4th Quarter Newsletter, December 27, 2024

A Look Back with Gratitude

Looking back on 2024, we are grateful and proud for a remarkable year. The year began with a commitment to growth and learning as our team gathered for transformative staff training. In March, we had our inaugural annual retreat, where teaching artists and staff came together to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with our mission to create inclusive and nurturing spaces for our students and families.

In Winter 2024, our theater students demonstrated courage and heart in their production of ​​Giants in the Sky,” dedicating this year’s performance to the memory of David Flores, a beloved theater parent whom we lost at the beginning of the year. Despite challenges, our community rallied to support one another, showcasing the power of art to heal and unite. This season also marked the introduction of new programs like Digital Art.

Spring 2024 was a season of exploration and connection. Five students and three adults embarked on a transformative Civil Rights Journey to Alabama and Atlanta. Guided by artists, historians, and activists, they gained invaluable lessons in history and justice. Alyssa Copeland and Tyler Dehm captured the experience in a powerful student-produced video. We celebrated a significant milestone in May by signing a lease for our new creative hub at 203 Esther Street in downtown Peekskill.

We also hosted our first Girls Wellness Summit, where fifteen young women gathered for reflection, yoga, art, and empowering discussions on self-care, safety, and body positivity. In June, Peekskill Open Studios weekend allowed us to offer a sneak peek at our new space, which featured stunning art displays by our students and teaching artists. It was an exciting glimpse into the future possibilities for our community’s creative home. Our Juneteenth Celebration included music, theatre, art, dance, and a moving speech by our local Pastor.

Our annual Creativity Ignited Benefit celebration occurred on June 6 at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare venue. Over 160 supporters attended the event, which celebrated the achievements of our youth, honored community members, and strengthened relationships with leaders and partners. Ariana Okoth performed inspiring performances, and Bria Waterman and Kyle shared moving poetry. Special guests, including Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie and County Legislator Colin Smith, joined us in commemorating over a decade of empowering youth and building community through the arts.

Summer 2024 was a season of joy and new horizons. Over 30 students attended our six-week Nature Connection Summer Camp at our new Peekskill location, enjoying fun, adventure, and learning. Activities included kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, gardening, and s’mores by the fire. A guest nutritionist introduced students to healthy eating habits, guiding them as they prepared nutritious meals for seniors at the Peekskill Nutrition Center. We also celebrated teamwork and athleticism with a mini Olympics led by Coach Ted, leaving students with lifelong memories and skills.

The summer brought global opportunities for cultural immersion. Students traveled to The Gambia as part of our EmpowerED partnership with Starfish International, where they engaged with new cultures, learned about advocacy, and connected with peers worldwide. During their trip, they witnessed a historic moment as The Gambia upheld its ban on female genital mutilation, deepening their understanding of social justice. Our Executive Director, Ridvan Idara, also led a Healthy Masculinity workshop with Starfish International’s young men, sparking critical conversations on reducing violence against women and fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

Fall Highlights

This fall, we settled into our vibrant new location at 203 Esther Street, welcoming familiar and new faces to our programs.

We offered enriching classes in the Community, including Mixed Media, eco-arts, Theatre, Girls’ Empowerment, Comics and Writing (new!), and Film. In the Peekskill School District, our creative impact extended into classrooms with art, drama, photography, content creation, and eco-art programs. We continued therapeutic theatre sessions at the Children’s Village through playful, restorative theater games.

A few notable moments this Fall include:

• Receiving the Small Non-Profit Changemaker Award from Non-Profit Westchester, celebrating our collective dedication to transformation.
• Our film students participated in the New Hampshire Film Festival, showcasing a powerful short film they produced in one day.
• Our partnerships continued to grow, and NECS was recognized in Assemblywoman Dana Levenburg’s podcast, in which Ridvan Idara discussed how the arts can transform and strengthen communities.
• Wrapping up the year with our End-of-Year Celebration on December 12—an evening full of joy, performances, and gratitude as parents, students, and community members filled the room with love and support.

While some programs faced challenges, we have embraced growth with new teaching artists, welcomed eager students, and deepened our community impact.

Awards and recognition have marked this year for our unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and creativity. NECS was honored with the Advancing Equity Award from ArtsWestchester and the Quality of Life Award from the Hudson Valley Chamber of Commerce. We also received the Gold Standard for Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar). From the launch of new programs to unforgettable journeys, NECS continues to create opportunities that inspire, empower, and unite. As we prepare for the grand opening of our creative hub in September 2024, we look forward to building on this year’s success and expanding our impact. Thank you for being part of our story and for your unwavering support. We will continue to ignite creativity, transform lives, and strengthen communities.

Email info@necspace.org or call (914) 930-1777 to learn more about our programs. Please consider supporting NECS by becoming a Community Steward at this LINK.

Thank you for your time.