On March 16, afterschool program participants spent their time on various activities during their half-days off from school.Monday, March 22, 2010
After the Last School Bell
Week of March 15, 2010 Issue 8 no. 2
On March 16, afterschool program participants spent their time on various activities during their half-days off from school.
On March 16, afterschool program participants spent their time on various activities during their half-days off from school.
Work It Out - Youth Workforce Development Program
Week of March 15, 2010 Issue 8, No. 1
Participants of the Job Readiness program through the YWCA of Queens' Youth Department took on job seeking roles last Friday. The group of young people commuted to Bayterrace Shopping Mall in their suits where they submitted job applications. Some even took on initial interviews with potential employers. For a few, it was a fearful experience. For some, it increased expectations and anticipation. Ms. Stella Sunwoo, Youth Program Coordinator and Career Counselor at the YWCA, serves as more than mentor to these young people. She understands how the job search process can be overwhelming and intimidating for everyone, regardless of age. By providing encouragement and guidance, young people can gain confidence of what they can offer to the work force. At the end of the day, these participants gained familiarity with the job searching process-restoring hope.
Participants of the Job Readiness program through the YWCA of Queens' Youth Department took on job seeking roles last Friday. The group of young people commuted to Bayterrace Shopping Mall in their suits where they submitted job applications. Some even took on initial interviews with potential employers. For a few, it was a fearful experience. For some, it increased expectations and anticipation. Ms. Stella Sunwoo, Youth Program Coordinator and Career Counselor at the YWCA, serves as more than mentor to these young people. She understands how the job search process can be overwhelming and intimidating for everyone, regardless of age. By providing encouragement and guidance, young people can gain confidence of what they can offer to the work force. At the end of the day, these participants gained familiarity with the job searching process-restoring hope.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Taekwondo Belt Promotion Ceremony
Week of March 8, 2010 Issue 7 no. 2
YWCA Taekwondo program held a Belt Promotion Ceremony on Saturday February 27, 2010. 11 students promoted from white to yellow belt after the test. Collaborating with TKD Korea, YWCA of Queens has been providing Taekwondo classes from Monday through Saturday for children and youth since Janaury this year.
YWCA Taekwondo program held a Belt Promotion Ceremony on Saturday February 27, 2010. 11 students promoted from white to yellow belt after the test. Collaborating with TKD Korea, YWCA of Queens has been providing Taekwondo classes from Monday through Saturday for children and youth since Janaury this year.
A Look Into the ESOL Program
Week of March 8, 2010 Issue 7 no. 1
Last week on Wednesday, March 3rd, the YWCA welcomed Laura Grulich, Adult ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Program site visitor from the city. Ms. Grulich was able to see how serious students are in the classroom and the dedication of the instructor. Students' dedication to learning has taken a positive turn. To raise the retention rate of students, YWCA has increased its investment in teachers. Through a series of curriculum development workshops led by more experienced educators, teachers gain knowledge and practical skills to use inside the classroom. As a result of supplemental training, monitoring, and supporting of teachers, students have a more stable, qualified education.
Over the course of time, the program has grown significantly. Based on surveys conducted in previous terms, students' number one reason for attending this program was due to recommendations from friends, family, and members of the community. This growth is supplemented by commitment-especially this current term. After a short break and cancelled classes due to inclement weather, students' daily attendance remains the same.
The ESOL Program, one of the most in demand in the community, is a program in which the YWCA prides itself for a high reputation for excellence in education and the ardent learning environment. However, the program is in jeopardy due to budget cuts. Instead of holding classes until June 11th, classes will have to end on May 19th-one month earlier than planned. Unlike the past, summer classes may not be able to open unless additional funding sources are found. This is not only a misfortune for students. Teachers may have to be out of a job for over three months. Continuous progress of the ESOL program is now being challenged seriously.
Over the course of time, the program has grown significantly. Based on surveys conducted in previous terms, students' number one reason for attending this program was due to recommendations from friends, family, and members of the community. This growth is supplemented by commitment-especially this current term. After a short break and cancelled classes due to inclement weather, students' daily attendance remains the same.
