Holiday Celebration - Saturday, December 18

Join us tomorrow for the YW illumiNATION Drama and Children's Chorus end-of-the-year performance! The children are excited to finally show off their talent and enthusiasm for song, dance and acting. We have been working on this wonderful production all season and we hope you will join in on celebrating the holidays with us!

When: Saturday, December 18, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Where: YWCA of Queens, 42-07 Parsons Blvd.

Open to all community members!

2010 Annual Bazaar

This Saturday, November 13, YWCA of Queens will continue its long-standing tradition of hosting its annual Bazaar event to celebrate the holiday season. From 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., this full day event will consist of delicious, homemade ethnic food, entertainment and bargain shopping perfect for gifts like toys, clothes, electronics and housewares.

For the past 31 years, the YWCA of Queens's Bazaar has become a tradition in the borough for celebrating the area's cultural diversity and uniting families in a common goal to strengthen and better our community. Proceeds from the Bazaar will go to develop and expand critical programs that many low-income and immigrant community members have come to depend on like youth GED classes and English language proficiency assistance. Programs like these enrich, empower and inspire individuals to realize their potential and reach their dreams.

YWCA Halloween

Pumpkin... Minnie Mouse... and Fireman... OH MY!

On Friday children from both After School and Universal Pre-Kindergarten celebrated Halloween by dressing up in fun costumes and playing Halloween-related games! UPK kids even went 'trick or treating' around the YWCA building where staffers dropped bags of candy in their buckets. Needless to say we had an energetic bunch afterward.

Save the Date! 2010 Annual Bazaar

Save the Date! 2010 Annual Bazaar
Saturday, November 13th, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

On Saturday, November 13, YWCA of Queens will continue its long-standing tradition of hosting its annual Bazaar event to celebrate the holiday season. From 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., this full day event will consist of delicious, homemade ethnic food, entertainment and bargain shopping perfect for gifts like toys, clothes, electronics and housewares.

For the past 31 years, the YWCA of Queens's Bazaar has become a tradition in the borough for celebrating the area's cultural diversity and uniting families in a common goal to strengthen and better our community. Proceeds from the Bazaar will go to develop and expand critical programs that many low-income and immigrant community members have come to depend on like youth GED classes and English language proficiency assistance. Programs like these enrich, empower and inspire individuals to realize their potential and reach their dreams.

Children's Chorus

Our talented singer and conductor Ms. Michaiah Miller will provide music education to ignite interest in singing and collaborative performance. Introduce the transformative power of music in your child's life... sign up today and let them sing their heart out!

For children K-5^th grade

Dates: November 4^th-December 23^rd

Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Cost: Free for members!

Xtend: Tutoring for High School Students

The Xtend program tutors high school students with homework in various subject areas to help them achieve academic and personal success. We want the knowledge and skills students have learned in school to widen to the home and community environment. Extend your learning time... expand your knowledge.

For students in grades 9 through 12
Dates: Now through December 23, 2010
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

CONNECT Adult GED

YWCA CONNECT offers GED preparation class that focuses on all five GED subject areas. A qualified instructor will help improve your skills and the program will be your pathway to earning your GED and building a new career.

For adults 21 years of age and older
Registration is currently open. Call 718-353-4553.

Evergreen School Back in Action!

Evergreen School participants 'shake their groove thing'

Tuesday marked the start of the new season of Evergreen School. The excitement was felt throughout the day as senior participants entered the building hugging and reconnecting with friends after a summer hiatus. New active seniors were welcomed with open arms. Evergreen School classes include yoga, sports dance, Evergreen Choir and singing in English. Those interested in Evergreen School still have time to sign up!

"Little Voices" Benefit Concert

Executive Director Katie Kim (center) poses with Little Voices musicians, Suebin Hong and Jeffrey Kim

A BIG THANKS to all who came out to the "Little Voices" Benefit Concert last Saturday to benefit the YW-Access program! The Little Voices musicians raised $2,700 to support their peers in need of free GED education and job readiness training. Concert goers were charmed by the young musicians' renditions of classical and contemporary music, which included a lovely performance of "Over the Rainbow" from the Wizard of Oz film.

The YW would also like to thank the wonderful musicians below whose dedication to bettering our community is an inspiration to us all.

