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Newsletter Issue
#78 |
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As Women's
History Month unfolds, Sesame Flyers International proudly joins the
global celebration of women's achievements, resilience, and
contributions. With a rich legacy of community engagement and
empowerment, Sesame Flyers recognizes the invaluable role women play in
shaping societies and driving positive change.
Happy Women's History Month
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It's been a bustling couple of months at Sesame Flyers, filled with heartwarming efforts and celebrations that remind us of the strength and warmth of our community. Our journey into 2024 kicked off with the warmth of generosity through our coat drive in partnership with New York Cares. This initiative wasn't just about coats; it was a display of the spirit of giving that thrives within our community. It's these acts of kindness and solidarity that keep our community strong, and I am so grateful for each of you who played a part. Celebrating culture and advocacy at the 53rd annual New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus in Albany was a proud moment for me. It highlighted Sesame Flyers' important role in the wider narrative of cultural identity, social justice, and community advocacy. We were honored to offer entertainment that aligned with the Caucus's themes, highlighting the significance of Caribbean culture and our commitment to supporting our community. As we turn the page to March, the official beginning of spring, I look forward to the Winthrop Beacon’s Black Excellence Show. This event features cultural music and vibrant expressions of art, dance, and more. It is an event that leaves us all inspired and filled with joy. Let's carry forward the energy and achievements of these first few months into the rest of the year. This month we aim to capture these highlights and more, serving as a reminder of what we've accomplished together and a teaser of what's to come.
Thank
you for being such an integral part of our Sesame Flyers family. Here's
to a year filled with more moments of connection, celebration, and
community impact. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to lead such a
dynamic organization and to celebrate this milestone birthday with all
of you. |
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Sesame Flyers recently joined forces with New York Cares for a coat
drive that truly exemplified the spirit of giving. We take pride in the
meaningful impact we've made in the lives of those who participated. We
extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed and look
forward to doing this again in collaboration with our community partners
and Beacon programs next year. |
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In attendance, Board Chair, Executive Director, CFO, Development Director, Board Members, Gotham Networking Group, Elected officials Rita Joseph, Roxanne Persaud, Mercedes Narcisse and Elected Official Representatives from the offices of Kevin Parker and Farah Louis
We are happy with the success of our Annual Legislative Brunch and
Board Retreat. This event focused on strengthening Sesame Flyers
International network, enhancing fundraising efforts, and expanding our
Development Department and Board to secure our future growth. With
insightful discussions on transparent financial management, community
engagement, and the critical need for balanced funding sources, we're
setting a strong path of action moving forward. Our sincere thanks go
out to everyone involved for their invaluable contributions and
commitment. |
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The Prospect Park Alliance recently hosted a heartwarming post-holiday
event, bringing together local community-based organizations to enjoy
the simple pleasures of breaking bread, catching up, and forging
connections. Our Community Outreach Coordinator, Keisha Sydney is proud
to represent Sesame Flyers International in this alliance of
distinguished community leaders. |
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Prepare for an unforgettable experience at the Winthrop Black Excellence
Show! Immerse yourself in the rich diversity of Black culture through
music, art, and more. Mark your calendars and be part of this remarkable
event, you won't want to miss it! |
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Give a young person the experience of a lifetime. Entrepreneurs, small and large, have an opportunity to show youth ages 16-24 how to establish good work habits and learn what it means to run a business. Hosting a young person this summer for six weeks from July 1 to August 10 for 25 hours per week can make a life changing impact. Participants who are randomly selected by a lottery are matched with a worksite for the summer in a variety of industries from health care to finance. The SYEP program is a success because local businesses have shared their knowledge and wisdom while connecting our young people to the benefits of a good work ethic. Last summer 100,000 young people across the City were able to participate and receive a stipend or earn minimum wage during the six-week program. 36 per cent of all participants were Brooklyn residents and 56 per cent of all participants were between the ages of 16 to 19. Nearly 1,200 youth aged 14-24 submitted applications to Sesame Flyers. Youth from the East Flatbush, Crown Heights, Canarsie, and East New York neighborhoods selected our agency as their provider for this special opportunity. The 667 Participants enrolled by Sesame Flyers International engaged in a combination of in person, hybrid, and virtual work readiness assignments or, synchronous and asynchronous career exploration exercises. Special attention was given to providing teens with the tools necessary to cultivate healthy social and emotional relationships and bolster mental health awareness. Over 70 local businesses and organizations joined in to provide meaningful work experiences. Sponsored by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, the SYEP program is known for its innovative web based application and payroll systems for the participants which are accessible through mobile devices. SYEP Participants are issued payroll cards and those who have bank accounts are paid through direct deposit. The digital resources of Hats and Ladders for career exploration, YDI for the Project Based Learning and Workplace Challenge curricula complement the work based experience. Access to Metro cards is a recent and welcome program enhancement. 94 per cent of participants enjoyed their SYEP experience and would recommend it to a friend or relative. We acknowledge the agency’s extraordinary efforts in creating the climate that supports our youth as they build their careers. We look forward to working with DYCD as it continues to innovate and deliver quality work opportunities for the youth of our City. This summer we hope to provide our Older Youth with a variety of work readiness experiences that include in person, virtual, and hybrid assignments in the community as well as opportunities to complete Professional Training and Development though the Hats & Ladders portal. Youth aged 14 and 15 participate in Project Based Learning experiences related to growing industries. Here they develop the soft skills required for success including team work, creativity, time management, and customer service. In addition, youth engage with a local entrepreneur through the Workplace Challenge. Youth who participate in the Project Based experiences may earn up to $700 in stipends.
If you own a local business, you can provide an in person, virtual, or
hybrid work experience to a young person that will last a lifetime.
Worksite applications are available now, you may get started with the
ONLINE PRE APP HERE. Contact
sfisyep@sesameflyers.org for a hardcopy application. The
worksite application deadline is May 10, 2024. For more information,
CLICK THE DYCD LINK. |
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As
spring begins to whisper through the last chills of winter, it feels
like the perfect moment to pause and reflect on the vibrant start we've
had to the year, and to share a personal milestone. This week, I am
celebrating a very special occasion - my 60th birthday on February 29th.
Being born in a leap year makes this birthday an extraordinary moment
for me, offering a unique opportunity to truly celebrate my day of
birth. I am immensely happy and blessed to reach this age, and I am
deeply grateful for the journey that has brought me here, especially my
role as the Executive Director at Sesame Flyers International.
