Kenmare student gains confidence for college

by Adriana Rodriguez/Student, Kenmare High School

What: College Survival Skills class from Saint Peter’s College
When: September to December, 2008
Why: To give a better understanding for college education

Never in my dreams would I have ever thought about sitting in a college class or even entering in a college. It was very interesting to be in the classroom on our field trip to St. Peter's. I felt very comfortable and confident to interact with the class. I loved every moment of being there.

Our teacher taught us about financial aid, grants, scholarships, and spoke about life in college. She brought guest speakers from different colleges to talk about college experiences. After seeing that there is a way to go to college, I am applying once I graduate from Kenmare.

Santa comes to York Street!

By Keith Suthammanont/Asst. to the Director, The Nurturing Place

Despite this being the busiest time of year for him, Santa managed to make a quick visit to The Nurturing Place yesterday. He was greeted with cheers of “Santa!!”

And as we all know, Santa does not come empty handed. He brought a special present for each and every child in the Center.

From all of us here at York Street, I would like to wish all of you a blessed and happy holiday!

Career day at Kenmare

By Metrice Griffin-Johnson/Social Worker, Kenmare High School
Yesterday was career day at Kenmare. Those who work in our community shared their experiences in hope of inspiring our students to pursue careers in their respective fields. This activity prepares students for the job internships that is a graduation requirement.

In this photo, Latonya Shaw, a Human Resources Business Advisor for Barclays Global Investors, is telling sturents about the appropriate attire for an interview as well as what types of questions are asked on an interview. The students were really eager to receive the information she had to share.

Thanks also to Anjanette Stewart, Family Advocate, Jersey City Child Development Centers Inc.; Stacy A. Biancamano, Attorney at Law, Arleo, Donohue & Biancamano; and Keyerva Thompson, Jersey City Fire Department.

Our kids get into some art

"Painting and drawing are the languages of kids," says Jersey City-based artist, Grigory Gurevich.

With funding from Hudson Artists, Inc., Mr. Gurevich gave a printmaking workshop this morning at The Nurturing Place.

TNP Star Volunteers

Two of our steadfast volunteers for The Nurturing Place, Alex Lupo and Oscar Contreras, were honored by their fellow students at St. Peter’s Preparatory School’s Thanksgiving prayer service.

Located one block from the York Street Project, Prep students have a long standing tradition of fulfilling their required 60 hours of service through volunteering in our classrooms. Alex and Oscar have been exceptional volunteers, each spending more than 150 hours working side by side with our staff and doing anything and everything that was asked of them.

“They are wonderful male role models for our children and a shining example of servant leadership. I have no doubt they will continue to make an impact in their communities, as well as at whichever universities they chose to attend in the Fall,” says Sr. Barbara Moran, founding Director of The Nurturing Place.

Read about it here

Thanksgiving 2008

As you can see, this is the first posting on this blog. We're still keeping up the NJ.com blog for selected entries, but here you will find a more informal, "insiders" journal of what's happening here on York Street. I hope that our posts will inspire responses. The photo is from today. We were very fortunate for all of the donations. Our children at The Nurturing Place were able to have a great feast today. In addition, their parents and the women at Kenmare were able to take home baskets to prepare their own meals.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Marc