Roads to Success

On July 13th, Roads to Success (RTS) celebrated the start of summer in style with the Summer Kick-off event at the Boston Secor Cornerstone Community Center . The air was filled with excitement, laughter, and the sweet scent of cotton candy as over 140 attendees came together for a day of fun and community bonding.

The event was a sensory delight, featuring a bouncy castle, a gaming truck, and arts and crafts stations that sparked creativity. The highlight for many was the live music, courtesy of retired NYPD detective Todd Taylor, who kept the crowd moving with his DJ skills under his company, Taylor Made Productions. Todd didn't just bring the beats; he also engaged the crowd with exciting gift giveaways, including Roblox and Starbucks gift cards.

We were honored to have several special guests join us. Janet and Al Cohen from The Community Initiative of New York (TCIONY) partnered with RTS to bring Hoopbus, an initiative that builds community and spreads love through basketball. Their presence added an extra layer of excitement and purpose to the day.

The event was also supported by officers from PSA8, including Captain Eric Heeren, demonstrating the strong community ties RTS continues to foster. Karen Hill, a COMPASS Program manager for DYCD, attended as a community resident, further highlighting the event's local impact.

The RTS team was out in full force, showcasing our commitment to the community. Bashan Fernandez, RTS Chief Program Officer, led the charge alongside Nathalie Louis, RTS Deputy Director of Afterschool & Community Center Programs. They were supported by Group Leaders Dominique Ratcliff and Keyhira Broadway, as well as Center Director Yamin Rodriguez. Their presence and enthusiasm helped make the event a resounding success.

One of the day's highlights was seeing families engage with our Director, Yasmin Rodriguez. As Yasmin introduced herself and shared what RTS has to offer, parents were eager to learn more, with many registering for our programs on the spot. It was a powerful reminder of the vital role RTS plays in our community and the need for the services we provide.

Bashan Fernandez, RTS Chief Program Officer, shared his thoughts on the day, "Our Summer Kick-off event is more than just a celebration—it's a testament to the strength of our community and the impact of our programs. Seeing the joy on the faces of our youth and the engagement of their families reinforces why we do what we do. This event sets the tone for a summer of growth, learning, and fun for all our participants."

Here's to a summer filled with growth, fun, and endless possibilities. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success, and we can't wait to see what the rest of the summer brings!