PATHWAYS The Official Newsletter of Girls Quest National Mentoring Month: Our Shining Stars Volume 7, Issue 1, May 2010 During the month of January, Girls Quest recognized two matches for their dedication. Healy and Eunique recently entered their second match year with our program. Since joining the mentor program both Healy and Eunique have gone above and beyond the requirements for a mentor match. In May 2009 Healy proposed that the Mentor Network be formed to offer current mentors a support system where they can share mentoring experiences, tools for improving the mentoring relationship and learn new ideas for match activities. In June 2009 with the encouragement from Healy, Eunique entered and won the grand prize from the Mentoring Partnership of New York’s “What Mentoring is To Me” art contest. Eunique was hand selected among many contestants for her creativity and thoughtful expression. “Healy is a great mentor! I learned that there are great things out there like your dreams and if you are determined you can do anything.” Jennifer and Dana, who also recently entered into their second match year have a special and unique mentoring relationship. They have found innovative ways to support and encourage each other. Last fall, while encouraging her mentee’s goal of becoming a photographer, Jennifer took the initiative to begin a calendar fundraiser featuring the mentors and mentees from Girls Quest. Dana continues to have fun and discover more of her strengths while participating in her mentoring relationship with Jennifer. “I've learned that if you have something to say, you should say it and not hold back. I am also learning to make decisions. I like going places and having someone to talk to. I like having a big sister.” Jennifer equally expressed her positive experience in serving as Dana’s mentor, “I think she is incredibly responsible and mature. She's always on time, if not early, and she's very reliable. I get a lot of satisfaction from being a mentor. It's been a great experience for me.” Thank You to UBS 1285 CHARITY & The UBS Foundation! In 2009 Girls Quest was selected as the UBS Financial Services 1285 Branch Charity of Choice. Through several events held throughout the fall such as the Annual Charity Golf Outing, Happy Hour, Silent Auction, Calendar Raffle, and Bake Sale, the employees of the UBS 1285 Branch were able to raise over $70,000 for Girls Quest! This was matched by the UBS Foundation for a total of over $140,000. Thank you to all UBS 1285 Branch employees who have helped make a difference in the lives of our girls!
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PATHWAYS The Official Newsletter of Girls Quest
National Mentoring Month: Our Shining Stars
Volume 7, Issue 1, May 2010
During the month of January, Girls Quest recognized two matches for their dedication. H e a l y a n d Eunique recently entered their second match year with our program. Since
joining the mentor program both Healy and Eunique have gone above and beyond the requirements for a mentor match. In May 2009 Healy proposed that the Mentor Network be formed to offer current mentors a support system where they can share mentoring experiences, tools for improving the mentoring relationship and learn new ideas for match activities.
In June 2009 with the encouragement from Healy, Eunique entered and won the grand prize from the Mentoring Partnership of New York’s “What Mentoring is To Me” art contest. Eunique was hand selected among many contestants for her creativity and thoughtful expression. “Healy is a great mentor! I learned that there are great things out there like your dreams and if you are determined you can do anything.”
J e n n i f e r a n d Dana, who also recently entered into their second match year have a s p e c i a l a n d unique mentoring relationship. They have found innovative ways to support and
encourage each other. Last fall, while encouraging her mentee’s goal of becoming a photographer, Jennifer took the initiative to begin a calendar fundraiser featuring the mentors and mentees from Girls Quest. Dana continues to have fun and discover more of her strengths while participating in her mentoring relationship with Jennifer. “I've learned that if you have something to say, you should say it and not hold back. I am also learning to make decisions. I like going places and having someone to talk to. I like having a big sister.” Jennifer equally expressed her positive experience in serving as Dana’s mentor, “I think she is incredibly responsible and mature. She's always on time, if not early, and she's very reliable. I get a lot of satisfaction from being a mentor. It's been a great experience for me.”
Thank You to UBS 1285 CHARITY & The UBS Foundation!
In 2009 Girls Quest was selected as the UBS Financial Services 1285 Branch Charity of Choice. Through several events held throughout the fall such as the Annual Charity Golf Outing, Happy Hour, Silent Auction, Calendar Raffle, and Bake Sale, the employees of the UBS 1285 Branch were able to raise over $70,000 for Girls Quest! This was matched by the UBS Foundation for a total of over $140,000. Thank you to all UBS 1285 Branch employees who have helped make a difference in the lives of our girls!
