Educational Alliance

How can people find a space to flourish in this time of upheaval? The organization I lead, Educational Alliance, is a settlement house; today, I wrote an op-ed on why settlement houses are particularly important right now and how they provide opportunities for communities to thrive. "Settlement houses offer what we have lost as our society spirals through various crises: compassionate, localized assistance when we need it; a way to experience life together, as friends and communities; kindness, and generosity of spirit. Individuals don’t have to suffer alone, without companionship, support, or hope. In a time of turmoil, we can create our own places in which to flourish." I hope you'll take a minute to read the full article (below) and learn how our settlement house model can help make a difference in the lives of vulnerable Americans across the country. https://bit.ly/4hGikZU #settlementhouses #community #oped

You’ve undoubtedly heard about the mental health crisis plaguing teens in our country. There have been a number of worthy proposals, but I’m convinced one of the answers is a community that cares. Every day after school, the Teen Center at Educational Alliance’s Manny Cantor Center is filled with young people who have found a special place where adults offer guidance, friends understand them, and services are tailored to empower them to flourish.    Our Teen Center was recently renovated, thanks to the generous support of Panda Express. Now it’s the bright, flexible space that these kids deserve.    In the video below, I speak with Teen Center Director Tiana Morrison. Please take a moment to watch the video and learn how building community can meet the challenge of helping teens to thrive. https://lnkd.in/eKNreJYx #community #teens #teencenter

My new op-ed: How can we fix our divided country? An op-ed I wrote was recently printed by publications across the Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK. In this article, I discuss how community centers like Educational Alliance can help bridge political divides and address the loneliness epidemic in our country.    For more than a century, Educational Alliance has been building connections and community, almost always across lines of race, religion, and class. In my experience, when we do the thoughtful, intentional work of creating a reason to connect, people seize the opportunity, love it, and come back. You can read the full article by clicking on the link below: https://lnkd.in/em4vrcYC   #community #communitycenters #oped

Last night, I attended a menorah lighting in Union Square Park, hosted by Educational Alliance’s 14th Street Y. There was a great spirit in the crowd, and it was wonderful to see so many members of our community show up to participate in the songs, prayers, and festivities.   After we lit the candles for the second night of Chanukah, we were treated to Yiddish Chanukah music, and then to a special, interactive insta-choir experience led by Cantor Sarah Myerson. The party continued with a Chanukah celebration back at 14Y, complete with latkes and jelly donuts.   This event reflected what 14Y does best as downtown’s Jewish Community Center, and I look forward to seeing this new tradition continue for the downtown Jewish community for many Chanukahs to come!   #Chanukah #MenorahLighting #UnionSquarePark #UJA-Federation of New York

I get to see a lot of joyous rooms here at Educational Alliance. One of my favorites is the sewing and crafts group that gathers every Friday afternoon down the hall from my office. For years, the women in this group have been coming together to improve their sewing skills, catch up with old friends, and make some new ones. Their experiences with Educational Alliance span their lifetimes, from the earliest years of childhood to their older adult years. And as they grow older, Educational Alliance maintains its commitment to helping them age with dignity. That commitment is a sad counterpoint to what often goes on in our city. We live in a society that values what’s new and economically productive. True respect for older adults – defined by real investment in allowing them to flourish – is often sorely lacking. Please take a moment to watch the video below. It’s a powerful testimony to what community and services mean to older adults, and why they're worth fighting for. And, aside from that message, I guarantee the people you meet in the video will brighten your day.  #advocateforaging #nycaging #olderadults

Troy Boze is using his passion for music to create the successful program "Musical Pathways to Wellness" with the Educational Alliance in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The program brings people together through music, regardless of their skill level, and has been effective in helping people recover from substance use and breaking down stigma. Through this program, Troy is inspiring others and proving that there's always hope for recovery. ⭐ To learn more, check out the video below or visit oasas.ny.gov. #EveryStepOfTheWay #RecoveryIsPossible #CertifiedRecoveryPeerAdvocate

What inspires you to keep going when you feel like you’ve reached your limit?    Twenty-four years ago, Aaron Lazar achieved his dream of becoming a successful actor. He went on to star in numerous hit Broadway shows, sing in renowned concert halls, and appear in critically acclaimed films. That all changed three years ago, after being diagnosed with ALS. That’s when Aaron began to remake his life to achieve a new dream: healing in the face of tremendous adversity.    On October 28, Aaron will be sharing his story at the 14th Street Y. Titled "The Impossible Dream," his performance will offer insights into creating a purpose-driven life through courage, trust, and patience.    I hope you’ll join us – and Aaron- on October 28 for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of story, song, and conversation as he shares his extraordinary journey of turning a devastating diagnosis into a life-changing calling.   The Impossible Dream will be followed by a Q&A, moderated by David Perpich, a longtime executive at The New York Times (and currently publisher of The Athletic), who  is a friend of Aaron’s and a friend of Educational Alliance as well.    The Impossible Dream: Aaron Lazar’s Transformational Journey of Healing Monday, October 28 | 7:30PM | 14Y Theater Get tickets: https://lnkd.in/eHvRaQza #broadway #als #endals #musicheals #impossibledream

On the way into my office at the Manny Cantor Center I took the picture below of Diana and her son, Mattias, on the first day of pre-school. Next that one is a picture of Noah arriving for his first day at the 14th Street Y. You can’t miss their pride and excitement at the year ahead. I’m thrilled to welcome our children back to school at Educational Alliance’s Manny Cantor Center and the 14th Street Y. Both of our pre-schools are unique, special programs that nurture young learners and ignite their curiosity. I feel so lucky to start each day walking through a lobby buzzing with the excitement of children starting their paths as lifelong learners. #preschool #nyc

Today is my one year anniversary as CEO of Educational Alliance and I'm celebrating it by posting pictures from my first graduation ceremony at the early childhood program in the Manny Cantor Center. The faculty is amazing and the quality of the education is extraordinarily high. What's also unique is that it combines UPK, Head Start and tuition funding. The result is a school that brings together the children and families from all parts of our community. From my perspective, being at the ceremony embodied so much of what I love about this job: community and the belief that every person should flourish. Below are some pictures of the kids and one of me with Martha Lee, our fantastic Senior Director of Early Childhood.