The ESOL Program, one of the most in demand in the community, is a program in which the YWCA prides itself for a high reputation for excellence in education and the ardent learning environment. However, the program is in jeopardy due to budget cuts. Instead of holding classes until June 11th, classes will have to end on May 19th-one month earlier than planned. Unlike the past, summer classes may not be able to open unless additional funding sources are found. This is not only a misfortune for students. Teachers may have to be out of a job for over three months. Continuous progress of the ESOL program is now being challenged seriously.
Immigrants' Day of Action in Albany
Week of March 1, 2010 Issue 6
On Tuesday, March 2nd, nine members of YWCA of Queens joined hundreds of immigrant New Yorkers at the 10th Annual Immigrants' Day of Action at the state's capitol. This day, organized by the New York Immigration Coalition, consisted of a short march through the capitol followed by legislative visits with elected government officials. This day presented opportunities for participants to present immigrant communities' pressing issues before assembly members and senators in an effort to protect or expand services of New York's diverse communities. Critical issues that immigrant populations face are quality education, housing conditions, health care, and workers' rights.
Tuesday's events shed hope for the future. Students expressed appreciation for the YWCA's cost-free services. Many ESL student shared their concerns about how the involuntary summer break would slow their language evolution process as new immigrants. As a serious English learner, she had looked forward to her classes and finds alternative services unpromising. YWCA of Queens encourages you to take action in protecting our services as our community face budget cuts. At YWCA, of Queens we want our community members to take action about urgent issues.
On Tuesday, March 2nd, nine members of YWCA of Queens joined hundreds of immigrant New Yorkers at the 10th Annual Immigrants' Day of Action at the state's capitol. This day, organized by the New York Immigration Coalition, consisted of a short march through the capitol followed by legislative visits with elected government officials. This day presented opportunities for participants to present immigrant communities' pressing issues before assembly members and senators in an effort to protect or expand services of New York's diverse communities. Critical issues that immigrant populations face are quality education, housing conditions, health care, and workers' rights.Tuesday's events shed hope for the future. Students expressed appreciation for the YWCA's cost-free services. Many ESL student shared their concerns about how the involuntary summer break would slow their language evolution process as new immigrants. As a serious English learner, she had looked forward to her classes and finds alternative services unpromising. YWCA of Queens encourages you to take action in protecting our services as our community face budget cuts. At YWCA, of Queens we want our community members to take action about urgent issues.
Apply for 13th Annual New York Music Competition
Week of February 22, 2010 Issue 5
The YWCA of Queens in collaboration with the Korea Daily News, presents the 13th Annual New York Music Competition. The competition, originally called the New York Music Festival, was established in 1998 to promote youth's appreciation of music and to give an opportunity for young people to showcase their musical talents. With the help of Bo Young Lee from the New York Korean Cultural Center, the first piano contest, totalling 74 contestants from the age of seven, began.
With community support, the competition has matured and now features piano, violin, and cello performances. Winners have had the privilege of performing their pieces at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall. The YWCA looks forward to the fresh talent in this year's competition.
Competition Information
With community support, the competition has matured and now features piano, violin, and cello performances. Winners have had the privilege of performing their pieces at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall. The YWCA looks forward to the fresh talent in this year's competition.
Competition Information
Who:
Piano: Contestants must be 7-15 years old as of March 5, 2010
Violin: Contestants can be up to 15 years old as of March 5, 2010
Cello: Contestants must be 9-17 years old as of March 5, 2010
Piano: Contestants must be 7-15 years old as of March 5, 2010
Violin: Contestants can be up to 15 years old as of March 5, 2010
Cello: Contestants must be 9-17 years old as of March 5, 2010
Where:
YWCA of Queens 42-07 Parsons Blvd Flushing, NY 11355
When:
Monday, March 29th through Thursday, April 1st
Complete application must include: application form, proof of date of birth, one photo of contestant, and non-refundable fee of $100
All applications must be postmarked by March 12, 2010. Please contact 718.353.4553 for additional information.
