Friday, January 15, 2010
Hanging with the Mentees
"Hope sees the invisible,
feels the intangible and
achieves the possible"
The Mentees are here, the Mentees are here reads Erika's E-Mail. You could not help but hear the excitement pouring through. I have followed the journey of these courageous students by viewing the website,www.Active Compassion Transforms.org and through E-Mail updates from Erika, the Executive Director of this progressive organization, so aptly titled, Active Compassion Transforms, ACT for short. With hard work and dedication, the ACT team was able to bring 10 students fro the School of Hoope, in Cape Town, South Africa; who were given a chance through the kindness of the ACT team and others who are giving them hope in their young lives.
On this incredible trip, the mentees would meet their Mentors who had spent months through interACT, a secure online mentoring program, getting to know each other, listening to the heartbreaks of these wonderful children. They spent time building a relationship and the mentors guided them in the right direction. These dedicated souls were living up to ACT's mission which invites you to take action, to have compassion and such acts will certainly lead to transformation. The students were also paired with individuals who were established in fields that piqued the mentees interest and they spent time shadowing and learning the ropes of their careers they hope to pursue. Having fun in the big apple was part of this amazing journey.
My two charges were Mishqa and Lee-Anne who are interested in Social Work and Child Care. I took them to a WIC center and all the staff got involved in showcasing our work world. They were given a brief history of WIC and then stopped at each work 'station' to learn more about the daily activites. We were entertained by a video of past events while getting ready for the day's get together. Lee-Anne and Mishqa donned gloves and aprons, chopped and stirred, adding their culinary skills to the preparation of the kale and bean soup. The Nutritionists gave their good for you blessings as we dived in to this delicious soup made by the hands of those who cared. Good to the last drop!
Everyone was in step as we moved to the beat, challenging our limbs and having fun. Lunch was a spread of yucca, rice and beans, chicken, plantains and green salad with avocado, washed down with orange juice or water.
We walked through the neighborhood, pointing out places of interest and walking off the hearty meal that seemed to have stuck to our ribs. We romped a little, posing for photos on sidewalk benches. When we returned to the WIC center, Lee-Anne and Mishqa were given the opportunity to talk about their day, which they eloquently described as one of joy. We feel the same, thanks for sharing bits and pieces of your lives with us.
On the weekend the mentees decided to thank their mentors and all who contributed to make it possible for them to take this journey. They prepared tasty and satisfying dishes from South Africa, names that have now escaped me. We were treated to dancing by a fearless mentee, who creatively did a solo act. We had a poet in our midst who made his feelings known through his words. He told us the interpretation was up to us. Poet Laureate, I heard words of pain, joy and most of all gratitude.
Their teacher, who looked as youthful as those whose lives she was working to transform, spoke from the heart about the transformation she is witnessing in her beloved students. Tears were shed, tears of joy and gratitude for Erika and her crew. The students were lost for words except to say,thank you. And if may add my penny's worth, Thanks to the ACT organization for their superb job! Erika, et al, you are an inspiration and I am so grateful Carol to have met you that fateful morning, on the street while I was hustling to fundraise at Jamba juice. Glad to have been caught in the ACT.
Kudos
feels the intangible and
achieves the possible"
The Mentees are here, the Mentees are here reads Erika's E-Mail. You could not help but hear the excitement pouring through. I have followed the journey of these courageous students by viewing the website,www.Active Compassion Transforms.org and through E-Mail updates from Erika, the Executive Director of this progressive organization, so aptly titled, Active Compassion Transforms, ACT for short. With hard work and dedication, the ACT team was able to bring 10 students fro the School of Hoope, in Cape Town, South Africa; who were given a chance through the kindness of the ACT team and others who are giving them hope in their young lives.
On this incredible trip, the mentees would meet their Mentors who had spent months through interACT, a secure online mentoring program, getting to know each other, listening to the heartbreaks of these wonderful children. They spent time building a relationship and the mentors guided them in the right direction. These dedicated souls were living up to ACT's mission which invites you to take action, to have compassion and such acts will certainly lead to transformation. The students were also paired with individuals who were established in fields that piqued the mentees interest and they spent time shadowing and learning the ropes of their careers they hope to pursue. Having fun in the big apple was part of this amazing journey.