The 2010 Little Voices orchestra members

Violin: Jeffrey Kim (12th Stuyvesant High School)
Justin Kim (10th Cardozo High School)
Sueun Hong (9th Hunter College High School)
Sora Kim (9th Stuyvesant High School)
Sharon Lee (11th G.W. Hewlett High School)

Cello: Suebin Hong (12th Queens HS for the Sciences)
Korrey Shin (12th Schreiber High School)
Austin Kim (10th Herricks High School)
Junghun Pak (9th Bronx HS of Science)
Julia Suk (9th Queens HS for the Sciences)

Flute: Heidi Shin (11th Schreiber High School)
Ha Eun Kim (9th Francis Lewis High School)
John Yi (8th Louis Pasteur Middle School)
Hyun Ju Lee (7th Nathaniel Hawthorne Junior HS)

Project C.I.T.Y. Presidential Volunteer Awards Ceremony

Congratulations to many of our Project C.I.T.Y. volunteers!

25 Project C.I.T.Y. volunteers were recently awarded with the President's Volunteer Service Award for their commitment to and assistance with the YW's Summer Day Camp program. The award was created by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to honor those who contribute 100 hours or more of community service. Last Friday the YW held an award ceremony celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of these Project C.I.T.Y. volunteers where parents of the volunteers were also in attendance to applaud their children.

Members of the media also recognized the volunteers' achievements and included coverage in their media outlets:

Korea Times:

http://www.koreatimes.com/article/614692

http://www.koreatimes.com/article/614669

TKC-TV:
http://www.tkctv.com/newscontent.asp?idx=2449
Korea Daily:

http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?art_id=1081968

"Little Voices" Benefit Concert - Saturday, September 11

Join us this Saturday for the 4th annual Little Voices Benefit Concert! An extremely talented group of 14 teen musicians will delight audiences with splendid renditions of classical music favorites like Mozart, Vivaldi and Beethoven. The Hyo Shin Junior Orchestra will make a special guest performance. The event will benefit the YW-Access GED and Workforce Development program to help youth achieve academic and professional success.

When: Saturday, September 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Hyo Shin Bible Presbyterian Church of New York
42-15 166th St, Flushing, NY 11358
Cost: $10
Questions: Call 718-353-4553

The Little Voices musicians are Project C.I.T.Y. (Community Involvement Through the YWCA) volunteers who donate their time helping the YW and its programs such as Summer Day Camp. These members are not only musically talented, but are dedicated to making a positive impact on the community.

Project C.I.T.Y. Volunteer Testimony

Volunteer Paul Oh (far left) performs Michael Jackson's "Beat It" dance with Summer Day Campers and other volunteers

Paul Oh, a Project C.I.T.Y. volunteer, gave a moving speech of his experiences with the YWCA Summer Day Camp at the Presidential Volunteer Awards Ceremony. We wanted to share with you his kind words:

"Good afternoon everybody. As many of you probably already know, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to volunteer here at YWCA. To be honest, I signed up for this summer day camp expecting little but after the two months, I am glad to have volunteered here and I cherish the time spent with this great community of counselors, teachers, children, and friends.

I stand before you today to discuss my experience here at YWCA. Since the first week of July, I have been working with children ranging from five to eleven years old at YWCA's Summer Day Camp 2010. Though the kids can be difficult to maintain and are quite easily distracted, I have grown to respect their knowledge and maturity that is seldom seen in today's generation of children. Sure, there have been moments where children would get out of hand, but those instances are largely overshadowed by their great display of interest and enthusiasm with the day camp. It is always fun to watch the large number of kids interact with one another, even if it's a mere game of chess or a quiet conversation while waiting in line for the bathroom.

What struck me the most about this day camp were the various cultures and backgrounds that the children had come from. I came into this program thinking I would be working exclusively with Korean-American kids, but found myself in a room full of Korean, Chinese, Indian, African-American, German, and even Nepalese children. Even the counselors that worked there alongside me were of many different nationalities, and watching them all work together made the experience truly special. Although it has only been roughly two months of volunteering, it feels as if I have known these children for much longer. I hope that through the short time I have spent with these children I was able to inspire and inspire them as they have done so to me. Thank you." - Paul

Open Casting Call for "illumiNATION"

Calling all young actors and actresses! YWCA of Queens is looking for 5-10 year olds to perform in the organization's new, drama club, illumiNATION.

Does your daughter or son have a knack for impressions? Does she set up mini-performances for you in the living room? Does he try to make everyone laugh? Or do they just like to have fun?

illumiNATION offers children a place to express themselves through creative performance. Improv! Role playing! Expressive movement! Your kids will have a great time acting while also gaining news friends, confidence and interpersonal skills. And be prepared to bust out your cameras! At the end of each semester, these young actors will star in a live performance to show off their talents.

For Ages 5-10
Dates: Fall/Winter October 2 - January 15
Spring February 5 - May 14
Time: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration: Pick up and submit registration forms at the YW front desk

Steps to Respect: Teen Anti-Violence Program

Did you know that 1 in 10 girls in NYC is a victim of physical violence by a partner?

