Flushing YMCA Summer Camp. (left) Volunteers from JPMorgan Chase engage campers in fun reading activities at PS 126 in Chinatown.

4 2015: ISSUE 3 INSPIRED BY GREATNESS DODGE AWARD DINNER RAISES $1.3 MILLION FOR Y PROGRAMS

ore than 550 friends of the Y New York anchor Lynda Baquero served as the Mgathered at Cipriani 42nd Street evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies, and guests were as the Dodge Award was presented treated to a special musical performance courtesy of to Robert “Bob” C. Lieber, Executive multi-platinum recording artist and actress Vanessa Managing Director of C-III Capital Williams. • Partners and former Deputy Mayor for Several members of the YMCA of Greater New York’s Economic Development. As Vice Chair Board of Directors join the celebration (l to r) Jack of the YMCA’s Board of Directors, Lund, former YMCA President and CEO; Dan Doctoroff, Bob has epitomized the more than Chairman, Here for Good Campaign; Robert Lieber, 2015 Dodge Award Honoree; Sharon Greenberger, 160-year-old tradition of humanitarian YMCA President and CEO; Vanessa Williams, Singer/ service represented by generations Actress; Sandie O’Connor, Vice Chair; Sal Maglietta, of Dodge family members. Through Chair; Janice Reals Ellig, Emeritus Board; and Chris Blunt, Vice Chair. Scholarship recipients with Sal his professional and volunteer work, (above) Robert Lieber dons a Y Maglietta (l to r): Tenaja Smith-Butler, Victoria sweatshirt to receive the 2015 Bob has helped many underserved Williams, Cindy Chu, and Samrawit Solomon. Dodge Award. neighborhoods achieve prosperity, and his leadership was instrumental in the opening of new Y’s in Coney Island and the Rockaways.

More than $1.3 million was raised to support the Y’s transformative programs in youth development, diabetes prevention, and college and workforce readiness, which tackle many of the greatest challenges facing the City’s children and families. NBC4 TAKE US OUT TO THE BALLGAME! THE Y TEAMS UP WITH METS AND CITI FIELD TO SUPPORT YOUTH PROGRAMS he summer of 2015 was a home run campers a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Tfor over 300 kids and staff from and off the field. As part of the program, the Cross Island, Dodge, Flushing and the Y receives $2,000 every time a Met hits Jamaica YMCAs who were all treated to a a home run on designated days throughout day at Citi Field® courtesy of Citi Kids®! the summer, netting programs over $30,000 Not only did campers get a tour of the in the 2015 season. Moreover, through stadium by Jackie Robinson scholars, October 16, all Citi Bike rides across the they were inspired to eat well, aim high five boroughs will help the Y, along with and persevere against adversity during fellow organizations No Kid Hungry and the talks by Celebrity Chef and Restauranteur American Red Cross, earn up to $50,000 Marcus Samuelsson and Retired Army in donations through ridership challenges Captain Leslie Nicole Smith. Both under the Citi Bike® for Good program. Samuelsson and Smith spoke to the kids about overcoming life obstacles and The Y is grateful to Citi and the Mets participated in a Q&A portion emceed by for their ongoing support for creative SportsNet New York anchor Michelle Yu. programs in the communities we serve. • (right) Campers and Retired Army Captain Citi’s generosity extends beyond giving our Leslie Nicole Smith at Citi Field.

5 GROWING THE Y AND ITS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE

A RAY OF HOPE Former NFL Star Ray Lucas (center) delivered a powerful speech at the YMCA Counseling Service’s 35th Anniversary Brunch. Over 600 people listened as Ray shared his personal story of addiction and recovery. Ray was joined at the event by (l to r) Senior Executive Director Anita Harvey, Counseling Services Executive Director Jacqueline Filis, YMCA President & CEO Sharon Greenberger, and event chairs Gloria O’Donnell SHAPING UP IN THE SAND HEALTHY LIVING and John Merlino. This summer the Coney Island YMCA hosted Nicole Tucker of GrowNYC (left) and weekly Summer Session Boardwalk Workouts, Council Member visited featuring popular classes such as yoga and staff at the North Brooklyn YMCA for READING TAKES FLIGHT Volunteers from Delta stopped in at the Flushing Caribbean dance. an informative chat. YMCA to read with small groups of children. STRUGGLE FOR SUMMER Council Member Mathieu Eugene joined members of the Y and nearly 100 protestors to successfully call upon the City Council to restore funding for summer enhancement slots at Beacon, Cornerstone, and middle school programs.

