New Waves at New Life
Summer 2024, Vol. 20
By Richard Hoffman
The Impact of New Life’s "Summer of Fun" Series
A Letter To Myself
A Heartfelt Testimony from New Lifer Sieanna
New Life of NYC is Now Affiliated with Hope for New York
Summer Recap Galleries
Executive Director's Corner
Not only was Summer 2024 one of the hottest on record, it was also one of the busiest for Team New Life. We hit the streets, from basketball and tennis courts to museums, roller skating, and BBQs in the park. And that is not all; we also moved into a brand new Lower East Side location. Our new space, on Ludlow Street, is strategically located between the historic Katz’s Deli and the recently named Beastie Boys Square.
This new LES location increases our visibility and provides a welcoming environment for the many teenagers in the neighborhood. The completion of Phase I provides a lounge and gaming area, a learning center, an arts corner, and a flexible workspace for the staff. We look forward to carrying the excitement of a busy summer into the new school year as the LES and Brooklyn teams prepare to finish the year strong. Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with Team New Life!
Richard Hoffman
The Impact of New Life’s "Summer of Fun" Series: A Safe and Enriching Environment for Teens
This summer, New Life's Summer of Fun series provided a secure and safe space for teenagers, effectively addressing the common risks associated with the summer months.
Based on an article from Sedona Sky Academy, summer break can lead to academic decline, a lack of structure, and an increase in risky behaviors such as substance use and unsafe activities. These challenges often arise from boredom and insufficient supervision, leaving teens susceptible to negative influences.
At New Life, we confronted these issues directly through our programming, which is built on our five pillars: academics, arts, athletics, service, and spiritual growth.
Our initiatives kept teens engaged throughout the summer, offering them opportunities to acquire new skills, explore their passions, and maintain connections with their peers. This not only helped mitigate feelings of isolation but also provided them with a supportive social network that encouraged positive development.
The summer months are particularly crucial in shaping teens' futures. By keeping them active and involved, we helped them sidestep the pitfalls that often accompany unstructured time.
Through academic support, creative expression, physical activity, community service, and spiritual development, New Life offered a holistic approach that empowered teens to flourish both personally and socially.
A Letter To Myself
Message to Jayshawn in four years
Hello, my name is Jayshawn. Let me share my story about the car accident. After having a great time, I had just come out of the pool, but I realized I forgot something, so I rushed back and ran into the street. That’s when I got hit! I was in recovery for six months, and when I finally woke up, I was in shock. I found myself in a room surrounded by people I had never met before. It felt surreal. My mom came in to check on me, and I was so happy to see her.
While there, I made new friends, including a kid named Sammy. He had just come out of two surgeries and had a tube in his abdomen. He expressed his sadness about his situation and started to cry, struggling to find his faith. It broke my heart to see him in pain, so I told him to never give up and to keep his faith strong.
I worked hard during my recovery and endured a lot of needles—ouch! I also helped many kids realize they still have a chance to find meaning in their lives.
I want to remind you that you should never give up or listen to the negative voices in your head. Keep striving for the top. Even if you’re experiencing pain, live your life passionately. If you see me, know that I’m just a kid who’s been through lots of challenges, and I want to encourage you to persevere. Life can have meaning.
Hey! Don’t’ forget to check out our New Lifers’ artistic expression, we’re really good!
My Journey of Transformation: A Heartfelt Testimony from New Lifer Sieanna A.
My name is Sieanna, and I want to share how New Life has completely changed my life over the last two years. This journey has been amazing, and I feel so blessed to be surrounded by people who really care about me all in one place.
When I first came to New Life, I immediately felt welcome. Mr. Caleb was the first staff member I met, and he made sure I was comfortable. That’s a big reason I’m still here today! One of my favorite things about New Life is the focus on spiritual formation. It has made such a big impact on me, and I’ve really seen how powerful it can be. It might sound dramatic, but I mostly come to New Life on Tuesdays and Fridays just for spiritual formation.
I’ve gone to camp four times; later this year, I’m going for my fifth! These camp experiences have totally changed how I see God and the Bible. At first, I didn’t really take church or spirituality seriously—I thought they were just stories. But since joining New Life and getting older, I’ve started to understand the deeper meaning behind it all.
At New Life, I feel safe and know I can always rely on any staff member when I need help. Whenever I face tough situations or feel lost, I can go to New Life because the staff have the knowledge and experience to guide me.
I’ve built close relationships with all the staff, but the person who stands out the most is Mr. Danny. He’s like the father I never had, and I’m so thankful for him. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today or as happy as I am now.
With all that said, I just want to say thank you to New Life for everything you do for me. I can’t wait to keep growing and learning here.
New Life of NYC is Now Affiliated with Hope for New York
We're excited to announce that we've become an affiliate partner with Hope for New York! They partner with local nonprofits that holistically and sustainably serve poor and marginalized populations across the city.
As affiliates, we’ll benefit from volunteers, direct grants, and expert training, helping us continue our impactful work in the community. Click the link to find out more information