Don't be a statistic!

Join YWCA of Queens' new, free program Steps to Respect to arm yourself with the knowledge to prevent partner abuse from happening to you. Through the program's monthly workshops designed for all high school aged females, you'll learn how to recognize abuse, how to protect yourself, how texting and the internet can be another way to be abused, and much more.

If you are being or have been abused, the YW is also offering a weekly support group for abused teens to know that they are not alone. This support group will help provide comfort and relief through difficult times in an understanding environment.

Take the step to respect through empowerment, confidence and strength. Don't be afraid to speak up. Say NO to abuse!

Registration is currently open to all females between ages 13-19. The program will begin in October. Members can choose to join one or both of the workshops or weekly support group. Parental consent is required. To register, call 718-353-4553.

Upcoming Program: After School

YWCA of Queens is ramping up efforts as we get ready to start our Fall programming and we couldn't be more excited!

After School Program
After School is the oldest program at the YW and provides quality care for children of working parents. Participants take part in a variety of fun and engaging activities that improve academic and social skills. Children also participate in silent reading, homework help and tutoring.

Eligibility: Pre-K - 5th Grade
Term Period: September 8, 2010 - June 28, 2011 (follows NYC public school calendar)
Time: Monday - Friday
2 p.m.-3 p.m. YWCA van pick-up
3 p.m.-6 p.m. After School program
Fee:
Pre-K - 2nd Grade: $250/4 weeks
3rd Grade - 5th Grade: $300/4 weeks
Transportation starting at $75/4 weeks

Upcoming Program: Evergreen School

Evergreen School
The Evergreen School for seniors truly keeps participants young at heart with educational and recreational programs that enhances quality of life and actively engages seniors to be healthy and energetic. The School allows seniors to interact with one another, share mutually common interests and spend time with both old and new friends. Participants are able to take yoga and sports dance classes, go on field trips, learn Korean painting and watch performances. Seniors also have the opportunity to participate in the Y Evergreen Choir, whose singers are deemed the goodwill ambassadors of the community and the YW as they perform at various events and settings around the city.

Eligibility: Korean woman, age 55 and over
Term Period: Fall, September 14 - December 16 (12 wks)
Time: TBA
Fee: Varied

To register for After School or Evergreen School, pick up and submit a registration form at the YW facilities.

The 2010 Summer Literacy Festival Wrap Up

A young boy shows off his creation (with help from his mom) at Alphabet Soup

YWCA of Queens' 2010 Summer Literacy Festival brought together over 300 children, youth and family members from all over Queens on Saturday, August 7th, to raise awareness and interest in reading and writing. The day kicked off with a special greeting from Councilmember Peter Koo, who emphasized the importance of staying engaged in books, especially during the summer months. The festival was jam-packed with different activities for youth to participate. For the Alphabet Soup activity, kids used different crafts to construct their name in a creative way. The puppet show entertained children with stories like "Little Red Riding Hood" and Senator Toby Ann Stavisky captivated eager listeners with her rendition of "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs."

Story time with Senator Toby Ann Stavisky

During the popular Spelling Bee event, contestants came prepared and determined to win. In fact, contestants knew words so well that the moderator nearly ran out of words! The brand new competition Teen Jeopardy allowed youth to imagine being on the famous game show and answer trivia questions pertaining to categories such as geography, science, famous people and U.S. history. For Speak Easy, another new contest, participants tapped their creative sides to express what women empowerment or environmental sustainability meant to them. Performances ranged from speeches to poems to even a rap! Needless to say... the judges had an extremely difficult time selecting the winners.

Summer Literacy Festival Winners with attorney Carolym Im and NY1 reporter Michelle Park

"It is always so encouraging to see our community's youth come out and share with us in the celebration of literacy and the joy of reading," said Moo Young Kim, coordinator of the Summer Literacy Festival. "We look forward to our event next summer with even more activities and exciting games!"

The Summer Literacy Festival was made possible by the generous contributions of HSBC Bank.

Staff and volunteers show off their Y pride!

Summer Literacy Festival

The Summer Literacy Festival is back with some familiar and new competitions for family fun such as the annual Spelling Bee, Story Time, Teen Jeopardy, Alphabet Soup, Family Sing-A-Long, Speak Easy and a Live Puppet Show. For the Spelling Bee, Speak Easy and Teen Jeopardy competitions, participants have a shot at winning Barnes & Noble and Target gift cards valued up to $100.

This year's special guests include Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (who will read during Story Time) and Michelle Park, reporter for NY1 News.