My two charges were Mishqa and Lee-Anne who are interested in Social Work and Child Care. I took them to a WIC center and all the staff got involved in showcasing our work world. They were given a brief history of WIC and then stopped at each work 'station' to learn more about the daily activites. We were entertained by a video of past events while getting ready for the day's get together. Lee-Anne and Mishqa donned gloves and aprons, chopped and stirred, adding their culinary skills to the preparation of the kale and bean soup. The Nutritionists gave their good for you blessings as we dived in to this delicious soup made by the hands of those who cared. Good to the last drop!
Everyone was in step as we moved to the beat, challenging our limbs and having fun. Lunch was a spread of yucca, rice and beans, chicken, plantains and green salad with avocado, washed down with orange juice or water.
We walked through the neighborhood, pointing out places of interest and walking off the hearty meal that seemed to have stuck to our ribs. We romped a little, posing for photos on sidewalk benches. When we returned to the WIC center, Lee-Anne and Mishqa were given the opportunity to talk about their day, which they eloquently described as one of joy. We feel the same, thanks for sharing bits and pieces of your lives with us.
On the weekend the mentees decided to thank their mentors and all who contributed to make it possible for them to take this journey. They prepared tasty and satisfying dishes from South Africa, names that have now escaped me. We were treated to dancing by a fearless mentee, who creatively did a solo act. We had a poet in our midst who made his feelings known through his words. He told us the interpretation was up to us. Poet Laureate, I heard words of pain, joy and most of all gratitude.
Their teacher, who looked as youthful as those whose lives she was working to transform, spoke from the heart about the transformation she is witnessing in her beloved students. Tears were shed, tears of joy and gratitude for Erika and her crew. The students were lost for words except to say,thank you. And if may add my penny's worth, Thanks to the ACT organization for their superb job! Erika, et al, you are an inspiration and I am so grateful Carol to have met you that fateful morning, on the street while I was hustling to fundraise at Jamba juice. Glad to have been caught in the ACT.
Kudos
Saturday, November 28, 2009
CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION
"Success is to be measured
not so much by the position
that one has reached in life
as by the obstacles which he
has overcome while trying to
succeed."
Booker T. Washington
Dear Friends,
I am always surprised at the selfless attitude of so many caring people. The generosity is contagious. So many of you have come forward to help us help those in need who have been placed in our path. We are extremely grateful for your commitment to the Choose To Care Organization and it's mission. We have reached the ripe old age of 2 years old and it was pocket change from a large glass jar that held some long forgotten food that was used as a start-up. We always believed that when we are beckoned, help would come in time, so we forged on.
Through established organizations, in the Bronx, NYC, South Africa, Miami,Haiti, etc; we were able to gladden the hearts of many children and young adults who would have gone barefooted, or continued to wear ill-fitted shoes or shoes that have seen better days. Because of your rapid response and a little something extra, there is a cause for celebration. Thank you for your support. We appreciate all you do for the Organization and just as we knew, even pocket change can make a big difference in a child's life.
So as we bid 2009 Adieu,we hope to do better and better and we are sure we have found
the perfect partnership with you. With so many potential recipients with equally important causes, vying for your largess, we want to express heartfelt and sincere gratitude for putting a smile on the faces of children and young adults in need and a brand new pair of shoes on their feet.
Warmest Wishes!
not so much by the position
that one has reached in life
as by the obstacles which he
has overcome while trying to
succeed."
Booker T. Washington
Dear Friends,
I am always surprised at the selfless attitude of so many caring people. The generosity is contagious. So many of you have come forward to help us help those in need who have been placed in our path. We are extremely grateful for your commitment to the Choose To Care Organization and it's mission. We have reached the ripe old age of 2 years old and it was pocket change from a large glass jar that held some long forgotten food that was used as a start-up. We always believed that when we are beckoned, help would come in time, so we forged on.
Through established organizations, in the Bronx, NYC, South Africa, Miami,Haiti, etc; we were able to gladden the hearts of many children and young adults who would have gone barefooted, or continued to wear ill-fitted shoes or shoes that have seen better days. Because of your rapid response and a little something extra, there is a cause for celebration. Thank you for your support. We appreciate all you do for the Organization and just as we knew, even pocket change can make a big difference in a child's life.
