On Friday, January 25, Forestdale’s Youth Development Department presented our first Winter Festival, with parents and staff gathering for an evening showcase by our talented youth.

The funding will help to provide 50 Forestdale youth with career exploration workshops, job skills training and structured internships.

This past weekend JetBlue Airways, one of Forestdale’s major corporate sponsors, treated our youth to a trip up to the University of Vermont for a college tour. The University and UVM tour guide Alex rolled out the red carpet for the youth, showing them around the beautiful campus located in Burlington, VT. Forestdale youth had dinner in the UVM cafeteria, saw the ALANA Student Center (ASC) and met with administration officials from Financial Aid.

Forestdale sends our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by Super Storm Sandy. Many people in the New York area, including many Forestdale families and staff, continue to be dramatically impacted by the aftermath of the storm. However, Forestdale showed our resilience and took some time to enjoy the Fall season last Wednesday, October 31.

Forestdale’s Fathering Initiative alumni and volunteer Xavier Arthur was recently recognized for his volunteer work mentoring fathers at Forestdale. Queens Courier named him a “Star of Queens.”

Congratulations Xavier!

Over 300 fathers and significant male caregivers from Forestdale’s Fathering Initiative spent the morning with their children by bringing them safely to school. Participating locations included PS 147, IS/PS 266, IS 59, Preparatory Academy, PS 208 with All Pro Dads, and Quick Start Head Start Day Care.

Beginning this October, Girls on the Run will join Forestdale. The program, which began in 1996, uses running as a way to enhance self esteem and self respect in girls.

New York State Assembly Member Grace Meng says Forestdale, Inc. is a “gem” in the Queens, New York Community!

Forestdale is closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 3. Please have a safe and happy holiday. Enjoy your time with friends and family!

Reverend Alfonso Wyatt has worked with three generations of young people as an educator, counselor, program developer, administrator, mentor and advocate in New York. His “Starve the Beast” campaign is a consortium of leaders of all faiths, ethinicites and political alliances, united for the healing of our communities and making our streets safer.