The event is free, so come by and join us in celebrating literacy and the summer!

When: August 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: 4207 Parsons Blvd.
Includes: Free food, week long Scholastic book fair, clowns and face painting!

**Proof of grade level is required for Spelling Bee, Jeopardy and Speak Easy. Participants must be entering grade levels in September 2010. Space is limited. Registration ends 5 p.m. August 4, 2010. The Jeopardy Q&A and Spelling Bee word list will be available August 3.

Required documents for registration available:
In person: 42-07 Parsons Blvd Flushing, NY 11355
By fax: 718.353.4044 (Confirmation call required)
By email: mykim@ywcaqueens.org

All inquiries, including volunteering, should be directed to Moo Young Kim at 718.353.4553 x17 or mykim@ywcaqueens.org

New Board President

Chung Sook Park was elected last Thursday by the YWCA of Queens Board of Directors to serve as the organization's 18th board president. Jennifer Kang, Sunjae Oh, and Christina Choi were elected as the vice presidents. The new term officially begins on September 1, 2010 and ends on August 31, 2012.

Mrs. Park has been on the board of YWCA of Queens since 1984. She served as the 11th and 12th board president from 1996 to 2000 and served in many other important roles such as the chair of YWCA of Queens' Independence Committee, Building Committee and Gala Committee, as well as the leader of the Mother's Choir team. Mrs. Park is also an ardent supporter of the New York Music Competition for youth, Evergreen School for seniors and many other programs and services at YWCA of Queens that benefit local community members of all ages. Furthering emphasizing her dedication to the organization, every Tuesday she helps cook lunch for Evergreen School members. Her quiet yet relentless action and services make the YWCA's volunteerism vividly alive and inspirational.

Kumbok Kaye Min, the 16th and 17th board president whose term started on September 1, 2006, will finish her tenure as president until August 31, 2010. YWCA of Queens' bylaws regulates that the board officers shall be elected by the board to serve for a term of two years, and may serve two consecutive terms of office.

Summer Day Camp Fun

Last week campers embarked on this year's YWCA of Queens Summer Day Camp for a summer full of exciting and enriching experiences. Campers have already made many new friends, played interactive games and participated in challenging, yet engaging activities. The YWCA and its campers look forward to a fun-packed summer!

Mark the Date - Summer Literacy Festival - August 7, 2010

Sponsored by HSBC

The Summer Literacy Festival is back with some familiar and new competitions for family fun such as the annual Spelling Bee, Story Time, Teen Jeopardy, Alphabet Soup, Family Sing-A-Long, Speak Easy and a Live Puppet Show. For the Spelling Bee. Speak Easy and Teen Jeopardy competitions, participants have a shot at winning Barnes & Noble or Target giftcards valued up to $100.

This year's special guests include Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (who will read during Story Time) and Michelle Park, anchor for NY1 News.

The event is free, some come by and join us in celebrating literacy and the summer!

When: August 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: 4207 Parsons Blvd.
Includes: Free food, week long Scholastic book fair, clowns and face painting!

**Proof of grade level is required for Spelling Bee and Jeopardy. Participants must be entering grade levels in September 2010. Space is limited. Pre-registration begins Friday, July 9, 2010 until 5 p.m. August 4, 2010. Answers and word list available Aug. 3.

Required documents for registration available:

In person: 42-07 Parsons Blvd Flushing, NY 11355

By fax: 718.353.4044 (Confirmation call required)

By email: mykim@ywcaqueens.org

All inquiries, including volunteering, should be directed to Moo Young Kim at 718.353.4553 x17 or mykim@ywcaqueens.org

New Van in Action!

The Hyde and Watson Foundation and an anonymous donor provided YWCA of Queens with two grants that allowed the organization to purchase a brand new, spacious van. With the van, After School and Summer Day Camp participants can be picked up from various schools and locations around the community in a safe and convenient environment. The van will also be used for various program fieldtrips.

Send us a friendly honk if you see us cruising by!

Moving Up

Congratulations to the youth participants of our GED/Workforce Development program who achieved academic and professional excellence!

Nine students recently received their GED certification and two have obtained jobs. 15 students also received the National Retail Federation (NRF) certificate that recognizes the knowledge and critical skills recipients must have in order to succeed in the retail industry.

Students have access to a wider range of opportunities with GED and NRF certification and are ready to tackle the workforce or higher education. YWCA of Queens staff and participants celebrated these achievements with a Moving Upward party and we look forward to hearing of their future successes!

Also, visit the youth participants' blog to see what they're up to:

http://ywcaofqueens.ning.com/