Dear Friends:
We are grateful to be part of the COVID-19 vaccination effort in our great city. In the past two months CAMBA's hard working team has assisted in the distribution of 1,695 doses to those most vulnerable in our communities.
The daily reports on administered vaccinations are encouraging, but in our CAMBA Family, we must not let our guard down during the upcoming spring and summer holidays as a number of states are now seeing new surges in COVID cases.
We are committed to continuing our work in support of this critical effort, helping care for the safety and health of our community members, while fighting to prevent another surge in New York City.
In this month’s CAMBA Connection, we celebrate today’s girls who are sure to make history tomorrow, the expansion of our College Bound program for students who are the first in their family to attend college, and our new mobile ‘BIVO Violence-Prevention’ program which continues to support the Brownsville community during these difficult times. We also want to give a special thanks to Helen W. Kornblau, whose generosity brightens the days of the children at the Evergreen Family Shelter.
Please support our NYCRUNS Prospect Park 5K to Benefit CAMBA by making a donation or starting a GoFundMe page for the race. Your support helps us provide the services we need to advance an inclusive New York City.
Thank you for all you do for those in need,
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Joanne M. Oplustil
President/CEO
CAMBA/CHV/CLS
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Women's History Month: Girls In Action |
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CAMBA’s programs celebrated Women’s History Month in a number of ways, including recognizing today’s history makers though our “Girls In Action” program at the Howard Cornerstone Community Center in Brownsville. This compelling event spotlighted a number of young, impressive entrepreneurs. It was an excellent way to celebrate Women's History Month with a focus on our future stars. |
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Mia Frasie created ‘Glossed by Mia’ and at only 12 years old has already expanded her business. Customers can shop her website or find her wares on Instagram and Facebook. Mia’s product line expanded from lip gloss to lip scrub and UV/LED gel nail polish. With 62 products available, including two new Mia Bling bracelets, this is one impressive young entrepreneur.
“Watching my Mom work hard every day to provide for me and my family inspired me to start my own business.” – Mia Frasier
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Sha-keia Warren McCrae is building her clothing line, 'Play Money 101.' You can see and share her products here.
Sha-keia, who is 16 years old, was inspired by her father who has his own business. He helped her set up her business and find vendors to make her products.
“It takes time to build a business – the money I make goes right back into building my business.” – Sha-keia Warren McCrae
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Attendees also heard from Kennedy Lewis, a professional model who has been featured in name brand campaigns including Nike, J.Crew, Macy’s, and Target. At just 13 years old, Kennedy has learned much about the business world. We expect to see much more of Kennedy in the future.
“Don’t get discouraged. You can do whatever you put your mind to.” – Kennedy Lewis
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Collegiate Express participants on College Decision Day |
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We have begun the roll-out of our successful college access programs in our Beacon Community Centers, to be followed by an expansion to our Cornerstone Community Centers. The new College Bound Program will significantly expand the number of high school students participating in college access programs in after-school and weekend programming. College Bound will help students develop their skills and talents and support their academic progress starting in ninth grade. The dual-generation program also helps parents understand the college applications process and financial aid availability. These students are the first in their family to attend college, and through this program students and parents work towards “where” the student will go to college, rather than “if” they will attend college.
Our thanks to The Pinkerton Foundation for piloting Collegiate Express, CAMBA's first highly successful college access program, and supporting this expansion to more families and communities.
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Enough Is Enough - Hitting the Road in Brownsville |
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We are excited to unveil the new Cure Violence Brownsville In, Violence Out (BIVO) Mobile Unit. Our new BIVO Mobile Unit is designed to connect with the Brownsville Community and make the BIVO team much more accessible. The team will be able to respond to incidents faster and provide conflict resolution and mediation services to Brownsville residents that have suffered trauma caused by gun violence.
BIVO's program director, assistant director, violence interrupters, and outreach workers have already begun canvassing the community and providing assistance to the 73rd Precinct in the BIVO Mobile Unit. Our goal is not only to respond to incidents when they occur, but also provide preventive services, share information and resources, distribute personal protective equipment to combat COVID-19, as well as therapeutic services to help those dealing with stress and loss. The BIVO Team is committed to expanding the positive impact of the Cure Violence program with the Mobile Unit, and work together with the community to end gun violence.
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Donor Spotlight: The Evergreen Residence
Receives New Recreation Room
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Thanks to a generous donation from Helen W. Kornblau, the Evergreen Family Residence now has a beautiful and fully equipped recreation room. The donation was used for the installation of a striking new mural on the walls, educational, recreational and art supplies, and a projector, screen, and speakers for movie nights. The young people - and the families - at Evergreen are already enjoying their new space. The room looks fabulous! |
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Run For Good on April 17th! |
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This year, you be both the champion of your own personal 5K race AND a champion for thousands of struggling New Yorkers! Participate in a virtual run, walk or jump during the NYCRUNS 5K to benefiit CAMBA on April 17. You can also choose to run in person in Prospect Park - starting at 7 a.m., with waves of 50 socially distanced runners taking off at 30 minute intervals until noon.
Make a gift today and help our neighbors in need. All donations - big or small - make it possible for vulnerable NYC families to secure the necessities of life, including nutritional food, housing and education.
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CAMBA offers excellent career opportunities to candidates who are interested in growing with one of New York City's largest multi-service nonprofit providers. If you, or someone you know is looking to work for a caring, community-minded organization, please share our jobs link or visit CAMBA.org/careers to learn more about our programs and achievements.
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