New Waves at New Life
Autumn/Winter 2024, Vol. 21
Executive Director's Corner
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and at New Life of NYC we are celebrating!
I had the honor of helping to serve the Thanksgiving meal at our Brooklyn location. It was a joy to see the smiling faces and to learn so much about our New Lifers and their families. We are grateful for a new partnership with Re-Think Foods. Through this relationship, we are able to provide high-quality, tasty, and healthy meals at special events and on Tuesdays and Fridays at both locations. We are also celebrating the season by participating in His Toy Store through our annual Gifts to the City outreach.
Each year, along with our local partners, we distribute hundreds of gifts to families in our communities. Let’s all remember the reason for the season and the “good news that will cause great joy for all the people…a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) On behalf of Team New Life, Seasons Greetings, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.
Richard Hoffman
2024 Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Gratitude, togetherness, and celebration filled our hearts at New Life of NYC as our community gathered for our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Staff, parents, and New Lifers joined hands—and hearts—for a night of delicious food, fellowship, and reflection on the countless blessings of the past year. It was an evening to remember, highlighting the love, support, and unity that make New Life of NYC so special.
Held at New Life's Brooklyn site, the event featured shared stories and a meal made possible by dedicated staff and volunteer contributions. It was a beautiful evening reflecting the spirit and connection that define our community. It was a moment to reflect, looking back with gratitude and ahead with a renewed purpose.
New Life's 2024 Annual Gifts to the City
This December, we celebrated our Annual Gifts to the City at our Brooklyn and Lower East Side (LES) locations. Overflowing with holiday spirit, this event brought the communities we serve together for music, games, laughter, and the joy of unwrapping surprises.
Because of the unwavering commitment of our partners—Hope For New York, #HisToyStore, World Vision, Vision Urbana, and New York City Parks—over 250 children will wake up on Christmas morning with smiles and joy in their hearts.
Here’s a closer look at what made this year’s Annual Gifts to the City such a success.
Event Highlights
Both our Brooklyn and LES locations were transformed into holiday wonderlands, buzzing with excitement and cheer.
- Music: Guests were welcomed with Christmas music that set the perfect holiday mood, including a performance by a local artist.
- Games: With our game stations for kids, laughter echoed as little ones and families alike enjoyed moments of pure fun.
- Gift Wrapping and Giving: Every child had the joy of picking up personalized gifts. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly to wrap these presents, ensuring they were as thoughtful and festive as possible.
- Meeting Santa Claus: What’s Christmas without Santa? The man in red made a special appearance to the delight of children, who shared their wishes and snapped memorable photos.
These elements weren’t just about holiday cheer—they brought families together, strengthened the bonds of community, and reminded everyone of the warmth and joy that this season brings.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, volunteers, staff, New Lifers, and supporters who make these moments possible.
New Life of NYC Announces Partnership with Rethink Food to Enhance Food Security
New Life of NYC, a nonprofit focused on youth empowerment, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Rethink Food (www.rethinkfood.org). This collaboration targets the enhancement of food security specifically for our New Lifers, youths aged 12-18.
This initiative will provide meals directly to our New Lifers, ensuring they have the nutrition to support their growth and development. This effort is not just about immediate relief but also about fostering long-term sustainability in food access specifically for our young members.
This partnership emphasizes our commitment to nurturing a healthy and empowered future for the youth population we serve, ensuring they have consistent access to the resources they need to thrive.
Impacting the Next Generation: My Journey with New Life
Christopher Paez: New Life Alumni & Youth Worker
When I was a teenager at New Life, the organization really shaped my life. It gave me direction and purpose when I needed it most. New Life provided a safe space, caring mentors. I picked up valuable life skills and got a better grasp of who I wanted to be, and for that, I’m super grateful.
As an alum and team member at New Life of NYC, I’m all about giving back to the next generation. I spend my time supporting our programs and working directly with the teenagers, helping them tackle challenges and grow. Whether it’s through activities that promote positive behavior or just being someone they can count on, I want to make sure our New Lifers feel that same sense of belonging and encouragement that I had. Watching them thrive and seeing their happiness is what keeps me motivated, and it’s my way of ensuring that New Life stays a place where young people can really shine and reach their full potential.
