Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) April 24-May 1, 2018

Strength to Strength's Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) took place from April 24-May 1, 2018. Participants ages 15-20 came together from 7 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, England, France, Israel, Northern Ireland, Spain and the United States. The week together gave the participants an opportunity to connect, share and heal. For the week they were in New York, the participants were able to forget the every day life at home and laugh a little and enjoy being teenagers with those that understand better than anyone else how terrorism has impacted their lives.

The week started with a beautiful welcome dinner at a private donor’s home with an incredible view of Central Park — the perfect way to start an exciting week for this special group. The participants 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. The group also had opportunities to interact with members of Strength to Strength’s Young Executives Division, which consists of young professionals who assist in spreading awareness and raising funds for programs such as YAP. They visited the 9/11 Tribute Center and 9/11 Memorial. A special tour through the 9/11 Museum began at the Survivors Tree on the plaza led by Tom Canavan, who shared his story of surviving 9/11 and insight to the participants.

The group met with the incredible NYPD Commissioner, James O’Neill who spoke about his experiences and role in making sure that NYC is safe for all. He also surprised the group with a tour of the Hudson River on NYPD Police boats where they were able to see up close the Statue of Liberty and other sites.

Combined with special therapeutic programming led by Jo Dover, Advisory board member of Strength to Strength, and the incredibly gifted staff that joined from our partner organizations, the participants spent a week sharing experiences, connecting and bonding over what they and their families have been through. The participants took part in various workshops during the week including sharing experiences, art therapy, leadership and meeting with community leaders representing their countries and victims of terrorism.

A special evening hosted by Ambassador Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel in New York, gave our supporters and the participants an opportunity to spend time together in a more intimate environment. The week went by so quickly but one thing everyone realized was that this life-changing experience was just the beginning and the friendships made were more like FAMILY. Everyone left the program knowing that they have those that understand what they have been through to lean on and that they are now part of the ever-growing Strength to Strength family. We will always be there for them whenever they need us.

A special thank you to Jo Dover for all the hard work to make the program successful.

The week would not be possible with our partner organizations that participated on this years program including CELTYV - Por las Victimas del Terrorismo de Argentina of Argentina, Omagh Support and Self Help Group of Northern Ireland, Association Francaise des Victimes du Terrorisme of France, OneFamily Fund of Israel, and Asociacion de Ayuda A LasVictimas Del 11-M of Spain.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Directors of Strength to Strength, the Young Executives Division, which is the young leadership arm of the organization, and the many individuals, groups and companies that have made this program possible. 

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