ACE Program Participants 'Suit Up and Succeed'

'Suit Up and Succeed' aids unemployed on Staten Island

Published: Thursday, August 16, 2012, 11:08 AM
By Timothy Harrison/Staten Island Advance 

Staten Island Advance/Timothy HarrisonAngela D'Aiuto, executive director of the West Brighton Community Local Development Corporation, welcomes borough business owners and seven unemployed young adults to a Stapleton church for "Suit Up and Succeed."

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- “I don’t believe clothes make the man; I believe the man makes himself. But the clothes give the man the image, so I just like to look presentable to make sure my first impression is the best impression.”

That’s according to Christopher Sesay of Clifton, a 24-year-old aspiring entrepreneur, who was a beneficiary of Wednesday’s “Suit Up and Succeed.” Seven unemployed young adults received gently used or new business attire in the charitable program at a Stapleton church.

The concept was brought to Staten Island by Angela D’Aiuto, executive director of the West Brighton Community Local Development Corporation (LDC), who noted “high unemployment among young people, as well as adults,” in the borough.

Ms. D’Aiuto partnered with local businesses, including Victory State Bank, which held a two-month-long suit drive, and business owners, who donated other clothes, as well as the New York Center for Interpersonal Development’s Achievement in Career Education (ACE) program.

The ACE program provides business training and experience to 30 young adults, aged 16 to 24, in three annual 14-week cycles. The seven young adults who attended Wednesday were all enrolled in ACE.

Amy Lavelle, ACE’s business liaison, explained the program, which couples three weeks of skill-building workshops with an 11-week internship or entry-level job.

“After the 14 weeks are over, as long as [participants] complete the required amount of hours, then they get help from us to find either full-time employment, part-time employment, enroll in school or enlist in the military,” Ms. Lavelle added. 

ASPIRING ENTREPRENEUR 

Sesay, the aspiring entrepreneur, recently finished ACE’s skill-building workshops as part of the 14-week program and will start a paid internship Monday with Ms. D’Aiuto at the West Brighton LDC.

“I see myself giving back to the community. I want to help people in the community and help kids,” Sesay, who has been unemployed for two months, commented.

A graduate of Concord High School, Sesay enrolled in college for a semester but was forced to drop out, a result of financial constraints.

Sesay said he hopes one day to own his own business and his own property, but, he said, “I still need training and I still need guidance, and I hope to find that within the program.”

Sesay and his six classmates, four men and three women in total, had plenty to learn from the three business owners who volunteered as “personal shoppers” Wednesday afternoon.

One, Claire Guadagno, the owner of Handpicked Creations, a vintage resale shop in New Dorp, provided West Brighton LDC with its first major donation of business clothes.

“I’m very into helping women, empowering women,” Ms. Guadagno said. “I’m a single mother, who four years ago was waitressing, and now I’m ready to buy my second business.”

She added, “You have to believe in yourself, and you have to get around positive people.”

Ms. Guadagno was responsible for enlisting the support of Tottenville resident Carmela Schiano, a life coach who owns Live Free Coaching. The two of them will work together to open Total Drama, a new performing arts studio in New Dorp, later this year.

“I work especially with young girls without moms,” Ms. Schiano said.

A third local business owner, Irena Popilevsky of New Dorp, who owns Real Estate SINY, agreed to bring coffee and doughnuts after she was told of the event Wednesday.

All three women gave fashion tips and style advice to the underprivileged young adults. 

NEW SUIT 

Helena Simmons of New Brighton left the United Church of Praise on Sands Street with a new khaki suit that she said she would use at her internship with Neighborhood Housing Services of Staten Island, where she was recently hired.

“I’m actually really excited about the whole thing,” she said. “I’m trying to build up my independence and be an entrepreneur, so I’m trying to open up my own business.”

Ms. Simmons said she would use skills acquired in the ACE program and attempt to learn new skills in advertising and marketing when she starts Monday.

“Depending on how well I do in my internship, there’s a possibility for me to be hired permanently.”

The giveaway was hosted at the United Church of Praise International Ministries Church, where Senior Pastor Thomas Oliver Cletus, another appropriate model for the seven young adults, played host.

Cletus reported this was the first time his church had partnered with the West Brighton LDC to donate clothing, but said, “Our church has clothing that we normally give out to people of low income.

“As I go around the community I find out that people are no longer having a job,” he said. “They try to look for another job. Sometimes they don’t have money to buy nice clothes or shoes or a tie to go for an interview.”

The pastor, a native of Liberia, came to the United States in 2001 by way of Nigeria.

“When I got here to America, after six months, I was able to own a car, which is something I never dreamed in my life that was going to be possible,” he said.

© 2012 SILive.com. All rights reserved.

