Unlike many town hall events, the Beacon Program at M.S. 226 in South Ozone Park, Queens, didn’t feature politicians. Instead, this town hall featured a group of people who may be even more important: our youth. Billed as the Youth & Youth Leaders Town Hall, the event was hosted by the program’s Youth Council and facilitated by Beacon Youth Council members Alicia, MiaJane, Ava, and Youth Council Group Leader Reachell, all of whom are rising seventh graders. These driven, comm

February was a busy month at The Child Center of NY, and especially at our Beacon Program at M.S. 226 and our SONYC afterschool program at M.S. 318 Waterside School for Leadership! The above photo was part of a cheerleading "Galentine" photo shoot at Beacon 226 in South Ozone Park. The event was designed to promote self-esteem and confidence among the girls. Using fun poses, teamwork, and festive decorations, the students celebrated friendship and sisterhood, positivity, a

The Basie Jewels performed at Radio City Music Hall at Rockefeller Center, directly preceding the legendary Rockettes ! The Basie Jewels dance program was initiated by M.S. 72 in Jamaica, Queens, and The Child Center of NY's Beacon Program at the school joined in collaboration. Beacon Programs are DYCD -funded school-based community centers serving children age six and older, as well as adults. Here, community members engage in enrichment activities, explore their strengths