So as we bid 2009 Adieu,we hope to do better and better and we are sure we have found
the perfect partnership with you. With so many potential recipients with equally important causes, vying for your largess, we want to express heartfelt and sincere gratitude for putting a smile on the faces of children and young adults in need and a brand new pair of shoes on their feet.
Warmest Wishes!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY
"You can become the star of the hour
If you make the minutes count."
Anonymous
CHOOSE TO CARE celebrated the BIG 2,it's second birthday in September, and although it is a little late we wanted to wish them well. BIRTHING was not easy. It took some time to establish our existence, our purpose and to convince our donors that we are a worthwhile organization.
Now we have made it to the toddler stage that many say is the difficult period. We did not have a birthday bash, although we are extremely happy about our accomplishments and future prospects. We will continue to make connections with people and hold them dear to our heart because CHOOSE TO CARE was never only about fundraising. We love getting together with the members of the Women's Club, telling stories of the traveling shoes and the distant they went to land on the young child's feet. As we try to make a difference in their world we hope you will continue to be engaged with our projects.
We have began to plan our next celebration, a date has not been set but this fete will take on a different tone. CHOOSE TO CARE will celebrate you, it will be a day for stepping out in style, a day to honor our connection.
Living With Gratitude!
Peace And Love!
If you make the minutes count."
Anonymous
CHOOSE TO CARE celebrated the BIG 2,it's second birthday in September, and although it is a little late we wanted to wish them well. BIRTHING was not easy. It took some time to establish our existence, our purpose and to convince our donors that we are a worthwhile organization.
Now we have made it to the toddler stage that many say is the difficult period. We did not have a birthday bash, although we are extremely happy about our accomplishments and future prospects. We will continue to make connections with people and hold them dear to our heart because CHOOSE TO CARE was never only about fundraising. We love getting together with the members of the Women's Club, telling stories of the traveling shoes and the distant they went to land on the young child's feet. As we try to make a difference in their world we hope you will continue to be engaged with our projects.
We have began to plan our next celebration, a date has not been set but this fete will take on a different tone. CHOOSE TO CARE will celebrate you, it will be a day for stepping out in style, a day to honor our connection.
Living With Gratitude!
Peace And Love!
A NEW CONNECTION
"Giving is to serve a portion for oneself"
Zulu:South Africa
CHOOSE TO CARE has made connection with the Active Compassion Transforms(ACT)Organization, which inspires and empowers a group of South African students to live successful and productive lives. It was by chance that we came upon this amazing organization. This happened when we were trying to fundraise on the street, enticing the passersby to buy from JAMBA JUICE who committed to give us 20% of the sales made on the specific date dedicated to the CHOOSE TO CARE Organization. We met one of the members of ACT. Since then I have been in communication with Erika Lee the Executive Director and I am excited to work with her.
The ACT organization has been mentoring children who attend the HOPE school and live in the Cape Flats of South Africa. It is remarkable the accomplishment this organization has met since its farly young existence.(A little over a year) ACT has entered into an ambitious plan to bring 14 of the children to New York City this winter. Of course CHOOSE TO CARE will provide winter shoes for each child. But so much more is needed, visit the web site www.activecompassiontransforms.org and read all about this wonderful endeavor and give a helping hand if you can. Stay tune also for the anticipated adventure the children will have. This trip will certainly have an impact on their young lives.
Stay Well!
Zulu:South Africa
CHOOSE TO CARE has made connection with the Active Compassion Transforms(ACT)Organization, which inspires and empowers a group of South African students to live successful and productive lives. It was by chance that we came upon this amazing organization. This happened when we were trying to fundraise on the street, enticing the passersby to buy from JAMBA JUICE who committed to give us 20% of the sales made on the specific date dedicated to the CHOOSE TO CARE Organization. We met one of the members of ACT. Since then I have been in communication with Erika Lee the Executive Director and I am excited to work with her.