At the United Church of International Praise, Stapleton,
are from left, Deacon Sando S. Roberts, assisting Aaron Taylor,
a participant in NYCID's Achievement in Career & Education
(ACE) program. Taylor was at the church participating
in "Suit Up and Succeed," an initiative sponsored by
the West Brighton Community LDC (WBCLDC), Victory State Bank
and United Church of International Praise Ministries.
It aims to provide proper business attire, support and resources
to Staten Island's unemployed and young adults.
Roberts was pleased to show Taylor the correct way to knot a tie.

The Bach Family: Raising Young Philanthropists:

Nine year-old Henry Bach (who participates in our After-School Enrichment Program at P.S. 30 along with his sister Madelyn) pledged $100 to NYCID at our Annual Benefit this past June.  We were so impressed with both Henry and his sister Madelyn's generosity that we asked them, and their father Ken, to share their stories with us.

Henry

How old are you & what grade are you in?  I'm nine and I'm in fourth grade.

What activities do you participate in through NYCID’s After-School Program?  I did fencing and Legos. Legos was kind of boring because it wasn't really Legos and fencing was awesome. I got to sword fight with some of my best friends and learned that fencing is a lot like light sabers. 

What are your favorite hobbies/subjects?  My favorite hobbies include basketball and baseball. My favorite subject is social studies because we get to learn about presidents and do interesting research on them. 

How did you raise the money you donated?  I've made lemonade stands with my sister and I save my birthday money. If my dad offers me $5 to spend at the dollar store, I usually only spend one or two. 

Why did you want to donate? What inspired you to want to give to NYCID?  I wanted to donate because my dad works with people at NYCID and it helps my school. It helps me make friends in the programs.  I want to compliment Dominick and the man from Camelot on how nice they were. 

What do you hope the money you donated will accomplish?  I hope the money makes more programs to help more people and make them happy. I hope it keeps people out of hobo shelters. Giving the money makes me a better person. 

Madelyn made the winning bid on the silent auction item for a party at the Staten Island Zoo

How old are you & what grade are you in?  I am ten years old and I'm in fifth grade.

Madelyn Bach

What activities do you participate in through NYCID’s After-School Program?  When I was in fourth grade I participated in the drama program. It was fun because I made new friends. Also we did fun exercises. I learned “Bruno the Bear sits in the sun munching lots of honey buns.”  We had to say it in a funny voice to exercise our voices.

What are your favorite hobbies/subjects?  I like to sing and dance. My favorite subject is PE because you're sitting in a classroom all day and you get to exercise and hang out with your friends. I like art class because you learn about artists and you learn how to paint.

How did you raise the money you donated?  My friend and I sold lemonade from her front yard to the neighborhood and some really annoying and gross kids. But money is money! I also save my money from my birthday.

Why did you want to donate? What inspired you to want to give to NYCID?  I donated money because I wanted to help support the program and help families in trouble and because I really wanted a Zoo party.

What do you hope the money you donated will accomplish?  I hope the money I donated can help people.

Their Father, Ken Bach, Shares His Perspective

How did you teach your children about charitable giving? Leadership by example is more than a catchphrase on a motivational poster. Children are amazing.  They learn from every clue around them.  I haven’t taught them about charitable giving – they have learned by what we do.

Through Rotary, I have been giving back to the community for many years.  My children ask about Rotary and where I am going. I always tell them, “I am going out to change the world!”  Later, as we drive around the island, I show them where we’ve served holiday meals to the homeless, where we assembled turkey baskets and the neighborhoods we deliver to, and the parks that we help maintain.  This year, they are both eager to join me on these and other projects. 

Often we get, “Why do we need a babysitter again tonight?” Well, a frequent response begins with “Because Mommy and Daddy are going to a fundraiser.”  We let them know the goal might be to help raise scholarships for really smart students who can’t afford college or the local Boy Scout troop or children with autism.  When they heard we were attending the NYCID event, and that it was the organization that ran the after-school programs that touched their lives, there was no keeping them away.

Ken and Henry Bach

Were you surprised by Madelyn & Henry’s actions at our benefit? I was surprised at how comfortable they felt at the event, and that Henry actually chose to wear a button down shirt without being asked.  Madelyn was intrigued by the silent auction items, and I was proud that she came to us and informed us that she wrote her name on the item of her choice.  We approved her bid amount and she was amazed she won, especially since Mom and Dad won nothing.

And yes, I was shocked by Henry’s energetic and unanticipated hand raising at the $1,000 challenge request, amused at his persistence down the scale, and proud of his $100 contribution.  They still talk about the event, further spreading the culture of giving with their friends.   

Do you talk with them about people that need help? Given my job, family activities and our community, there are always conversations.  Part of parenting is helping the children to make sense of the millions of clues they need to assimilate.  It is important my children acknowledge they may not have as many material goods as some, but that they do have more than many.  They know when to accept help and when to provide help.  

