In Their Own Words – J-Quan Nooks

My name is J-Quan Nooks, a 19-year-old sophomore currently majoring in Political Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. I am a goal-driven student with a 3.7 GPA and a deep passion for my studies. My ultimate aspiration is to attend law school and pursue a career as a civil rights attorney.

While I am dedicated to my academic journey, the cost of tuition presents a significant challenge for me and my family. However, with the support of the Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program, I can focus on my education without the financial strain, alleviating the burden on both me and my mother, for which I am grateful.

In Their Own Words – Aryan Lahar

I am currently a sophomore at the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University. During my freshman year, I attended the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College in New York City, where I studied economics. Recognizing that my career aspirations in finance would be better aligned with opportunities at a different institution, I dedicated much of my time to researching and applying to universities that could provide the environment and resources I needed to grow.

This transition would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program, which enabled me to focus on my academic and personal development without financial constraints. Since joining Cornell, I have had the privilege of becoming involved in several business organizations that are helping me refine the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in finance.

I remain incredibly grateful for the opportunities made possible through the Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program and am determined to make the most of them as I continue to grow both personally and professionally.

A message from the President

Dear Friends:

Our main mission at the 1199SEIU Child Care Funds and Corporation is to ensure access to quality, affordable child-care and youth programs to 1199SEIU members and the community at large. I am happy that the Child Care team is moving forward with that charge to help meet the demands of today.

This season’s newsletter highlights the different ways that our programs positively impact youth and families, from our Future of America Learning Center (FALC) graduates this past summer declaring “When I Grow Up, I Want to Be…” as they made their way to kindergarten, to sending over 700 children to sleep-away camp for an unforgettable experience. You will also meet Ashley and Sandip, who both graduated as registered nurses after participating in our Youth Mentoring Program and WorkForce 2000 Pre-RN programs, respectively. Both also benefited from our Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program to help with college costs. I’m so proud of how many lives we have touched and the successes that come along with this.

On November 14, we hosted our 16th annual Care for Kids Gala, where we had the honor of celebrating City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and the cultural institution that is Harlem School of the Arts. We were able to raise funds for our Child Care Corporation programs, while recognizing individuals and institutions that share our love for community, and highlighting all the amazing work that we do.

With 2024 underway, we remain committed to not only making child care accessible for working parents—as it should be—but also providing our youth enriching programs and services. This includes the addition of a Child Care app for an easy application process and one-stop shopping for accessing information, providing child-care programs for Home Care members and piloting additional youth programs that give more exposure to healthcare careers.

Enjoy the newsletter and watch us get to work!

Sincerely,

Rossmery Dais

Executive Director, 1199SEIU Child Care Funds

President, 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation

FALC Pre-K Graduation (2022–2023 School Year)

On Friday, June 23, 2023, the Future of America Learning Center (FALC) proudly celebrated the highly anticipated graduation of 45 students among our three pre-K classrooms with an in-person event on site.

Each classroom’s presentation included a medley of rich activities, profound tributes and expressive slideshows reflective of the school year.

Among the pre-K classrooms, the children presented a lively showcase of song, dance and declaration of their career goals of “When I Grow Up, I Want to Be…” while being cheered on by supportive families, friends, teachers and 1199SEIU Child Care Funds staff.

Parent representatives, teachers and leadership expressed warm memories, thoughtful sentiments, positive anecdotes and heartfelt testimonials about their FALC experience and personal aspirations for the children.

The children were visibly proud, engaged and joyful in their time to shine individually and as a classroom community.

We are confident that our FALC scholars, our rising kindergartners, have a strong academic foundation, nurturing socio-emotional support and substantial value system to soar and achieve their self-proclaimed dreams.

SHSAT Prep

The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) Prep Program prepares seventh- and eighth-grade students for the admissions test for entry into one of New York City’s nine specialized high schools.

Throughout the semesters, students attended admissions workshops, worked through practice materials and learned test-taking strategies to strengthen their skill sets in specialized interest areas as they geared up for the test in November 2023.

16th Annual Care for Kids Gala: Empowering Families, One Generation at a Time

The 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation’s 16th annual Care for Kids Gala was held on November 14, 2023, at The Current at Chelsea Piers. The event’s theme was “Empowering Families, One Generation at a Time,” reflecting how our impact stands the test of time in helping families balance their essential work and family life.

The event was chaired by Nadine Williamson, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. In addition to hosting distinguished guests and community members, our gala honored Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez of The City University of New York, and Harlem School of the Arts for their extraordinary commitment to the children and students of New York City.

The 2023 event raised over $300,000 for CCF and CCC programming. We were honored to be joined in person by many of our colleagues and community members to celebrate all that we have accomplished, and look forward to many more years of uplifting our youth, their families and our communities. Thank you to all who supported our programs this year, and we look forward to seeing you November 20, 2024, for the 17th annual Care for Kids Gala!

To donate to our programs, please visit www.ChildCareCorp.org/donate.

In Their Own Words: Ashley Aguilar – YMP

As a new graduate Registered Nurse, I would like to thank 1199SEIU and the Youth Mentoring Program (YMP) for where I am today. This program takes a chance on the potential of young individuals like me and believes in greatness. I don’t come from a family of healthcare professionals, so to achieve something as demanding as nursing school and pass my NCLEX on the first attempt made me truly believe I have greatness in me.

My experience during the YMP opened a door to opportunities for me, and it made me realize how much I wanted to join the nursing profession. It was because of this program that I was chosen among 200 people to enter a very competitive nursing program. Every sacrifice, every obstacle I have endured was because this program took a chance on me and believed I had greatness in my future. I would not be the successful person I am today had I not been a part of the YMP.

Six years later, I never would have thought I’d be a college graduate from nursing school, with my license as a Registered Nurse and my first job as a Cardiac Stepdown Nurse at North Shore University Hospital. A true Cinderella story indeed. I am eternally grateful for all the support my friends, family and Northwell Health have offered me. I hope my story inspires young individuals to believe in greatness and tap into their true potential as well. The future is very bright, and I can’t wait to begin my journey as a Registered Nurse helping those in need with a caring hand.