14th Street Y

When was the last time you met up with your neighbors? Joined a club? Stepped outside of your own bubble? At the 14th Street Y, we spend a lot of time thinking about how we can support Downtown New Yorkers who are looking to connect with each other. Community centers create spaces and opportunities for people to come together; they play a vital role in reversing the trends that isolate people from one another.?We’re doing everything we can at 14Y to make this vision a reality for each and every individual by offering?clubs and classes, including landscape painting, photography, sound bath meditation, knitting club, Mah Jongg class, writing class, and more. On this topic, I recently published an?op-ed?on this topic in partnership with Richard Baum, the President and CEO of our parent organization, Educational Alliance.?In the?article, which ran in?The Villager,?the local newspaper of downtown Manhattan, and online in?amNY,?we explain how building community helps to counteract the effect of the loneliness crisis in our society.? How do we do this at 14Y? By providing engaging, joyful activities that inspire, connect, and bring people together. Read the article below to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e4eCQWpX

How can we reverse the frustrating trends that isolate people from each other and pull apart communities? Our belief is that part of the answer lies in the power of community centers like the 14th Street Y.?We’ve just published an op-ed on this topic (which you can read via the link below). Additionally, we’re holding an event to illustrate and jumpstart our effort to bring our community together. Here are the details: The op-ed is published in?"The Villager," the local newspaper of downtown Manhattan, and online in amNewYork. In the?article, which I co-wrote with Alexis Offen, Executive Director of 14Y, we discuss the high stakes of the loneliness crisis and explain the ways in which we hope to counteract its effect?on individuals and communities.? ? To officially kick off this important work, 14Y is screening a documentary on Tuesday, October 29 - aptly titled Join or Die -?about how clubs can bring our communities and our country back together.?On that same night, we're holding a ‘club fair,’ so that members of the community can sign up for a myriad of activities that will connect them with each other.?Visit the 14th Street Y website to register. ? It’s my?belief that the secret?to a healthy community and less isolation lies in engaging, joyful activities that connect people. We're doing more and more of that at 14Y, and I hope to see you Tuesday evening. https://lnkd.in/ejfwcYrg #community #clubs #joinordiefilm

What inspires you to keep going when you feel like you’ve reached your limit? ?? Twenty-four years ago, Aaron Lazar achieved his dream of becoming a successful actor. He went on to star in numerous hit Broadway shows, sing in renowned concert halls, and appear in critically acclaimed films. That all changed three years ago, after being diagnosed with ALS. That’s when Aaron began to remake his life to achieve a new dream: healing in the face of tremendous adversity.? ? On October 28, Aaron will be sharing his story?at the 14th Street Y. Titled?"The Impossible Dream," his performance will offer insights into creating a purpose-driven life through courage, trust, and patience.? ? I hope you’ll join us – and Aaron- on October 28 for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of story, song, and conversation as he shares his extraordinary journey of turning a devastating diagnosis into a life-changing calling. ? The Impossible Dream?will be followed by a Q&A, moderated by David Perpich, a longtime executive at The New York Times (and currently publisher of?The Athletic),?who??is a friend of Aaron’s and a friend of Educational Alliance as well. ? ?The Impossible Dream:?Aaron Lazar’s Transformational Journey of Healing Monday, October 28 | 7:30PM | 14Y Theater Get tickets:?https://lnkd.in/eHvRaQza #broadway #als #endals #musicheals #impossibledream

TOMORROW! Please join us for a panel discussion on the upcoming election and what it means for our democracy: ? "The Insider's Guide to the Upcoming Election and What's at Stake" Thursday, September 26 | 7pm | 14Y Tickets: https://lnkd.in/g2ACgiZD We'll go way beyond the headlines to understand the forces driving the outcome of the election and the political landscape of our country. Panelists include: Josh Isay, the former CEO of SKDK and a leading political consultant for national, state, and local campaigns Lisa Lerer,?a?The New York Times?National Political Correspondent and co-author of the bestselling book?"The Fall of Roe" Basil Smikle, PhD,?the former Executive Director of the NYS Democratic Party and frequent commentator on CNN and MSNBC Moderated by?Richard Baum, President and CEO of our parent organization Educational Alliance Don't miss this lively discussion with some of our nation's leading political experts!

If you’ve had a chance recently to visit the 14th Street Y (which is part of Educational Alliance), you may have noticed the beautiful photos on display in their lobby gallery and right outside the 14Y Theater. These images are part of a really compelling exhibit about the Abayudaya Jewish community of?Uganda.? ? Taken over the course of a year by award-winning artist Peter Decherney, the photographs on display document everyday life among the Abayudaya community, explore the Abayudaya’s mix of local?Ugandan traditions and Jewish culture, and tell the unique story of a resilient community of African Jews. ? Last night,14Y hosted a special event in celebration of Decherney’s portraits. The evening featured some of the stories behind these images through a short film screening and reception.?In addition, Rabbi Heather Miller moderated an insightful conversation about the current flourishing of Judaism across Eastern?Uganda, with a panel comprised of Decherney, Rabbi Shoshana Nambi, and Dr. Sara Byala.?? ? Please check out the pictures below – and I hope you’ll stop by 14Y before Monday, September 30 to view the gallery for yourself.

On the way into my office at the Manny Cantor Center I took the picture below of Diana and her son, Mattias, on the first day of pre-school.?Next that one is a picture of Noah arriving for his first day at the 14th Street Y. You can’t miss their pride and excitement at the year ahead. I’m thrilled to welcome our children back to school at Educational Alliance’s Manny Cantor Center and the 14th Street Y. Both of our pre-schools are unique, special programs that nurture young learners and ignite their curiosity. I feel so lucky to start each day walking through a lobby buzzing with the excitement of children starting their paths as lifelong learners. #preschool #nyc

Happy one year anniversary??to our CEO of?Educational Alliance, Richard Baum!