MEC Makes Strides Against Cancer
On Sunday, October 20, the American Cancer Society brought its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk to the Coney Island Boardwalk, and a team from the Crown Heights Beacon Center and the Saratoga Village Cornerstone participated in the annual walk. The Crown Heights Beacon team had 121 walkers, led by Program Director, Maxine Seales and PS 138 Principal, Marie Chauvet-Monchik. The group walked with a poster designed by staff member, Roshanna Singletary.
Parents, students, and staff from the Saratoga Village Cornerstone (SVCP), led by Program Director Patricia Lawrence, were also on hand with a team. Every year SVCP staff, parents, and participate in the walk to raise awareness of the disease. The walk had a special meaning for one of the parents.
“Seeing all of these cancer survivors gave me hope,” said SVCP parent Lerna Torban. “I can slowly cope with the fact that I was diagnosed with cancer.”
The Crown Heights Beacon at P.S. 138 is one of five school-based Beacon Community Centers that operate out of the School of Professional and Community Development (SPCD). Beacon Community Centers partner with the school community, neighborhood residents, businesses, and other community-based organizations to provide after-school programs that incorporate a wide variety of activities, including homework assistance, academic enrichment, and community service as well as other educational, recreational, and cultural activities.
The Saratoga Village Cornerstone is one of five New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) based centers run by SPCD. Cornerstone Programs provide year-round programs for adults and young people at more than 90 NYCHA Community Centers throughout the five boroughs.