Day Camp and more
Week of February 15, 2010 Issue 4
Mid-Winter Recess Camp
Tuesday, February 16th, kicked off the YWCA's weeklong Midwinter Recess Camp. Led by teachers, young students filled their mornings with math and English skill building. Following lunch, with the assistance of Project City volunteers, students had a time of arts and crafts as well as Taekwondo. Students went on a fieldtrip to the New York Hall of Science where they wrapped up their winter recess experience.
Universal Prekindergarten Registration
The YWCA of Queens is offering FREE 2 ½ hour classes for children born in 2006. Classes are held Mondays through Fridays from 8:30am to 11am and 12pm to 2:30pm by experienced teachers with an academically appropriate curriculum in a spacious classroom. Classes include physical activity, story time, and small group activities. Registration begins Monday, March 1, 2010. For more information, please contact mk@ywcaqueens.org or 719.353.4553. Please bring a copy of the child's birth certificate, immunization card, and two proofs of address (i.e. copy of lease, ConEd bill).
Mid-Winter Recess Camp
Tuesday, February 16th, kicked off the YWCA's weeklong Midwinter Recess Camp. Led by teachers, young students filled their mornings with math and English skill building. Following lunch, with the assistance of Project City volunteers, students had a time of arts and crafts as well as Taekwondo. Students went on a fieldtrip to the New York Hall of Science where they wrapped up their winter recess experience.
Universal Prekindergarten Registration
The YWCA of Queens is offering FREE 2 ½ hour classes for children born in 2006. Classes are held Mondays through Fridays from 8:30am to 11am and 12pm to 2:30pm by experienced teachers with an academically appropriate curriculum in a spacious classroom. Classes include physical activity, story time, and small group activities. Registration begins Monday, March 1, 2010. For more information, please contact mk@ywcaqueens.org or 719.353.4553. Please bring a copy of the child's birth certificate, immunization card, and two proofs of address (i.e. copy of lease, ConEd bill).
Evergreen Seniors Celebrating Lunar New Year
Week of February 8, 2010 Issue 3 no.1
In addition to celebrating traditions, these women gather on a weekly basis to gain educational, recreational and wellness services and activities. Their experiences span outside the Korean culture. English language and conversation remain the cornerstone of Evergreen School. Upon completing eight straight semesters of classes over four years, the students have a formal graduation where they receive heartfelt congratulations from family and friends.
On Tuesday, February 9th, the women of Evergreen School gathered to share in the festivities of the upcoming lunar new year. After sharing a meal of rice cake soup and warming up their vocal cords, the dressed to impress ladies in their traditional Korean attire, threw their hands in the air for some friendly competition of Yut. Yut, a traditional board game uses sticks, or do, in place of dice. Continuing traditions such as celebrating the lunar new year supports the YWCA of Queen's goals to acculturate and provide ways for seniors to live healthy, balanced lives.
In addition to celebrating traditions, these women gather on a weekly basis to gain educational, recreational and wellness services and activities. Their experiences span outside the Korean culture. English language and conversation remain the cornerstone of Evergreen School. Upon completing eight straight semesters of classes over four years, the students have a formal graduation where they receive heartfelt congratulations from family and friends.
Youth GED Orientation
Week of February 1, 2010 Issue 2 no.2
The program owes its success to its dedicated instructors and the openness for change from its students. The program has focused on redefining and reassuring students of what school is about. Mr. Michael Luk, an instructor and counselor, has been commuting three hours each way for the past few years. He says, "It's worth it," because he finds this program rewarding for more than just his students. He has seen progress. Therefore, it is no surprise that some students have gone on to prestigious institutions and world renowned companies. This program serves to mentor students beyond the realms of the classroom.
January 29, 2010 commenced another cycle of the YWCA of Queen's GED Program. The program has been providing a nurturing environment where students can renew their focus towards their academics and employment. Many of the program's students come from varied backgrounds where alternative solutions to learning are unavailable. This program provides hope to those who seek a home for continuing their education.
The program owes its success to its dedicated instructors and the openness for change from its students. The program has focused on redefining and reassuring students of what school is about. Mr. Michael Luk, an instructor and counselor, has been commuting three hours each way for the past few years. He says, "It's worth it," because he finds this program rewarding for more than just his students. He has seen progress. Therefore, it is no surprise that some students have gone on to prestigious institutions and world renowned companies. This program serves to mentor students beyond the realms of the classroom.