PROVE IT Campers at the Prospect Park YMCA challenged Mayor to prove he was who he claimed after running into him at the Y. The mayor obliged and then posed for a quick photo.

CHECKING IN ONE OF US State Senator Jeff Klein (with State Senator Bill Perkins, Assembly Member Guillermo Bronx YMCA Executive Director Linares, Assembly Member Luis Sepulveda, Council Sharlene Brown) visited the Member , City Council Speaker Bronx YMCA to present a check Melissa Mark-Viverito, and Mayor Bill de Blasio held up for $200,000 to support youth their municipal IDs at a press conference celebrating the programs in the Bronx and first six months of IDNYC, of which the YMCA of Greater Brooklyn. New York is a founding partner.

6 2015: ISSUE 3 TOGETHER PARTNERS DEEPEN IMPACT IN COMMUNITIES

LET’S MOVE! OUTSIDE As part of the Department of Interior’s youth initiative in 50 cities, the YMCA of Greater New York convened a summit with representatives from New York Cares, New York Restoration Project, NYC Service, Prospect Park Alliance, US Geological Survey, and more to discuss service projects in public parks. New York City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver and NYC Regional Director Leslie Wright of NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation spoke about the value of working together.

Photo credit: CUNY Citizenship Now!

Photo credit: Office of Senator Toby Ann Stavisky

FUTURE CITIZENS The Flushing YMCA hosted the CUNY Now! Fair, where 38 volunteers provided assistance to New Americans applying for citizenship. Co-sponsored by Assembly Member Ron A FRESH START Kim (above, on left), State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky Council Members Mathieu Eugene (top) and I. Daneek Miller (bottom) visit the (second to right), and Council Member (right), YouthBuild program to hear from participants and emphasize how important they the event and subsequent follow up served 200 people. are to the Southeast Queens community.

CLEARING OUT THE CABINETS The Staten Island YMCA Counseling Services is combatting drug abuse alongside Borough President James Oddo (center), the Department of Education, the New York Police Department, and other organizations. A new initiative encourages residents to bring unused or outdated medications to their nearest NYPD precinct. (with Oddo, l to r) District 31 Superintendent Anthony Lodico; Adrienne Abbate, Executive Director of Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness and the Project Director for Tackling Youth Substance Abuse; Jacqueline Filis, Counseling Services Executive Director; and NYPD Assistant Chief Edward Delatorre.

7 YMCA of Greater New York 5 West 63rd Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10023 212 630 9600 ymcanyc.org

OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO THE Y’S GLOBAL TEENS PROGRAM SENDS NYC YOUTH TO THE WEST COAST

YC teens experience the wonders This year’s trips were focused on the Nof nature at Yosemite National environment, with teens discussing Park in California and Olympic National a range of topics such as habitat Park in Washington, as part of the restoration, local sustainable farming, Y’s Global Teens program. Building on deforestation, food waste, energy the leadership skills of teens already use, water pollution, biodiversity, and actively engaged in YMCA youth more. Teens returned to NYC ready to programs, the competitive program address some of these issues at the empowers youth to learn about and local level. In addition to leading efforts address relevant social issues of local at their local Y’s, teens may connect and global magnitude. This experience with service projects at national parks was made possible with the generous and other public lands through the Let’s support of the New York Community Move! Outside initiative, a Department Trust/Carole Stupell Travel Award of Interior initiative being supported by Program, The Countess Moira the YMCA of Greater New York. • Teens exploring Sequoia Grove in Yosemite Foundation, and Delta Air Lines, Inc. National Park.