Going Outside, Growing InsideGoing Outside, Growing InsideGoing Outside, Growing InsideGoing Outside, Growing Inside www.girlsquest.orgwww.girlsquest.orgwww.girlsquest.orgwww.girlsquest.org
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Letter from the Executive Director Dear Friends,
This Spring, Girls Quest has been at its busiest, as it prepares for our 74th year of summer enrichment programming for 300+ girls, providing guidance and support to our mentor matches, building strong teen leaders, and offering fun and engaging cultural and educational activities for all our girls. As it was at the time of our founding, quality programming that builds upon the strengths of girls by building their self-esteem, boosting their social and academic skills, and opening up their hearts and minds to new opportunities, has never been more important for the girls we serve. While the statistics compel us to strive to reach more girls, we are heartened that our girls report that they are better able to express their feelings, feel better about themselves and about school, and have enjoyed learning in a way they never had before joining Girls Quest. As you will see in this edition of our newsletter, Girls Quest continues to enhance our programming and the opportunities that we offer our girls to ensure that they will become strong, confident and capable women.
We thank you for your continued support and all that you do in making a difference in the lives of our girls.
Sincerely,
Susan Hall
“I attended the Good Housekeeping 125th Anniversary gala and thought it was an incredible event. I was a Gender and Women Studies major in college and feel Girls Quest has been a great way to still feel connected to women's causes that I am passionate about. I appreciate Girls Quest’s emphasis in empowering young women.” -Lindsay Buntman, Mentor & Young Professionals Committee Member
Leslie Harris has been a Girls Quest Board Member since 2006. She first heard about Girls Quest through the NYC Board-Serv (formerly the United Way Linkages Program) and
found that the organization’s mission met her interest of improving the lives of women and children. Attending sleep away camps herself as a young child of New York City, Leslie recognized the value of gaining outdoor experiences in a more rural setting and loved the balance of fun, education and outdoor experiences that the SEED Program offers.
Since joining the Board, Leslie has served on the governance committee and has assisted in the development of the alumni association which was
re-launched last year. She recently become involved in the revitalization of the advisory board and hopes to build resources for the organization.
Leslie recognizes the value and uniqueness of Girls Quest’s programs. “Girls Quest programming allows girls to be kids and have fun, both during camp and in the year round programs, while building a foundation for them to have a successful future.”
Board Member Profile: Leslie Harris
Board of Directors NewsBoard of Directors NewsBoard of Directors NewsBoard of Directors News
We are proud to announce the appointment of two new members to our Board of Directors:
• Serena Hom, American Express • Joanne Rencher, American Red Cross
Thank you to our entire Board of Directors for their dedication, leadership and service to Girls Quest and our girls.
Leslie with a program participant on Board Day at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah
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Live it, Love it, Earn It: Marianna Olszewski
On March 15, Girls Quest hosted a cocktail reception for over 50 guests featuring Marianna Olszewski, best selling author of Live it, Love it, Earn itLive it, Love it, Earn itLive it, Love it, Earn itLive it, Love it, Earn it. Girls Quest friends gathered to hear Marianna’s story of success and perseverance. By the end of the night, everyone had been inspired. Special thanks to TAI for donating their event space.
In January, we welcomed new staff member Melissa Boronkas to the Girls Quest team. Melissa has spent her professional career working to improve and empower the lives of young women. As a graduate of New School University, she spent her undergraduate career
focusing her studies on gender, youth and consumer culture. She graduated with a B.A. in Media Studies and immediately dove into the non-profit sector. She has worked for United Way of Somerset County, Girl Scouts and most recently as Senior Program Director at The Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation, where she managed eight after-school programs in New York City.
In addition Melissa brings with her 7 years of professional organized camping experience, and as both a camper and staff member Melissa has witnessed first hand the lasting impact experiential education can have on the life of a child. She is excited to bring her passion to Girls Quest and is looking forward to immersing herself in the creative, innovative and dedicated culture that the organization provides.
Director of Programs: Melissa Boronkas
Thank you to our Supporters!
Your financial and in-kind support helps us provide year-round programming to girls ages 8-18 empowering them to become strong, productive and caring contributors to their community.
Thank you for your continued generosity! We would also like to extend our gratitude to the generous foundations, corporations and organizations that have supported Girls Quest since the publication of our last newsletter: Brick Presbyterian Church Colgate-Palmolive Dorsey & Whitney Foundation Holborn Corporation Lily Palmer Fry Charitable Trust Marble Collegiate Church Neuberger Berman Olivet Presbyterian Church PTM Charitable Foundation
We would like to extend a special thank you to Project Cicero, a non-profit organization that secures and donates book through their annual book drive. This year Project Cicero donated 90 books for our SEED Library at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah. Project Cicero’s annual non-profit book drive is designed to create school and classroom libraries for children in under-resourced New York City public schools.
