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Giving Kids the Advantage

A Letter From Our Executive Director

The time has come. I never knew how or when, but I knew one day it had to come. I have made the heart-wrenching decision to move on from my full-time position with 15-LOVE. Sometime in the first quarter of 2025, I will transition out of my daily role as Executive Director at 15-LOVE, and into a new role with USTA Eastern ā€“ an organization that I also love, is vital to 15-LOVEā€™s success and that I have been involved with for many years. I have no intention of leaving 15-LOVE entirely, I am just changing my role from employee to volunteer.


ļ»æOur Board has formed a transition team, and is reviewing resumes. They are hopeful to make an offer to a new Executive Director by the end of the year, and have them start in the first quarter of 2025, giving me time to help them transition into the organization. I am thrilled for the opportunity for 15-LOVE to move the organization forward with a fresh set of eyes.


I am struggling with people saying ā€œcongratulationsā€ or with talking about this much because it is immensely difficult to leave the children, families, coworkers, board members, volunteers and supporters who are my second family, and who I love dearly. It is difficult to walk away from something that is so much bigger than me or any one person, and that I have given my heart and soul and time and passion to every day since 1996, when I began as an instructor in college. 15-LOVE has a unique and caring culture and community that simply isnā€™t found in many places, and that has made all the difference in thousands of lives over the years.


There is more to come when we know exactly when this transition will happen, but I wanted to let you all know that this is in the works. I am so very grateful for the love and support you have all given me, and the opportunity to serve our community in this way. We have accomplished a lot together, and there is so much still to be done. I look forward to helping from the sidelines.

What A Great Fall

We can't believe Thanksgiving is this week. Wishing you all an enjoyable and relaxing holiday!


This fall newsletter is packed with loads of content. Enjoy!

'It was never just tennis': 15-LOVE fosters leadership, teamwork skills

By Kyra Santicola

Program Director Domingo Montes of the Albany nonprofit 15-LOVE has experienced firsthand the impact his organization can have on underserved youth.


ā€œThis organization has changed my whole family's life, to be honest with you,ā€ Montes said. ā€œI was the first one in my family to graduate from high school, let alone go to college and finish college.ā€ Read more

518 Social Tennis Off To A Great Start

by Maggie Robinson

ļ»æ

518 Social Tennis is partnered with 15 LOVE and USTA Eastern to grow community tennis in the Capital Region. Using Central Park in Schenectady as our home base, we are excited to bring affordable family, adaptive, adult, teen, and beginner tennis opportunities to our communities! Our premier outdoor season brought round robin play, as well as family events such as Courtside Creativity and Courtside Costumes to Central Park. Courtside Creativity is an ongoing series of family red ball events. Each one has a special theme, our first event was a U.S. Open themed event which included an art project inspired by the 2024 U.S. Open poster. Unfortunately, that event was rained out and had to be held in our office with a tennis escape room in place of hitting shots, but fun was had by all!

 In October, we got into the Halloween spirit for the Courtside Costumes event, which brought ghoulish games, costumes, and snacks to Central Park.

518 Social Tennis is excited to provide a number of different Red Ball programs. Red Ball is part of a progression format which allows all skill levels to play together. Red ball uses a slower bouncing ball on a smaller court, allowing for a fun and social tennis experience for all ages. As the color moves towards yellow, the ball speed and court size increases. This format allows you to grow with the game. 

graphic courtesy: USTA Eastern


Check our Facebook and Instagram Pages for more photos and information about upcoming events!

Excellence Participants Attend the USTA Eastern College Showcase

Excellence participants attended the USTA Eastern College Showcase on November 10, 2024 at the Genesis Health Club at Saw Mill in Mount Kisco, N.Y. They enjoyed a full day of workshops, networking with college recruiters, and some time for match play.

Healthy Futures is Off to a Great Start!

by Anjalee Modasra


In the past few months, Healthy Future participants have had lots of fun exploring the environment, doing fun STEM activities, and learning about civic engagement!


ļ»æIn September, we took a trip to the Albany Pine Bush and learned about the unique inland pine barren that we have right here in our community. The kids did a 1-mile hike through the Pine Bush exploring the flora and fauna of the Pine Bush, discussing the importance of preserving and taking care of the land, and talking about the environment.

 


In October, the kids spent a lot of time learning various STEM topics. We learned about how sound works and made DIY smartphone speakers using paper towel tubes. We also had special guests from Regeneron come in and do a fun lesson where the kids learned about magnetism and made slime. They also learned about lipids and fats and made lip balm using coconut oil and cool aid.

In the last few weeks, weā€™ve had fun running our own mock election! In each class, the kids ā€œregistered to vote,ā€ nominated candidates, and put together campaign speeches on who they believe the best movie characters are! They voted last week, and the results are inā€¦Spiderman is the best superhero, and Olaf is the best Disney movie character! ļ»æSo much fun learning!

Fall Book Giveaway

Our Fall Book Giveaway was a success! More than 180 kids plus families passed through our doors for books, clothes, toys and to make a craft. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

We also want to thank the Spectrum Call Center for collecting books for us. They were so kind to drop off a couple of boxes, and these super cute handmade book markers. We love how our community is always there for us.

Lowe's Hometowns Project Is Complete

View the full photo gallery


This past summer we were chosen as a Lowe's Hometown Hero grant recipient. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to transform our teaching garden. Thank you Lowe's!


Take a look to see how we improved the functionality of the garden space by improving the walkways, installing a new shed and awning, and improving our outdoor educational space. We are super grateful to all the volunteers who came out and helped us complete our tasks.


Again, we owe a big shout out to Lowe's and their associates for making this project come full circle. We feel so incredibly lucky to have this opportunity. We look forward to sharing our space with our participants and the community.

Community Partner's

Learn about all the amazing things

USTA Eastern is doing.

Learn about all the incredible things the

ļ»æUSTA Foundation is up to.

Learn more about the CNSE at UAlbany

Learn about Cornell Cooperative Extension

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