With Pride and Honor, We Present the Class of 2024 Graduates
My name is Nathalie, I am 18 years old and a recent high school graduate. I am now going to attend Seton Hall University and pursue a bachelor’s in Psychology, paired with a master’s in Speech Language Pathology. I’ve been attending Restore since I was a little kid, about 5 or so. It would not be a stretch to say that Restore has been one of the most formative experiences of my life. This program has allowed me to interact with all types of people, and has been an outlet through which I have expanded my love of learning and growth. Also, some of my closest friends have been met at Restore. When I think back on all the Restore experiences, whether as a student or a worker, the warmth and laughter are the most memorable. I am forever grateful for my time at Restore, and I hope other Restore participants will experience a similar enjoyment.
Hello! My name is Kaylee, and I’ve been a member of the Restore Ministries family for around two years. In June, I graduated from Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy, and am writing to express my gratitude. I’ve had the opportunity to serve Restore Ministries while also fulfilling community service requirements. I am incredibly thankful to Ms. Ximena for giving me the chance to help in a variety of ways. For example, my tasks have consisted of providing homework help; creating a fun, yet safe environment for the students; and helping with events. This experience has been both fulfilling and enlightening. Allow me to reflect upon some enjoyable experiences. Working with the students at Restore Ministries allowed me to witness, firsthand, the positive impact that dedicated individuals can have on young lives. The experience also provided me with a deep understanding of the importance of community involvement and educational support programs, such as Restore. I also had the opportunity to work as a youth counselor at Restore’s A.C.E. (Arts Community Enrichment Summer Program), an enjoyable summer program. In conclusion, my experiences at Restore Ministries have helped me to develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. In turn, these skills have not only enhanced my personal growth, but will equip me for the future.
Hi, guys; you don’t know me, so I’ll introduce myself. My name is Joseph. People call me JoJo or Bravo, which doesn’t bother me (feel free to call and tell me which name you think is better!). On June 24, I graduated from John E. Dwyer High School and in September, I’m on my way to college! That’s everything about me, so let me talk about my experiences at Restore Ministries. I’ve attended Restore Ministries for the past seven years and I’ve loved every activity they’ve sponsored. Restore is a place where kids can enjoy themselves, make new friends, explore new places, and learn new things. I’ve liked it here from the beginning because I meet new people with whom I can do fun activities. Restore is all about safety and making sure everyone has a good time.
A.C.E – Arts Community Enrichment Summer Program
Update: A Successful Summer Day Camp!
We’re delighted to share that our summer camp program (July 8 – August 2) exceeded expectations and surpassed our target capacity by 15 percent. Our summer program engaged 80 participants, inclusive of Junior workers and staff! Highlights include:
- Arts programs (Dance, Music, Visual Arts), which were led by artist-teachers from our vendor; the Institute of Music for Children
- Social Justice sessions exploring Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrant Workers (curriculum by our vendor, Incredible Days Group)
- Community Building Activities
- Restore at Urban Garden
We’re thrilled with the outcome of the program and are grateful for the enthusiasm and engagement of our participants and staff! This summer, our students embarked on a journey of discovery through our Cultural Field Trips. Every Wednesday and Friday, they explored iconic destinations like The MET in New York City, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, where they absorbed history, culture, and community service. Fun-filled days at the aquarium, water park, and movie theater sparked meaningful connections and reflections. With careful planning, our trips balanced learning and enjoyment, leaving a lasting impact on our students. Participants declared these trips the best ever! and we’re grateful for the opportunity to have provided these enriching experiences.
We’re deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and enthusiastic participation that made our summer program an unforgettable, blessed, safe, and successful experience! Your trust in us is a privilege, and we’re humbled by the opportunity to serve children, youth, and the community. Thank you for entrusting us with the joy and growth of your loved ones. We’re honored to have created positive, life-changing experiences, and look forward to continuing our mission of serving and empowering our community.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Ximena Carrasco