The Gift of Reading: Thank you Project Cicero
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Teen Leadership Program Update
Teen Leader Asharae J. reflects on the American Express workshop…
“At the end of the workshop, we left with a lot of information on support, teamwork and mentoring. Good mentors are helpful, up to date with knowledge have an aptitude for teaching, have strong people and communication skills and have a positive attitude. Teamwork is essential to a successful mentor relationship and teammates do not work separately, but ask for and use the skills ideas and opinions of their teammates.”
Teen Leader Courtney Moore reflects on the leadership workshop… ”I was so glad to attend the workshop with Ms. Liz. I learned a lot about different personalities and also my own. I learned about the different ways people express anger and frustration. Knowing these different expressions is important so that disasters can be avoided. Conflict is natural because of differences in opinions and upbringings, but it can and should be channeled into a positive outcome.”
Teen Leaders on the Move
Our Teen Leaders have been busy building their leadership skills.
In March Teen Leaders participated in a leadership training workshop led by youth development expert, Elizabeth Williams Riley, where they learned about conflict resolution, anger management and building peer relationships.
The Teen Leadership Program focused on giving girls, ages 15 to 18, an opportunity to develop important skills, build relationships with others, and serve as role models to our younger program participants.
Also in March, our Teen Leaders participated in a workshop organized by the Women’s Interest Network of American Express which focused on helping teens understand how to ask for and provide support while building their career path. The Teen Leaders spent an afternoon with members of the Women’s Interest Network who shared their own experiences navigating their career paths and how mentoring played a role in assisting them in achieving their goals. The event began with a panel discussion followed by break-out groups where the girls had the opportunity to ask questions in a small setting and practice scenarios involving asking and providing support. The event concluded with a tour of the American Express building.
Teen Leaders in the Community
In January, fifteen Teen Leaders and five parents joined with other volunteers at St. Xavier Church Soup Kitchen in Chelsea to help serve food to over 700 individuals. There was a strong feeling of community and humility amongst
the Teen Leaders and parents, as they helped others in need.
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The Girls Quest Ice Skating Holiday Party at Chelsea Piers made me realize why I love going back to camp and continuing as a Teen Leader. We helped out the girls with ice skating, tying their skates, face painting, serving the food and singing camp songs that bought back happy and wonderful memories of Camp Oh-Neh-Tah. This event in which Teen Leaders helped as volunteer, made me grow as a person by working alongside others and supporting one another towards achieving our goal as Teen Leaders: to strive throughout our three years in the Teen Leadership Program and bring joy and smiles to younger girls that need our support.
2009 Holiday Party at Chelsea Piers –Ice Skating Rink
UBS Take Your Child to Work Day
In April, Girls Quest girls and parents attended the UBS Take Your Child to Work Day event. The morning began with a series of icebreakers and continued with a presentation by UBS employees on investing and a discussion on the different positions at the firm. They attendees also participated in a team building and leadership activity where the girls were given office items (foam cups, tape, glue, pens, pencils, etc.) to create something for home or office use. The day ended with a tour of UBS and a graduation ceremony. The girls are now UBS Junior Employees!
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Volunteer Weekend at Camp Oh-Neh Tah On June 11th—13th, Girls Quest will host a volunteer weekend at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah! Join us as we clean house to ensure that our girls have a safe and fun summer at camp! Volunteers are needed for painting, raking and general maintenance as well as those skilled in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. For more information please contact Melissa Boronkas at 212-532-7050 or email [email protected].
“Working with Girls Quest as a Teen Leader has opened my mind and many new doors. Girls Quest offers opportunities, support, advice and happiness.” Teen Leadership Program Vice President, Slims Lai Please join our efforts to give the next generation of girls and women the opportunity to gain the skills they will need to lead successful lives and become strong role models for generations to come. Your support will go a long way in helping a girls along her path to success. 1 Day Sponsorship $ 1501 Day Sponsorship $ 1501 Day Sponsorship $ 1501 Day Sponsorship $ 150 2 Day Sponsorship2 Day Sponsorship2 Day Sponsorship2 Day Sponsorship $ 300 $ 300 $ 300 $ 300 1 Week Sponsorship $1,0001 Week Sponsorship $1,0001 Week Sponsorship $1,0001 Week Sponsorship $1,000 2 Week Sponsorship $2,0002 Week Sponsorship $2,0002 Week Sponsorship $2,0002 Week Sponsorship $2,000
To make a donation, please visit www.girlsquest.org and click donate donate donate donate nownownownow. If you would like to send a check, please make payable to Girls Quest, and send to:
Girls Quest 150 West 30th Street, Suite 901 New York, NY 10001
Thank you for making a difference in a deserving girls life!
Sponsor a girl at SEED this summer!
