Newsletter Issue #57
APRIL 2021

SHARA LEE - A RISING STAR
Submitted by Shanelle Daly – Assistant Director of SONYC Compass Program

Shara Lee is a 6th grader in our SONYC Compass Program. This program is designed for middle school students. Shara has been shining in the program as a role model of excellence and being respectful. Shara enjoys expressing herself and allowing her voice to be heard. She participates daily, interacts with the students, and encourages others to join the program. Shara loves art and is currently learning and mastering new skills with our art teacher Ms. Shyann - she is very excited. She has been using these skills on a daily basis to perfect her craft. Shara also loves to dance and sing and is fascinated with Legos. We are very proud of Shara and look forward to seeing her continue to blossom!
 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Spring is always a gentle reminder of the amazing cycle of life. After the cold days of winter and the withering of the leaves, warmth returns and flowers begin to bloom. It’s comforting to know that we are governed by something greater than ourselves and that there is an order to the universe we live in, especially during times when it seems as though things are falling apart. Despite the many challenges of 2020 and the new issues we face in 2021, Sesame Flyers remains blessed to be doing the much needed community work we began, this month 38 year ago. April is also a significant month in that it is National Child Abuse Prevention month, a reminder of how much our commitment to “Love a Kid Today and Every Day” is needed in our community. As we begin the celebration of our 38th Anniversary, I look forward to seeing you virtually at the upcoming activities we have planned. I encourage you to participate in our celebration by making a $38 donation in honor of Sesame Flyers International’s 38 years of service.

Sesame Flyers International’s 38th Anniversary

In the joy that we share for our 38th Anniversary, as an agency we are also grappling with the loss of our dear “Sesame Baby” David Stevenson, of whom I had the pleasure of personally mentoring as a young boy. His transition has been very difficult for the agency as his warmth and kindness touched all of our hearts dearly. The sun has set on David, however, the fond memories we have of him now serve as our sunrise.
 

SESAME CELEBRATES 38 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE!
By Dr. Pearl Elie, Board Member

We have grown. This year Sesame Flyers International celebrates 38 years as a Community Based Organization. Thanks to our founder Joseph Charles [deceased], and to all the founding members who had the insight and the foresight to form an organization which put kids in the forefront. Because of the tenacity and commitment of both members and staff of the organization, Sesame Flyers continues to grow from strength to strength and continues to serve members of the community and the surrounding diaspora.

The organization has been very fortunate to attract several loyal supporters. We thank them also for their faith and loyalty to the organization. This Pandemic has spared no one and that includes Sesame Flyers. However, our fearless leaders, Mr. Raymond Luke, Chairman and Mr. Curtis Nelson, Executive Director of the organization have found innovative ways to keep our organization’s obligations to the community. Our virtual programs have helped the organization to maintain its outreach support and still maintain its high level of instruction to both our children and the community at large. Although we are considered old (38 years), in comparison to other organizations, we are still growing. We continue to find new and innovative ways to meet the changing and challenging needs of our community.

The organization has had to curtail many activities including its Annual Birthday Anniversary Celebration held in April. This is a time when we all get together with our families, friends, and community. Together we attend service at one of our community churches, then go to our Cultural Center for a celebratory lunch prepared by the members. Since this could not be done for the past two years because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, we found alternate ways to be together yet apart. When things seem impossible, Sesame Flyers always find ways to make them possible.

The journey has been tumultuous at times, however the Sesame Flyers Family knows that where there is a will, there is a way. We thank God for keeping Sesame Flyers International under his care. We thank the Board of Directors, the Membership, the Staff, and the Community for their solidarity on this journey. As we continue to climb and move forward, we hold steadfast to our Mission; “To provide a range of youth development, cultural, social welfare and supportive services to individuals and families residing in Brooklyn, N.Y.” While we continue to define this organization as a leader among its peers, the main focus will always be on the progress and success of all children. Our motto “Love a Kid Today and Every Day” is always in the forefront of everything we undertake. May God continue to guide, guard, and protect this organization for many more years to come as we continue to grow in strength, unity, and service.
 

REMEMBERING DAVID SIMEON STEVENSON
Sunrise February 8th 1982 – Sunset March 21st 2021.