Is this the first time they’ve made charitable contributions?  Henry and Madelyn have a long history of compassion and giving back, although this was the first time in such a sophisticated setting.  While attending elementary school in upstate NY, Madelyn hosted a web-based TV show where she interviewed the administration and staff.  She was honored by the City of Kingston for her artwork, which was later placed into a gallery that helped raise awareness of the dangers of swimming after the unfortunate drowning of an eight-year-old.  Madelyn and Henry also organized sledding parties where kids brought new, wrapped toys that we delivered to local children in need.   Recently, Madelyn hosted a lemonade stand to raise money for her CYO basketball team, and they both want to volunteer for the Parks Department.

Do you have any advice for others?  As you enjoy the company of friends, remember those who are lonely.  As you embrace your family, remember those who are in conflict.  As you sit down to dinner, remember those without a meal.  Donate and help make a difference.  Volunteer and change a life. You may be surprised that the life that most benefits from the change is your own.   

Is there anything else you would like to share?  NYCID’s outreach programs provide a rich after-school curriculum to help expand a child’s horizons for working and stay-at-home parents, and their conflict management programs help people learn how to emerge victorious from a seemingly hopeless situation.

Also, walk the Greenbelt. Look at the nighttime sky. Relearning our place in the universe is a great way to put our existence into context.

Do you have some suggestions about how to grow young philanthropists? Please share them in the comments below.

Behind the Scenes: Maryann Lauria, Board Vice Chair & Secretary

Maryann Lauria

What surprised Maryann Lauria when she made the transition from a career in financial services to the not-for-profit sector was that, as different as they are, the nonprofit sector is still a business. Success still depends on solid financial management, good organizational skills and productivity. And, Maryann says that the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC), where she is director of development, practices those skills better than any of the for-profit firms where she was employed.

Maryann Lauria joined NYCID’s board three years ago for two reasons. First, she and her husband, Nick Popolo, believe in giving back to their community. That’s Eltingville, Staten Island, ever since this Brooklynite joined her new husband here five years ago. Then, when looking for how to give-back, Maryann found NYCID.

“I was drawn to NYCID when I met some of the staff,” she said. “Their passion for the work and commitment to the people they serve is above and beyond that found in most organizations. I feel lucky to be on the board of such a great organization. And, I have such respect for the talents and skills of the other board members, each in their own field.”

That’s significant praise from a person whose fundraising expertise has put the NYSPCC in the black every year since she joined them seven years ago.

Maryann earned her undergraduate degree in general business, marketing and law at Pace. When she changed careers she complemented that background with an MPA from NYU. She changed careers because she felt unfulfilled in the financial sector and wanted to use her business skills to benefit families and children. She has four brothers and 14 nieces and nephews that mean the world to her. She’d like other families to be strong and healthy, too.

Maryann and Nick balance their professional and civic lives with family, friends and travel. Maryann’s advice? When on a trip, balance each day with a mix of tourist attractions and wandering – seeing the world through the eyes of the locals. Whether she’s in the Caribbean, Las Vegas or Paris, she looks for that balance.

Maryann helps NYCID keep the right balance, too, between business and service. We’re lucky to have her on our board. Thank you, Maryann.

Comedy Fundraiser for the NY Center

The New York Center for Interpersonal Development invites you to it's annual Evening of Comedy at Ray's Lounge on Friday, March 23rd @ 8PM.

Ray's is located at 9604 3rd Avenue in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, NY.

We are going to have some very special guest comics and the show is going to be filled with puppetry, magic tricks and someone might even light themselves on fire!!! (I am personally hoping for this, but we’ll just have to wait and see).

These comics are: JJ Ramirez (he was on Comic Strip Live, the Howard Stern Show, Latin Legends of Comedy, among many others), Mike Pace (visit http://www.mikepace.com/ for more info on him) and Rich Menivit. These comedians are off to the Borgata in Atlantic City right after our show…
Tickets are $20 each with a two drink (or appetizer and drink combination) minumum.

All of the proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the NY Center and help fund the programs we run.

If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please contact me at 718-947-4027.

Tickets sales are first come, first serve.

Hope to see you then!!!

Lawyers Alliance for New York: Connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities

This post is a bit out of date, but I recently received the picture of Dom (r), Candace (c)(our ED and Sr. Director of Operations), and Robert Whitman (l). Robert has provided the NY Center terrific advice and wisdom, so we can't let the opportunity pass to, once again, say thank you.

Lawyers Alliance for New York: Connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities: "New York, NY, December 12, 2006 --
Lawyers Alliance for New York announces the recipients of its 2006 Cornerstone Awards. Each year, the Cornerstone Awards recognize outstanding pro bono legal services provided to nonprofit organizations by law firms and business lawyers.

One of those lawyers is Robert S. Whitman, Seyfarth Shaw LLP, formerly of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, for providing a decade of quality guidance on a range of ongoing and urgent employment law matters for organizations such as African American Planning Commission, Bailey House, City Futures, Historic District Council, New York Center for Interpersonal Development, Ridgewood Older Adult Center & Services, and Supportive Housing Network of New York.