Last month, Allie’s Place Family Residence hosted their first Soundview Appreciation Day—a celebration for local service providers, first-responders, and community organizations in the Soundview neighborhood.
“The purpose of the event was to engage organizations in our local community who directly and indirectly support our residents, staff, neighbors, and community members with their hard work and dedication,” said Derrick Holman, Program Outreach Specialist at Allie’s Place Family Residence. “[It] was also meant to help forge new partnerships and connections in the community.”
Staff from Allie’s Place—the Afterschool & Recreation team, the Early Childhood Education Center, Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment, Family Services, the Buildings team, and Administration—were joined by representatives from NYPD Community Affairs, NYCHA, the NYPL Soundview, Life Together Works NYC, and Holy Cross Catholic Church.
“We wanted to bring in the community to learn about our organization and the programs that we have to offer,” said Julissa Lantigua, Administrator at Allie’s Place Family Residence. “It gives them an opportunity to know that we are here, we are available, and [to let them know] who [they] can reach out to for support.”
The event was a hit—the afternoon was spent sharing ideas, opportunities, and resources with each other over a delectable assortment of appetizers showcasing the Culinary Center for Education & Employment. Staff at Allie’s Place gave presentations on their programs, answered questions, and appreciation certificates were awarded in recognition of the guests’ ongoing positive impact within their community.
“I hope the participants who joined us felt our sincere thanks for the work they do in their own organizations,” said Derrick.
The success of the Soundview Appreciation Day set the stage for future community-building events at Allie’s Place Family Residence. The staff are already anticipating the next opportunity to forge stronger relationships within the community and to further collaborate in serving the residents of Allie’s Place and the greater Soundview community.
