March 14, 2012
On February 9, 2012, the Boys Club of New York (BCNY) in
Flushing welcomed the America Reads*America Serves (AR*AS) team
from St. John’s University to create Valentine’s Day cards. Over 30
St. John’s students were in attendance and delighted to work with
the youths. This event was a great success thanks to the combined
efforts of AR*AS team leader, Kerry Andreozzi and Junior Director
of BCNY, Durron Newman.
The AR*AS program is a great opportunity for the students at St.
John’s University to help the community by tutoring and mentoring
children of all ages. This program enables college students to
experience working with children in a positive and
community-friendly atmosphere. The America Reads component of the
overall program, geared for School of Education students, works at
sites which include local schools, libraries, and community
centers. The brand new America Serves component of the program,
enacted in 2011, encourages students outside of the School of
Education at St. John’s University to participate by carrying out
the Vincentian mission of service. Sites for America Serves include
hospitals, nursing homes, and other community service
sites. Overall, the St. John’s University AR*AS program has
served the community for over 10 years and continues to grow. The
program is directed by Dean Charisse Willis and Assistant Director,
Ms. Alexandra Foukalas. Four team leaders aid them in the
management of the program. Many students are encouraged to apply
both as federal work study applicants or volunteers.
The BCNY in Flushing is one of the three clubs dedicated to
getting boys off the streets and into a better environment. The
BCNY has taken part in helping the boys of New York for over 135
years, helping nearly one million young men in all parts of New
York City. The BCNY provides a safe and warm environment for the
boys to enjoy a full day of activities. They have volunteer workers
who help the boys with their homework before spending the rest of
their evening swimming, taking music lessons, and engaging in
sports. The BCNY has the best interest of the young men at
heart—wanting to help them in all ways possible.
During the Valentine’s Day card making event, the AR*AS team
worked side by side with Durron Newman to ensure each of the boys,
ranging in age from 8 to 12 years old, were having fun. There were
tables set up with colorful paper, markers, crayons, scissors, and
glue that the boys were able to use to help make their cards as
creative as possible. Durron spoke to the boys as a whole and
explained to make any type of Valentine’s Day card for whomever
they wanted. One ten year old found a special place for Team
Leader, Kerry where he began to sing and dance for her, acting as
if he was his idol, Justin Bieber. The fun did not stop after the
card making—the AR*AS team took part in playing pool and ping-pong
with the boys who did not want to make cards. It is easily said
that every boy had a fun, carefree time with help from the AR*AS
and BCNY teams.
-Kerry Andreozzi