Resilience and Vulnerability

February 28, 2021 by Kate

Kate

The past year has certainly been a difficult year for us all, and difficult times are when we must be resilient. When my grandmother suddenly passed away of COVID-19 last month, I knew I had to stay strong for the rest of my family. But sometimes we can’t be strong; sometimes we must break down. And that does not mean that we are not resilient. As a matter of fact, showing our vulnerabilities is actually a huge part of resilience. Exposing our weaknesses proves that we have the strength to … [Read more...]

Kate’s Interview with Campbell, Mia and Whitney – It takes a Village!

December 15, 2020 by Kate

Whitney, Campbell & Mia

Kate: They say it takes a village to effect change and to do that we need lots of great participation. Could you please share with our readers how different levels of participation have helped you build and bridge communities as a Sweet Reader and Young Leader? Campbell: I have really enjoyed the opportunity of being a Young Leader this year. I am really looking forward to bridge together communities, and establish meaningful connections. We are very lucky to have a group of incredible … [Read more...]

Participate!!

December 15, 2020 by Kate

Kate

How can you participate in Sweet Readers? There are so many ways! As 2020 comes to an end and Sweet Readers has had to cancel all fundraising events, one easy way that anyone can participate is by making a donation to Sweet Readers. Your money goes directly to our programs and every dollar counts. It is especially important that we fundraise enough money so that we can run our programs with schools and eldercare centers that need financial aid! Another way to participate is by … [Read more...]

Partners: classmates, older adults & care partners.

November 22, 2020 by Kate

Alberta & Kate

I began Sweet Readers in the fall of 2016; Marley, a current Young Leader, integrated a group of my close friends into an after school Sweet Readers program at the New Jewish Home that met every Monday throughout the school year. I still remember my first day as a Sweet Reader. I sat anxiously in a library at the New Jewish Home, not knowing what to expect. As soon as I met my partner Alberta, my nerves were calmed. Although Alberta and I differed in many ways, what mattered in that moment … [Read more...]

Leadership & Youth Empowerment

November 16, 2020 by Kate

Kate

What is a leader? While this is an extremely complex question, I believe it can be narrowed down to two distinct attributes: motivation and empathy. A leader must be motivated because their energy is what inspires those who follow them. If the leader’s morale is low, the entire team following them risks collapse. A leader must also exhibit empathy. They must have a deep understanding of each person who they lead in order to be an effective leader. A leader should have a keen ability to read … [Read more...]

Perspective from the Sweet Readers Leadership Council Liaison

November 16, 2020 by Kate

Samantha

KM: Tell me a little bit about yourself (name, age, where you go to school) SK: My name is Samantha K. (you can call me Sam). I went to the Spence School in Manhattan and am now a junior at Brown. I’m concentrating in Art History and Psychology. KM: How long have you been working with sweet readers? What is your current position in the organization? SK: In 6th grade I was a Sweet Reader. Then in high school, I was on the Leadership Council and I was the head of the science … [Read more...]

Find Your Play

May 17, 2020 by Kate

Kate

The clock reads 10:09 pm. I’m drowning in assessments for the upcoming week. In a haze, I find myself wandering to the living room where my piano awaits me. With each chord I play, my stress is released. My soul is renewed as I sing each song. Music is therapy. Whether you play the music yourself or you listen to your favorite album, music has a unique ability to completely turn your mood around. In these stressful times, I have found myself at my piano constantly. It is important to … [Read more...]

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