Educational Alliance

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

Tired of the same old dreck that passes for election analysis? So are we! That's why we're inviting you join us at the 14th Street Y on September 26 for this exciting event, moderated by our very own Richard Baum and featuring Josh Isay, Lisa Lerer, and Basil Smikle, PhD: https://lnkd.in/g2ACgiZD

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

Did you know that our Community Schools and Youth Development Program has a beehive?! 🐝 Learn more about the impact of the hive and how our afterschool/summer programs help change young lives:

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.