Summer Camp, Dr. Mario Craig, and Donations
Yes, that is our Naycha in the half-page photo two weeks ago in Sunday’s Newsday! Summer Camp is in full swing and this year, over 40% of the campers are either homeless, shelter, or foster children. However, they are all extremely happy to be here and love the spirit of the camp as it’s a safe, clean, fun, loving environment and a cool place to be. After two years, weekly trips to the pool are back! As in previous years, we provide bathing suits when needed and each camper gets a new beach towel so that all the children can participate. There is a soft-serve ice cream truck at the pool which we have patronized in the past and he gave us a good deal so that each child could have an ice cream cone. This may not sound like a big deal to you, but to a homeless child, it is pure joy to sit on the grass after being in the pool and eat a whole ice cream cone, uninterrupted, and in a safe environment. Joe and Beth Gibbons sponsored the first week’s cones and Andrew and Lauren DeBardelaben sponsored last week. four more weeks to go.
Baby Formula, Proms, and Soccer
Friends,
Suffolk County First Precinct Captain Kevin Foley heard the call for help with baby formula; he took the time to purchase and drop off two cases of Similac to the Outreach Center. Kevin knows many of the children and their parents from the soccer clinic and wanted to do his part. We still do need all types of formula as we are receiving requests every day for different formulas from clients, agencies, even health clinics, and we just do not have enough of any at this point. In need at this time: Enfamil Neuro Pro, Enfamil Gentlease, Enfamil Neuro Pro Sensitive, and Enfamil (or CVS brand) Nutramigen Hypoallergenic infant formula with Iron. Today a client ( who has limited funds and without transportation) was crying and desperate since her baby can only digest the Hypoallergenic with Iron formula because the baby is Colic. We found 4 cans of CVS’s brand and the client was absolutely elated and again cried. The pressure on these mothers is unrelenting.
Two Quick Data Points…
Attached is a picture of some of the younger soccer clinic players last night, we had perfect weather.
Soccer Clinic, Baby Formula Shortage, and Inflation
Friends,
The Soccer Clinic is in full swing and we have more children this year than ever. If you want to witness these children in action… on a Monday night, come down to Wyandanch Park and watch the kids play as their parents look on. Our dedicated coaches and police officers are great and this event definitely helps solidify community relationships. On Monday, June 13th we are having the Soccer Clinic BBQ at the outreach and need a few more grills and cooks to help make 200 hamburgers and 200 hot dogs! Let me know if you can help.
Prom Season!! I Like This!
This is a great initiative!
As graduation approaches, every April the Outreach Center receives requests for prom dresses and men’s suits from the Wyandanch High School students. Like every graduating teenager, those in the less fortunate communities on Long Island also want to go to their prom but simply do not have the discretionary funds to fully participate.
A New Website for the Gerald Ryan Outreach Center
We are very pleased to announce that Long Island-based website design firm, Electric Bricks, recently completed a thorough revamping of our website. The new look improves navigation through our website, provides easy access to information about our operation, allows viewers to quickly contact us, and, importantly, enables those interested in making monetary donations to do so seamlessly via Paypal or credit/debit card.
1st Precinct/Suffolk County PAL/Outreach Center Soccer Clinic
COVID-19 – I Am So Over It!
I cannot believe that it has already been two years since we asked our volunteers not to come to the Outreach until it was safe. We started to transform our building in order to distribute food to our clients via a table outside the front door. Although, we faced many difficulties…we never closed our doors to our clients and the many Covid positive families in need.
Covid Protocols, Flu Shots, and Soup
Just a quick update from the Outreach Center here in Wyandanch!
We have now learned to adapt our services to meet all Covid protocols and are in full production mode, providing food, winter coats, and a host of social services to our clients and our street people. We are distributing food to an average of 45 families per day (depending on weather). St Hugh’s Project Hope has been donating hundreds of dozen eggs and half-gallon milk cartons weekly; that is a considerable help as there is nothing better than fresh milk! When we can, we also share this donation with other charities in Wyandanch, Amityville, and Bay Shore that also have a need.
