Community Initiative February 25, 2012
NYSC is asking for your help on February 25th in a project we
are undertaking for the JCCA in Pleasantville. In their own words
The JCCA’s Cottage Schools form a community that works with 325 children who
have serious emotional and family problems. Most of our residents have been
physically or sexually abused, many suffer from neglect and some have
cognitive difficulties. They come from inner city neighborhoods in NYC, New
York State and beyond. We offer a highly supervised and protected
environment where troubled young people find safety and structure while they
work to resolve their difficulties. Our theme at Jewish Child Care
Association is Every Child Deserves to Grow Up Hopeful. This vision keeps
us motivated each and every day.
The JCCA, founded in 1822, is one of the nation?s oldest charities formed
originally to take care of members of NYC?s Jewish community. Today, 190
years later, the majority of the kids and families helped by the JCCA are
black, Latino and other minorities in addition to immigrant and other Jewish
families in need as mandated by their adherence to the principal of ? tikkun
olam?- meaning an obligation to help ?repair the world? regardless of race
or religion.
Mark Heffernan, President NYSC commented ‘Having coached a few sessions at the JCCA I can attest to the fact that these are very troubled youths in need of all the support that they can get.
Sport is a great outlet for many of us and so it is to the JCCA community.
At the moment the most used facility is their gymnasium but it is seriously
in need of repair. The structure is fine but it needs refurbishing and a
little TLC. Given all the funding cuts that have taken place the JCCA does
not have the funds to commit to this project. NYSC has offered to help. A
number of us have raised funds to replace the worn out gym floor and now we
are asking for volunteers from our players or their parents to spend the day
working on February 25th to help refurbish the building. For the most part
this will involve cleaning and painting under the supervision of JCCA staff.
Staff and coaches from NYSC will be present at all times. We all get a great
deal from sport and this will be a great way for us to give back to our
community. Please let us know if you would be willing to help and we will
work out a work schedule and get back to you.
LET YOUR TEAM MANAGER KNOW IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP.
Claudio Reyna Foundation
As part of NYSC’s philosophy we believe in giving back and helping those who are less fortunate. It is all part of creating a community we can be proud of. There is no better cause than the Claudio Reyna Foundation. Claudio, a founder of NYSC, is responsible for a foundation that uses soccer as the platform for personal and physical enrichment of inner city kids in the New York metro area. With 9 centers the program provides a wonderful opportunity to many young children in our neighboring communities. For mor information on The Claudio Reyna Foundation go to www.claudioreynafoundation.org