Our Youth: Stories from the Program
Maria (2005 – present)
My name is Maria Penaloza and I am nineteen years old. I was born in Cuenca, Ecuador and brought to New York City at the age of two. I grew up in Queens where the city lights were only dreams. Entering high school on the Lower East Side of Manhattan changed the future planned out for me. Streets filled with life and art opened my eyes to using photography as a medium to express myself. I recently finished my first year of college at Parsons New School of Design where I am following my dream of being a Photographer. Though college has been a big change, the transition with the help of COMMUNITY of UNITY and The YELC has helped me manage my comfort and be able to have the confidence I gained through four years of weekly YELC meetings during high school. In mid-year of my freshmen year of college, I was given the opportunity to run my own YELC group, which will also incorporate photography. I am the first YELC student to be given this opportunity!
Jean (2004-present)
I am Jean Carlos Artiles and for the past five year of my life I’ve been in COMMUNITY of UNITY’s Youth Empowerment Leadership Community. This program has been, and will always be, one of the most meaningful aspects of my life. This group has shaped my character as a man. I’ve learned so much, some about others, but mostly about myself. I’ve gotten to know “me” in a deeper sense. I was able to face the things I unconsciously put up that prevented me from using 100% of my potential towards become the best me I can be. Our group is all male, and not often you can find a group of young men (15-19) or even older men that can share so much about their personal lives and be so comfortable at the same time. It’s great to know that being a man does not mean you can’t have sensitive feelings. Having such a great experience has impacted my life greatly. Our group of guys is now family in my heart.
Through the concept of your “ SONG”, I know for certain that I have a unique purpose in life, and that only I can travel that path. When I’m not successful in life, I know I’m not playing my SONG and thus not on the right path. I, like you and everyone, has seven instruments that will help me play my SONG the correct way and guide me through to the right path. Some of those instruments are self-awareness (knowing that your actions effect the people around you), responsibility (knowing that you and only you are responsible for your actions), and focus (knowing that for any goal you’ve set make it big or small won’t be reached without any focus). The more you use your instruments the easier it’ll be to play your SONG.
During this process you’ll find omens. Omens are the way the universe communicates with you. Always know that any goal you long to reach that is in synch with your SONG, the universe will help you see it come true. Life is full of wonder and it is basic human nature to question things we see around us. Through my new found family I have learned to make better sense of life’s wonders.
“Achievements in life are only achieved through what we choose to extract from our mistakes “- Juan Nizama, YELC member.
This is just an example of the great knowledge and wisdom the comes from every member of our group. From my part, I would like to plant this seed; whatever there is in life that you desire to do, do it, because there only are so many tomorrows.
Simeiry (2005-Present)
My name is Simeiry Abreu. I’m 19 years old. I was born in New York. I grew up in my hometown Washington Heights where I spend most of my time; I was also raised in the Dominican Republic. I live with my mother in NYC, and my father lives in Dominican Republic. I graduated from High School in 2008, and now I attend to New York City College of Technology. My major is Physical Therapy. The YELC has been part of my life for the past 4 years. My life has changed since I started to attend the leadership sessions. My increased my ability to express myself more freely, while developing more leadership skills, and getting the chance to have someone who listens to me and gives me valuable advise. These are only a few of the great things I have learned and received from the YELC.
Edwin (2005-present)
My Name is Edwin Rodriguez. I was born in New York City, on the Lower East Side to be exact. I am the only boy in a family of five. I love sports, music, and oddly enough…writing essays. I currently attend Lehman College in The Bronx and am majoring in psychology. I am in my third semester and already on the Deans List! I am best known for my immaculate ability to be a leader. I’ve been part of COMMUNITY of UNITY and The YELC for five years. I am currently an intern for COMMUNITY of UNITY, and hope to one day be the Executive Director. Today I can still be found on the Lower East Side trying to make an impact on my community.
Clevins (2004-present)
I’m Clevins Browne. I was born on May 17 1988 in Coney Island Hospital, Brooklyn New York. I graduated from high school and now attend the Borough of Manhattan Community College. I am close to publishing a book called “The Day I Was Really Set Free” which speaks about my personal challenges of being a New York City teenager overcoming the trials of poverty. Aside from literature, I have produced a documentary called “In My Shoes” which aims to raise the awareness level of youth homelessness in New York City. The film has already been featured in the New York International Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival and the Human Rights Watch Film Festival. I have been a member of COMMUNITY of UNITY and The YELC for seven years.
Allan (2004-present)
Within everyone’s complete success, there was a start. Though I have not yet calmed the storms, I walk the waves. Five years ago I would have never pictured myself acting, thinking, moving or even dressing the way I do now. I was a product of my surroundings, which built a wall that held me from finding myself. COMMUNITY of UNITY helped me destroy that wall and use its remains to build a bridge. High school is never easy for anyone. Every day I felt I had to impress people in order to be liked, and to be accepted as one of the “cool kids”. COMMUNITY of UNITY’s Youth Empowerment Leadership Community (YELC) program had meetings every Tuesday after school. The group would talk about things in near silence, out of respect for YELC’s “Real Safety” rule. Of course I felt left out. My own poison became its antidote in this case; my need for acceptance led me to join the YELC. After a month of being involved with the YELC, I noticed myself caring less about what other people thought of me. YELC was putting me on the right path of finding myself, and who I truly was. Instead of being a person that others had constructed, I was slowly constructing myself into my own creation. Connecting with a group of “knuckleheads” every week, helped me express feelings and emotions that I had never revealed to others because of fear of them not liking me. But the group helped me to realize that it was ok to be deep, it was ok to be smart, it was ok to be emotional.
After five years of being actively involved with COMMUNITY of UNITY, I am still finding myself more and more. As I grow with age, I grow mentally, and physically, bettering myself, and preparing myself to always bring forth my very best at every moment of every day. After graduating from high school and not immediately entering college, I would find myself losing focus at times, but YELC helps me retain that focus, that light, by providing opportunities to learn, like volunteering for Obama’s ’08 Campaign for Change, or attending an inter-faith camp with young people from all over the world.
I wouldn’t be the young man I am today, or the one I am still becoming, without the YELC.
Parent of a YELC participant (2009)
My 17 yr old son is a good kid. But like many teenagers, there are times he feels like I just don’t “get him,” and that I have no understanding of the issues he is experiencing in his world. Community of Unity has really helped build a bridge between my world and his. He is surrounded by people who truly care about him and the direction he chooses for his future. He is exposed to other teens with whom he can relate and build strong bonds. He also is given the opportunity to gain a different prospective to how he approaches life’s struggles. Community of Unity has really helped to strengthen his confidence and self-esteem. I am truly grateful for this organization and the people who have dedicated their lives to it and to our children.