TESTIMONIALS
2010 Young Leaders Share a Tree project with Target
“For the first time in my career I can honestly feel that I made a difference in a family’s life. Today I was able to experience a feeling that I never imagined that I could feel. I have a staff member who is currently working at one of the YMCA Child Care Departments. She has been with me for two years now, really enjoys working for the YMCA and is experiencing many life challenges. She is raising a child who is 18 months old and has a disabled husband who unfortunately cannot work due to his disability. On several occasions she has expressed concerns about having enough money to purchase clothing for her son. She really didn’t even know if her family would be able to have a Christmas… I knew from that moment that I needed to do something for her and her family.
In addition to clothing that I purchased for her and her family, another YMCA colleague notified me that she was looking for a family in “need” of a Christmas Tree for a volunteer project she was helping with for United Way Young Leaders. I did!
Not having a tree to place gifts under, I brought her out to the main office where we had the tree and told her this tree is for you and your family. She cried and kept telling me that she was so thankful. This is why I come to work every day, I now can feel at ease and joyous that I was able to assist with providing a Christmas for this family with the help of the United Way Young Leaders!”
Kerri L. DiCaprio
Capital District YMCA
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"As a transplant from Florida, I was unaware of the rich history that Albany has to offer. During the United Way Young Leaders Capitol Tour, Jack McEneny introduced us to some of the most fascinating american history New York has to offer. From the original settlement by the Dutch to some of the most famous political figures in America, the Capitol has played a pivotal role in shaping this country. I was honored to experience this part of our American culture. Thanks to the Young Leaders Program!"
Capitol Tour w/Assemblyman Jack McEneny, April 2010
Robert Shane Smith
Financial Advisor
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney /U S Wealth Management
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"The trip to Equinox provided a great opportunity to learn about the organization and the work they do for the community. While we were at it we learned some great tips for team building and had a chance to try out the rock-climbing wall. It was an all-around good time. It was also great to be able to help out with some painting that needed to be done. Opportunities like these make Young Leaders a great group to be a part of."
Equinox Tour, Team Building & Volunteering, March 2010
Solon-Boomer Jenks
Manager, Operations Support
MetLife
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"When a friend invited me to join in on my first Young Leaders program event at the Albany offices of the FBI, I must admit I was surprised. Surprised that the FBI building was located just a few miles from my home (I'd driven by it countless times), and especially surprised that - as Young Leaders program participants - we'd be allowed access to the storied sanctum beyond the reception desk. The tour and the informative presentations by Albany-based agents gave me a new perspective on crime - and crime-fighting - in my home city. Thank you to the organizers of the United Way Young Leaders program, who, through tours and teaching events like this, provide young professionals like me the chance to see and better understand the communities in which we live."
FBI Tour & Discussion, January 2010
Stephanie Earls
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"This experience was an opportunity for me to see things from a different perspective and I would recommend it to anyone to do. This was a lot of fun and opened my eyes to new things. Everyone there was nice and I felt very appreciated."
Equinox Thanksgiving Dinner Preparation
Latoya Logan
Pioneer Bank
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“After graduating from Siena College and starting out in the business world, I didn’t have a lot of money to donate. However, with United Way of the Greater Capital Region Young Leaders, I was given the chance to volunteer my time and really make a positive impact in the community I live and work in. The Young Leaders message to Give, Advocate and Volunteer is what genuinely separates this group from others around the region.”
Christopher Bonitatibus
Financial Representative
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Co-Founder & Past Chair
United Way Young Leaders
__________________________________________________ United Way of the Greater Capital Region partners with Target Stores to offer decorated Christmas trees to families in need. Young Leaders led this effort in cooperation with six Targets in a five-county footprint, placing 14 trees with local families for the 2008 Christmas holiday.
“Northeast Parent & Child Society is pleased and honored that United Way Young Leaders reached out to us during the holiday season. By offering beautifully decorated Christmas trees to some of our families, it brought joy to their lives in a time when joy was needed. Young Leaders made a difference in the lives of our families and are a testament to the effort and leadership needed to sustain our communities."
Dr. James F. Johans
CEO
Northeast Parent & Child Society
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“It is so nice to know there are people who still care for those who are less fortunate.”
Evelyn
Recipient of a tree
(The family reported happily that they spent the whole day trying to situate the tree in the best location within their home. The family was completely appreciative and full of joy.)
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