The ACT organization has been mentoring children who attend the HOPE school and live in the Cape Flats of South Africa. It is remarkable the accomplishment this organization has met since its farly young existence.(A little over a year) ACT has entered into an ambitious plan to bring 14 of the children to New York City this winter. Of course CHOOSE TO CARE will provide winter shoes for each child. But so much more is needed, visit the web site www.activecompassiontransforms.org and read all about this wonderful endeavor and give a helping hand if you can. Stay tune also for the anticipated adventure the children will have. This trip will certainly have an impact on their young lives.
Stay Well!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
FOOT LOOSE AND FANCY FREE
"Deeds of giving are the very foundations of the world"
The Torah
The calls were coming in, just checking they said, to see if it is still on!!?? What is a little rain I thought, maybe a Tsunami would stop me in my tracks. So yes, it was still on. We were about to log a few miles walking but we knew that once we reached our destination, we had enough time to take a load off our feet.
So where are we headed? To the South Street Seaport. This is the place where streetside stands and familiar mall stores line the pathway. Tonight the streets were less dense with people, maybe many had taken shelter from the rain, that had left a dampness in the air. Where are you sun? On the way we passed an intense basketball game, heard loud music that seemed to pierce the skies and we couldn't help swaying to the familiar sounds. As we continued on our way we saw couples walking to their own beat as if unaware of the rain and the noise around them, only absorbed in each other. The eating spots sent out fiery scents but we were on our way to Pier 17 to the Cabana Restaurant and our minds were on the great tasting food that awaits us. From perfumes to ice cream and sparkling costume jewelry there is certainly something in this place for everyone.
The early birds decided to look down from the balcony, waving with excitement each time we noticed one of our die-hard supporter in the crowd. Our hand waves and smiling faces said "come on up, we are waiting for you, glad you could come." After all the members of the women club we were expecting arrived, we took our seats. The joint was jumping, we moved to the rhythm in our chairs, meet and greet each other again, shoot the breeze and then attacked the menu with a voracious appetite.
Most of us knew what we wanted, others studied the offerings a little longer, wanting to make the right choice. Over my corner where I broke bread, there was constant praise for the great tasting food and all around our tables, the expressions seemed to say "simply delicious" Oh, the joy of eating well. When the chomping gave way to laughter and talking and the last of the dishes were cleared we took the time to talk about what the CHOOSE TO CARE Organization had been up to. A portfolio of photos of the children and thank you notes were living proof of the programs we have supported and a reminder of the difference we are making. We will always be grateful for your contribution to the well-being of their young lives. Congratulations to the winner of the treasured silver shoe, this is a reminder of your commitment to our pledge to provide underprivileged children and young adults with a brand new pair of shoes.
The women's club members did it again, August 28,2009 will be a night to be remembered. We experienced relaxation, enjoyed belly laughs, made connections, bared our souls and when we bade farewell, there was an upbeat mood.
The outing had not yet ended and many were asking about the next event. Someone in the crowd jokingly said that these events seem to bring out the rain. So true my friends but these are showers of blessings. Stay tune for the next magical event. Hope to see you there, RAIN OR SHINE!
Much Love!
The Torah
The calls were coming in, just checking they said, to see if it is still on!!?? What is a little rain I thought, maybe a Tsunami would stop me in my tracks. So yes, it was still on. We were about to log a few miles walking but we knew that once we reached our destination, we had enough time to take a load off our feet.
So where are we headed? To the South Street Seaport. This is the place where streetside stands and familiar mall stores line the pathway. Tonight the streets were less dense with people, maybe many had taken shelter from the rain, that had left a dampness in the air. Where are you sun? On the way we passed an intense basketball game, heard loud music that seemed to pierce the skies and we couldn't help swaying to the familiar sounds. As we continued on our way we saw couples walking to their own beat as if unaware of the rain and the noise around them, only absorbed in each other. The eating spots sent out fiery scents but we were on our way to Pier 17 to the Cabana Restaurant and our minds were on the great tasting food that awaits us. From perfumes to ice cream and sparkling costume jewelry there is certainly something in this place for everyone.
The early birds decided to look down from the balcony, waving with excitement each time we noticed one of our die-hard supporter in the crowd. Our hand waves and smiling faces said "come on up, we are waiting for you, glad you could come." After all the members of the women club we were expecting arrived, we took our seats. The joint was jumping, we moved to the rhythm in our chairs, meet and greet each other again, shoot the breeze and then attacked the menu with a voracious appetite.
