December was a festive month at Riis Settlement. Here are some highlights from our various programs across the neighborhood. Click on the photos to catch a glimpse of their holiday celebrations:
Riis Academy- Queensbridge
Our Winter Wishes party was very successful. Thanks to donors and volunteers from New York Cares, each child received a special holiday gift.
Teen participants at Queensbridge participated in a food drive for our holiday “Give Back” Initiative. They collected dry food, canned and non-perishable items to donate to a local food bank.
The Queensbridge teens also had a holiday party with pizza, cake, ice-cream, games and gifts. Definitely a good time!
Riis Academy-Ravenswood
On December 19, 2013 Riis Academy Ravenswood partnered with the Queens Library Learning Center for an annual holiday party. Participants, parents, staff and community members joined together to celebrate the season. The event included lots of food, beverages and a talent showcase to spotlight what the participants learned in their activities. Highlights included a kung- fu presentation, hip hop dances from our teens and a musical performance from parent Shirley Brown. At the end of the night, each participant received a present, thanks to the generosity of our partner, the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies.
Riis Academy-P.S. 166 Campus
The P.S. 166 holiday show took place on Wednesday, December 18th at 6 pm in front of a packed auditorium. Individuals shared their various talents. Performances included tap and Spanish dance, ballet, Christmas carols, kung fu and much more. The Dance performances were choreographed by the group with oversight and input by their group leaders. With the help of the Joan Mitchell Foundation, students also put together a display of all of their artistic work. After the show, refreshments were served.
Immigrant Services
Both the morning and evening students ended their fall sessions with large holiday celebrations on the last day of classes. Students contributed home-made food from their native countries for a very international potluck meal. Countries represented included Egypt, Morocco, Bangladesh, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, El Salvador, and more. Students received certificates of completion for the fall session and had the opportunity to register for the winter session.
Senior Services
On December 19th, the Senior Services program had a great holiday celebration in our dining hall. Presentations and performances were given by the “Senior Shakers” dance troupe and the Senior Choir. Poems were read and holiday wishes extended to all. A huge buffet was prepared and there was lots of dancing. Over 124 seniors participated. Over 100 hand-written and colored cards prepared by our Riis Academy youth were distributed to our seniors. St Luke’s Hospital also generously donated some gifts