A Letter to the YWCA
Week of February 1, 2010 Issue 2 no.1
Y Evergreen Care, one of the fast growing programs at the YWCA, is committed to providing personalized home care services. Women who join the team of Y Evergreen Care are generally older immigrants who have limited employment opportunities. Through Y Evergreen Care, these women with minimal English can apply their native language skills which care receivers are able to value. It is difficult to put a price on the work of these women because they provide more than the physical aspects of their job.
Recently, the YWCA received a letter written by Ms. Kumhee Hong, a patient of Y Evergreen Care. After a number of surgeries including one in her spine, Ms. Hong sought out the services of a home health aide. To add to her sensitive state, she had difficulty finding a home health aide that satisfied her needs. After many disappointments, she was introduced to Ms. Eun-A Lee.
Ms. Lee worked on meeting Ms. Hong's immediate needs during her visits--even when words did not suffice. Ms. Lee's services lightened her view of home health aides. Ms. Hong wrote in her letter, "[Ms. Lee] assisted me physically and mentally [during a] traumatic situation...I can trust her."
Y Evergreen Care, one of the fast growing programs at the YWCA, is committed to providing personalized home care services. Women who join the team of Y Evergreen Care are generally older immigrants who have limited employment opportunities. Through Y Evergreen Care, these women with minimal English can apply their native language skills which care receivers are able to value. It is difficult to put a price on the work of these women because they provide more than the physical aspects of their job.Recently, the YWCA received a letter written by Ms. Kumhee Hong, a patient of Y Evergreen Care. After a number of surgeries including one in her spine, Ms. Hong sought out the services of a home health aide. To add to her sensitive state, she had difficulty finding a home health aide that satisfied her needs. After many disappointments, she was introduced to Ms. Eun-A Lee.
Ms. Lee worked on meeting Ms. Hong's immediate needs during her visits--even when words did not suffice. Ms. Lee's services lightened her view of home health aides. Ms. Hong wrote in her letter, "[Ms. Lee] assisted me physically and mentally [during a] traumatic situation...I can trust her."
Friday, March 12, 2010
New Executive Director
Week of January 25, 2010 Issue 1
On January 11, 2010, Ms. Katie Hyojung Kim began her new role as Executive Director at the YWCA of Queens. She started her career at the Y in 2006 and had been serving as Program Director for the Adult Education Programs and Social Services. Some of Kim's responsibilities have included the Women to Work Program, which provides job readiness skills to immigrant women, the Adult Literacy Program and the Summer Literacy Festival. Kim comes from a diverse background which contributes to her success here at the Y.
Kim's background includes International and Comparative Studies in Education. She left California after accepting the Dean's Fellowship through NYU's School of Education and is fluent in four languages including Korean, French and Japanese. Her wide range of work allows her to lead and learn, while being culturally competent to the communities the YWCA of Queens serves.
Among her many goals is continuing to bring the mission of the YWCA of Queens to existence through its programs. She hopes the Y will be a place of inclusive community where women and youth will be confident and empowered. She is excited about her new responsibilities and looks forward to continuing her service here.
On January 11, 2010, Ms. Katie Hyojung Kim began her new role as Executive Director at the YWCA of Queens. She started her career at the Y in 2006 and had been serving as Program Director for the Adult Education Programs and Social Services. Some of Kim's responsibilities have included the Women to Work Program, which provides job readiness skills to immigrant women, the Adult Literacy Program and the Summer Literacy Festival. Kim comes from a diverse background which contributes to her success here at the Y.Kim's background includes International and Comparative Studies in Education. She left California after accepting the Dean's Fellowship through NYU's School of Education and is fluent in four languages including Korean, French and Japanese. Her wide range of work allows her to lead and learn, while being culturally competent to the communities the YWCA of Queens serves.
Among her many goals is continuing to bring the mission of the YWCA of Queens to existence through its programs. She hopes the Y will be a place of inclusive community where women and youth will be confident and empowered. She is excited about her new responsibilities and looks forward to continuing her service here.
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