Sesame Flyers had the pleasure of meeting David Stevenson when he was just 10 years old. He got connected to Sesame because of his love of music and Trinidad Carnival. David was given the opportunity to develop his budding interest in music in our afterschool programs. He went on to become a masterful drummer and learned to play the Steel Pan. He played and toured with us for over 10 years. In his time at Sesame, David grew to be a favorite amongst his peers. Due to his humble nature, welcoming smile and lighthearted approach to life, he was the kind of person that everyone got along with. Around Carnival time David would always stop by the Mas Camp and he continued traveling to Trinidad for Carnival, he was there for the 2020 celebration. David went on to become a New York State Corrections officer and enjoyed his job and co-workers. We bid David, our friend, brother, son and nephew farewell - until we meet again. 

"Though his smile is gone forever and his hand we cannot touch
Still we have so many memories of the one we love so much
His memory is our keepsake with which we will never part
God has him in his keeping, we have him in our hearts."
 

APRIL IS NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
Submitted by Leslyn Rahaman, Director of the Center for Family Support.

This article is written in memory of Ayden Dean Lamar Wolfe Oct 1, 2010 – Mar 6, 2021 in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention month. “The NYPD found ten-year-old Ayden Wolfe unresponsive and covered in cuts and bruises on the floor of his Harlem public-housing apartment, his family desperately attempting CPR. He was rushed to the hospital, but it was too late; he died two hours later. Wolfe’s stepfather, 34-year-old Ryan Cato, had beaten the boy for two days. He now faces murder and child-endangerment charges.

Ayden’s brutal killing is a tragedy in its own right, but it is not unique. Crime surged in American cities last year: shootings and homicides, and domestic violence, too. The tumultuous events of 2020—the pandemic, lockdowns, mass protests and riots, and the push to defund police departments—means that no one is sure exactly what to blame for the overall spike. But in the case of domestic offenses, the cause is clear: Covid-19 restrictions, imposed as a public-health measure, put potential victims into closer proximity with their victimizers, resulting—predictably—in more violence”. - City Journal

Sesame Flyers Center for Family Support Prevention Program is just a call away, 718-221-8881. We are committed to keeping our children safe and free from all forms of abuse.
 

SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND BUILD YOUR BUSINESS - BE A 2021 SYEP WORKSITE.

Do your part to give a young person the experience of a lifetime. Entrepreneurs, small and large have an opportunity to show youth ages 16-21 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 6 to August 14 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 Sesame Flyers was able to participate in the first ever SYEP Summer Bridge, a 100 per cent virtual work readiness program. Nearly 1250 youth aged 14-21 submitted applications to our agency. Youth from East Flatbush, Crown Heights, Canarsie, and East New York neighborhoods selected Sesame Flyers as their provider for this very special summer.

At the onset, it appeared that the funding for this vital program would be nonexistent given the reality of the current health emergency facing our City. As a result of the advocacy work done by the staff at the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, elected officials, and community stakeholders, 35,000 youth citywide were able to participate in the first ever fully digital work readiness program, SYEP Summer Bridge. 550 Participants enrolled by Sesame Flyers International engaged in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous work readiness assignments and career exploration exercises. Special attention was given to providing teens with the tools to cultivate healthy social and emotional relationships.

Sponsored by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, the SYEP program has implemented 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. This past summer, bringing the digital resources of Hats and Ladders for career exploration, YDI for the Project Based Learning, and grace & Associates for the Workplace Challenge curricula. We acknowledge their extraordinary efforts particularly during these uncertain times. We look forward to working with DYCD as it continues to develop new and innovative ways to deliver a quality work experience for the youth of our City.

This summer the outlook is more hopeful with a return to in person service for Older Youth who earn NYS minimum wage and learn time management, fiscal responsibility, and how to contribute as a member of an effective team. SYEP Participants spend their summer putting into practice the prized 21st century skill set of innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking.
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, and customer service. Youth who participate in the Project Based experiences can 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, get started with the online pre app here. Contact sfisyep@sesameflyers.org for a hardcopy application. The worksite application deadline is May 16, 2021. For more information, click the DYCD link.
 

SESAME FLYERS INTERNATIONAL CALENDAR 2021

NOTE : SESAME FLYERS INTERNATIONAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

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