Strength to Strength’s Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) May 28-June 4, 2019

Strength to Strength's Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) took place from May 28-June 4, 2015. Participants ages 15-20 came together from 6 different countries to participate in therapeutic and empowering programs while touring New York City together. This year’s participants included those from some of our partner organizations in Argentina, France, Israel, Northern Ireland, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. Each participant came with their own story to share and everyone left the week feeling stronger and supported. The week was one of healing, sharing, and remembrance along with some special fun programs that not many get to enjoy. The participants learned that they are not alone in facing the impact of terrorism in their lives and that while they were in New York City, they could laugh and enjoy being teenagers with those that understand better than anyone else how their lives changed due to terrorism.

The group spent the week visiting multiple destinations throughout New York City including The Intrepid, Central Park, Times Square, Dave and Busters, Planet Hollywood and many others. They visited with NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism, John Miller, the 9/11 Memorial Museum with a special tour with Strength to Strength member, Tom Canavan, beginning at the Survivors Tree on the plaza and continuing inside the museum with personal stories of survival.

Throughout the program, the group was joined by members of the Board of Directors Strength to Strength and members of our Young Executive Division. An evening of cultural diversity, hosted by Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice-President, New York Board of Rabbis, brought together individuals from different backgrounds including Jewish, Christian and Hindu guests to discuss the differences that bring us all together.  The group had the opportunity to ask questions to the religious leaders that were present.

The group was also hosted for lunch at Talia’s on the upper west side of Manhattan by Seth Gerszberg, a Strength to Strength donor and supporter who spoke to the group about the importance of building their future despite the loss of a family member.

Combined with special therapeutic programming, the participants shared their personal stories. They attended various workshops during the week including sharing experiences, art therapy, and leadership.

As the group finished the closing program, everyone realized that not only was this experience life-changing but the friendships made in that week, were just the beginning. These young people left knowing that they had support and people they could count on going forward. They are now part of the ever-growing Strength to Strength family.

There are many individuals, groups and companies that have made this program possible and they will be thanked for their generosity personally. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Directors of Strength to Strength and the Young Executives Division, which is the young leadership arm of the organization and their members, who went out of their way to provide a welcoming and supportive week for the Young Ambassadors Program. 

For more information or to participate in the next Young Ambassadors Program, please contact Sarri Singer at sarri@stosglobal.org.