Platform Tent (1) Kodak EasyShare Camera (1)
Kodak EasyShare Photo Printer (1) Video Camera (1) LCD Projector (1)
Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (1) Desktop Computers (6) Used Upright Piano (1)
Picnic Tables Easy Up Tents (2)
Blankets/Pillows/Mattresses and Beds 12- 15 Passenger Van (1)
Karaoke machine (1) Water Slide/Water Trampoline (1)
Telescope (1)
2010 Wish List
Volume 7, Issue 1, May 2010Volume 7, Issue 1, May 2010Volume 7, Issue 1, May 2010Volume 7, Issue 1, May 2010 Page Page Page Page 7777
Going Outside, Growing InsideGoing Outside, Growing InsideGoing Outside, Growing InsideGoing Outside, Growing Inside www.girlsquest.orgwww.girlsquest.orgwww.girlsquest.orgwww.girlsquest.org
CAMP OH-NEH-TAH FLUSH TOILET PROJECT UNDERWAY!! In 1998, the Board of Director’s of Girl Quest secured engineer Charles Barrows to develop the geological surveys necessary to explore the installation of a new septic system and flush toilets at our Camp Oh-Neh-Tah facility located in East Windham, New York. In 1999 Mr. Barrows provided the organization with a concept report for a proposed centralized sewage facility. The organization than began to approach funders to underwrite the project. Through a generous lead grant from the Charles Henry Leach Foundation initial funding was secured. In 2003 Girls Quest entered into a contract with the NYCDEP to upgrade its septic system in order to come into compliance with the New York City Watershed Regulations. In April 2010, construction began on this project which will enable the organization to bring flush toilets to Camp Oh-Neh-Tah. While the Waste Water Treatment Plant is being funded by the NYC DEP and the first phase of the Flush Toilet Project through the donated funds from the Charles Henry Leach Foundation. The organization will begin to identify funding to complete the project. It has been a long road to get to this point and we have quite a ways to go before the Flush Toilet Project is completed. We thank everyone who has donated their time and funds to assist us with this project and we look forward to our first flush!
In Memory of Charles W. Barrow It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Girls’ Vacation Fund/Girls Quest longtime engineer consultant and supporter Charles “Charlie” Barrow. As we embark on our major construction project at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah it is due to the tenacity and commitment that Charlie Barrow provided to Girls Quest. He began working with the organization in the 1990s and remained committed to the organization until his passing. The Girls Quest family is grateful to Charlie for his commitment to our girls, and he will be missed. This summer Girls Quest will plant a tree in the Memorial Grove in memory of Charles Barrow.
Charles W. Barrow—Born in Albany, NY, Feb. 20, 1925, he was the son of the late Charles J. and Mary (Regan) Barrow Sr. Mr. Barrow was a WW2 Veteran in the US Navy and a 1947 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was a Consulting Engineer and the President of Charles J. Barrow PC. and the owner of the Barrow Farm in Stockport. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed horseback riding, hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his wife Betty (Benton) Barrow, a daughter: Christine Cohn (Dan) of Stuyvesant Falls, a sister: Joan Gaffey of Pasadena, CA, 2 Grandchildren, Joshua and Benjamin Cohn and several nieces and nephews.
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I want to sponsor a girl at SEED this summer with a contribution of:
______ $150 ______ $300 ______ $1000 ______ $2000 ______ $Other Amount
This donation may be eligible for a matching gift from your company. Please contact to your Human Resource Department for more information.
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Donate-A-Book
Please support the Girls Quest literacy program at SEED by
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADVISORY BOARD STAFF
Executive Committee President: Jane Muqaddam Vice President: Gail Armstrong Gross Treasurer: Eileen Murphy Secretary: Monica L. Sherer
Directors James Buller Mrs. Theodore N. Danforth Robynn Delin Mario Diaz-Cruz, III, Esq. Harold D. Elish David Frankel Gail Armstrong Gross Susan F. Hall Serena W. Hom Leslie J. Harris Jane Muqaddam Eileen Murphy Leslie Nelson Maureen O'Gorman Joanne Rencher Monica L. Sherer
Liz Y. Alicea-Velez Mrs. Henry I. Barbey Felicia Webb-Brown Ann B. Copeland Jessica L. Davis Mrs. Harry E. Gould, Jr. Brian P. Joyce, MSW Bert Lamar Cindy Lamar Patricia W. Marx Carmen Marquéz Perez
Susan F. Hall, MPA Executive Director Melissa Boronkas Director of Programs Susan Thomas, MSW Director of Mentor Program Elizabeth Morales Program Manager Janell Bartley Program Assistant
Crystal Bolder Development Assistant Samantha Andino Teen Leadership Program Coordinator Genien Galindez Administrative Assistant
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