Most of us knew what we wanted, others studied the offerings a little longer, wanting to make the right choice. Over my corner where I broke bread, there was constant praise for the great tasting food and all around our tables, the expressions seemed to say "simply delicious" Oh, the joy of eating well. When the chomping gave way to laughter and talking and the last of the dishes were cleared we took the time to talk about what the CHOOSE TO CARE Organization had been up to. A portfolio of photos of the children and thank you notes were living proof of the programs we have supported and a reminder of the difference we are making. We will always be grateful for your contribution to the well-being of their young lives. Congratulations to the winner of the treasured silver shoe, this is a reminder of your commitment to our pledge to provide underprivileged children and young adults with a brand new pair of shoes.
The women's club members did it again, August 28,2009 will be a night to be remembered. We experienced relaxation, enjoyed belly laughs, made connections, bared our souls and when we bade farewell, there was an upbeat mood.
The outing had not yet ended and many were asking about the next event. Someone in the crowd jokingly said that these events seem to bring out the rain. So true my friends but these are showers of blessings. Stay tune for the next magical event. Hope to see you there, RAIN OR SHINE!
Much Love!
Friday, August 28, 2009
THANK YOU NOTES
A shout out to JAMBA JUICE: Where a concoction of fruits, soy milk and other powerful ingredients produce great tasting beverages, good to the last drop. August 27, 2009 was the day given to us by the JAMBA JUICE outfit, that do their part to support others who are involved in improving communities, providing for children in need and much more. On this day, I gathered a few willing assistants to help me distribute fliers to passersby, you know, the man in the street, enticing them to go into the store and buy JAMBA goodies, which allowed us to receive 20% of their purchase for the CHOOSE TO CARE organization.
Thanks to: Margo who packaged and distributed the fliers and worked her shifts.
Ms. Judy, who gave the fliers to her people as she calls them.
Jared, who traveled into Manhattan to give a few hours of his precious time.
Jeff, who sells his wares on the corner, across from the bold emblem that says, JAMBA JUICE but he never tasted it's offerings until this day and liked it so much that he helped to spread the word to his customers and also had a second helping.
This was some experience. The reaction of mortals varied so much but soon I got the drift of who would stop, who would brush you off and those who would linger. We met a young woman who had just recently done the same drill at this store located at West Broadway for her organization. So we chit-chatted for a while, exchanged calling cards and I am sure our paths will cross again.
So, let me invite you to stop in and while you are there look around for some other eye-catching menu items. My recommendation, the California Flatbread which bares names such as, Four Cheesy, Smokehouse Chicken, etc. It really does the stomach good. To Mr. Robert Carter, General Manager and his crew, we certainly appreciate your kind gesture and wish you heavy traffic in your store. Thanks to those who have joined the cause, you have been awesome It was a wonderful and fruitful day(pun intended) Go see for yourself!
Cheers!
Thanks to: Margo who packaged and distributed the fliers and worked her shifts.
Ms. Judy, who gave the fliers to her people as she calls them.
Jared, who traveled into Manhattan to give a few hours of his precious time.
Jeff, who sells his wares on the corner, across from the bold emblem that says, JAMBA JUICE but he never tasted it's offerings until this day and liked it so much that he helped to spread the word to his customers and also had a second helping.
This was some experience. The reaction of mortals varied so much but soon I got the drift of who would stop, who would brush you off and those who would linger. We met a young woman who had just recently done the same drill at this store located at West Broadway for her organization. So we chit-chatted for a while, exchanged calling cards and I am sure our paths will cross again.
So, let me invite you to stop in and while you are there look around for some other eye-catching menu items. My recommendation, the California Flatbread which bares names such as, Four Cheesy, Smokehouse Chicken, etc. It really does the stomach good. To Mr. Robert Carter, General Manager and his crew, we certainly appreciate your kind gesture and wish you heavy traffic in your store. Thanks to those who have joined the cause, you have been awesome It was a wonderful and fruitful day(pun intended) Go see for yourself!
Cheers!
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