| Welcome to our new edition of our volunteer digest! Sanctuary has exciting things to share as we begin to transition from spring to summer programming. |
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Welcome to our third edition of The Advocate! We have exciting things to share as we begin to transition from spring to summer programming.
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Thanks to everyone who joined us at this years’ Pillars of Change. Volunteers, staff, friends, and family gathered to celebrate the contributions of our volunteers and recognize our four incredible honorees — Chris Dsilva, Naomi Gans, Lawrence Savell, and Agnes Szanyi.
Sarah Burke House (SBH), Sanctuary’s large transitional shelter, is filled with creative artists. We wanted to share some of the beautiful creations the kids have worked on with volunteers and staff in the After School Program this spring. Summer at SBH will begin July 7th. If you would like to sponsor an unforgettable outing for the kids this summer, send us an email to find out how!
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Interview Prep, Career Days, Tutoring, and Job Aides Initiative volunteers are continuing to support clients in Sanctuary’s Economic Empowerment Programs. Through the help of volunteers, clients continue to gain new skills and confidence on their journey to career path employment.
Sanctuary is welcoming over 40 summer interns agency-wide in May and June. The interns are joining us from dozens of schools around the country, and we look forward to their impactful contributions on clients and staff alike.
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Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, so many of our clients felt cherished this Mother’s Day.
Sanctuary’s Family Council purchased 73 Mother’s Day care packages for Sarah Burke House and Sanctuary’s four Crisis Shelters.
Middle school students from New York Junior Tennis and Learning assembled 25 Mother’s Day self-care kits. Each kit is filled with motivational pouch, journal, pen, facial, lip and foot masks.
City National Bank assembled 22 Mother’s Day baskets filled with beauty and self-care items.
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If your company or group is interested in supporting Sanctuary through a donation of goods or organizing a “Kit Building event”, please contact us at inkind@sffny.org.
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Liam Tay & Nyilah Thomas
Clinical Department Volunteers
Liam and Nyilah have been described by their supervisors as dedicated, empathetic, and empowering volunteers. Together they have provided continual and meaningful support to our children and teen clients through education programs, workshops, and Camp HOPE.
Liam shared a memory when the campers awarded him with "most whimsical as a Camp HOPE counselor" — an award he will always cherish. He also shared how meaningful it was to support the same clients after camp.
“I heard from my supervisor, Eleana, that she was planning a college readiness workshop for the kids. With my background in education I thought that I could help the same kids who called me whimsical. I've been volunteering ever since and I've been grateful that I found someplace where my skills and experiences can help a community that I care about”.
Nyilah has also shared what she calls a life-changing experience.
“Through my work with the Clinical Department, I have had the privilege of supporting youth clients in college and career readiness activities, including college tours, college panels, and essay writing workshops. What began as a way to give back has grown into a true passion for working with young people. Watching them build confidence, dream bigger, and take steps toward their futures has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. This experience has not only deepened my commitment to social justice but has also given me a clear sense of purpose: to continue empowering and advocating for youth as they build the lives they deserve.”
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We are grateful to our partners for the amazing contributions to Sanctuary! Below are a few highlights:
Cleary Gottlieb organized and hosted the second annual “Period Product Packing Party” at the end of March and also welcomed our Youth Leadership Program participants in April for an evening of career exploration and fun.
A huge thanks to supporter, Jacqueline Newman, for bringing the Gift of Giving Store to Sarah Burke House, where the children were able to choose a Mother’s Day gift for their moms, do arts and crafts, and enjoy sweet treats!
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Jacqueline shares, “At The Gift of Giving Store, we transform the simple act of gift-giving into an empowering experience for children living in shelters or connected with organizations for victims of domestic abuse. Our mission is to provide these children the opportunity to select a special gift for their mothers on Mother’s Day and during the holiday season, enriching their lives through the joy of selflessness and appreciation.”
Two groups of volunteers from AIG joined us for the day on May 15th to assist with organizing and preparing donations for clients.
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Upcoming and Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
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Join Sanctuary at the following celebrations:
- June 4th: Zero Tolerance Benefit (Get Tickets)
- June 26th: Economic Empowerment Graduation
- June 29th: NYC Pride Parade
Mark your calendars for Sanctuary’s upcoming volunteer orientation on June 17th, 5-6 PM.
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