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Community Service by Rose Kujawa In October I joined the Friends of Neighborhood Youth Association (FNYA), an affiliate of Neighborhood Youth Association (NYA). Since then I have been approached by members of Saint Augustine's Parish regarding the opportunity to be of service to the community through these organizations. Founded in 1906 by the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, NYA provides in-depth, long-term development of children from pre-school through high school with high quality, individually tailored academic assistance as well as cultural enrichment programs. Generations of at-risk children are today productive citizens of our community as a result of assistance received at NYA. The children, against all odds, have completed high school and, in increasing numbers, have maintained the desire to achieve by graduating college. Parishioners of St. A's may join NYA in its goal to help each child reach his or her PERSONAL BEST by volunteering time to tutor the children. As a Friend of NYA, the opportunity is provided to contribute time and/or money at a pace that is most ideal for the individual. By contributing tax deductible dues, you will give FNYA the invaluable substance needed to support NYA programs and special events throughout the year. You may choose the level of financial support that is best for you. Should time and talent be the path chosen to support the programs, FNYA offers the opportunity to be a member of the executive committee which meets monthly to coordinate and plan for special events. You may choose instead to participate as a volunteer in any of the activities which may be of interest to you. Such events include The Hanging of the Greens, the Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner, the Venice Garden and Home Tour and the Youth Services Council Luncheon. An Annual FNYA Meeting and Luncheon is also held. The Hanging of the Greens is an afternoon spent with the children and their families as they create their own beautiful Christmas decorations under the supervision of NYA staff. The Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner sponsors college scholarships to students completing high school, encouraging them to continue their education. Since NYA began its awards program, over 100 low income students have received scholarships for college. The Youth Services Council Luncheon is held to show appreciation to the many youth serving agencies on the Westside who partner with NYA in its programs. The Venice Garden and Home Tour benefits Las Doradas Children's Center, which provides an extensive exemplary world culture program for children two to five years old from low income families. Time and talent which you contribute through FNYA to any or all of these events will help to increase public awareness and knowledge of the services and programs of NYA. NYA would not be able to sustain their work as a leader in the care and education of the children of Los Angeles without the generosity of Saint A's and its parishioners. The Susan Tree gifts, NYA Birthday/Anniversary Sunday contributions and our Annual Parish Gift are gratefully received at NYA. By contributing membership dues to the Friends of NYA and by giving time and talent to the events which the Friends support, you will help young people stay in school and acquire the skills they need to live useful, productive lives. If you would like more information, have specific questions or would like to review the NYA literature package, please see Deacon Pat or me. Thank you for your interest and continuing support of the children.
Copyright © 2006 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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