On February 9, 2012, the Boys Club of New York (BCNY) in Flushing welcomed the America Reads*America Serves (AR*AS) team from St. John’s University to create Valentine’s Day cards. Over 30 St. John’s students were in attendance and delighted to work with the youths. This event was a great success thanks to the combined efforts of AR*AS team leader, Kerry Andreozzi and Junior Director of BCNY, Durron Newman.

The AR*AS program is a great opportunity for the students at St. John’s University to help the community by tutoring and mentoring children of all ages. This program enables college students to experience working with children in a positive and community-friendly atmosphere. The America Reads component of the overall program, geared for School of Education students, works at sites which include local schools, libraries, and community centers. The brand new America Serves component of the program, enacted in 2011, encourages students outside of the School of Education at St. John’s University to participate by carrying out the Vincentian mission of service. Sites for America Serves include hospitals, nursing homes, and other community service sites. Overall, the St. John’s University AR*AS program has served the community for over 10 years and continues to grow. The program is directed by Dean Charisse Willis and Assistant Director, Ms. Alexandra Foukalas. Four team leaders aid them in the management of the program. Many students are encouraged to apply both as federal work study applicants or volunteers. 

The BCNY in Flushing is one of the three clubs dedicated to getting boys off the streets and into a better environment. The BCNY has taken part in helping the boys of New York for over 135 years, helping nearly one million young men in all parts of New York City. The BCNY provides a safe and warm environment for the boys to enjoy a full day of activities. They have volunteer workers who help the boys with their homework before spending the rest of their evening swimming, taking music lessons, and engaging in sports. The BCNY has the best interest of the young men at heart—wanting to help them in all ways possible.

During the Valentine’s Day card making event, the AR*AS team worked side by side with Durron Newman to ensure each of the boys, ranging in age from 8 to 12 years old, were having fun. There were tables set up with colorful paper, markers, crayons, scissors, and glue that the boys were able to use to help make their cards as creative as possible. Durron spoke to the boys as a whole and explained to make any type of Valentine’s Day card for whomever they wanted. One ten year old found a special place for Team Leader, Kerry where he began to sing and dance for her, acting as if he was his idol, Justin Bieber. The fun did not stop after the card making—the AR*AS team took part in playing pool and ping-pong with the boys who did not want to make cards. It is easily said that every boy had a fun, carefree time with help from the AR*AS and BCNY teams.

-Kerry Andreozzi, Team Leader 2011-2012