January
KHCC kicked off the year with recognition from Apple Bank at a St. John’s basketball game at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Thanks to their generosity, students from our afterschool ISLA program got the chance to attend the game! Additionally, KHCC received the Empire Award for Exceptional Service to District 31 in 2023 from Senator Robert Jackson. This recognition motivates us to continue serving the incredible Bronx community.
We also ended January strong with a field trip to the New York State Capitol for Advocacy Day, where we pushed for increased funding for afterschool programs and summer camps to create better opportunities for NYC youth.
February
Our ESC Literacy Day took children on a journey around the world through books, with reading volunteers dressed in traditional attire sharing stories from their cultures.
Our College Directions Program organized a special career day at KPMG, giving students an inside look at one of the nation’s largest professional services firms. Employees offered valuable advice on career paths and future opportunities.
Our afterschool program hosted a poetry slam, allowing students to express themselves and be heard by their peers in a supportive environment.
March
March was all about celebrating women during Women’s History Month. Our afterschool program hosted a Women’s Career Day featuring professionals from various fields—a doctor, entrepreneurs, an investigator, and more—who shared their experiences and inspired our students.
We also kicked off our Second Saturdays, preparing the garden for spring despite the occasional rain. On March 19th, we celebrated Social Work Day, recognizing the incredible social workers at KHCC who make our work possible.
April
On April 1, KHCC officially turned 50!
Throughout Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we held events to support survivors, including a march at Bronx Borough Hall, wearing teal and denim to show solidarity, and hosting a “My Body, My Choice” community event filled with activities and resources.
We also hosted our “Drip Down” event, offering free haircuts, makeovers, prom dresses, and professional attire for students preparing for job interviews.
May
Our 50th Anniversary Gala at the Tribeca Rooftop was an unforgettable night, featuring board members, supporters, and even RUN DMC. The event raised over $300,000 for KHCC. We also celebrated National Teachers Day, honoring the dedication and passion of our educators who impact lives every day, from preschoolers to ESOL students.
June
June started with our College Directions Program’s annual end-of-year luau, where we awarded college scholarships donated by Con Edison and gifted laptops to three students embarking on their college journeys.
Our corporate volunteer days also began, with Deloitte lending a helping hand to maintain our grounds, pantry, and garden. We celebrated ESOL graduation, marking an important milestone for students learning English as they continue their journeys in the U.S. We ended the month with our 11th annual Neighborhood Festival, bringing the community together for a day of connection and joy.
July
Our summer camp was in full swing, offering fun field trips to places like the Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium. One highlight was our honey harvest presentation, where students learned about beekeeping and harvesting honey, thanks to beekeeper Sean Flynn.
August
August was all about gearing up for the new school year. Thanks to the National Council of Jewish Women, families received free school supplies, coats, shoes, and more at their back-to-school drive. We also celebrated our CEO Raye, who received City & State’s 2024 Above and Beyond Social Services Award for her incredible leadership and dedication to KHCC.
September
We welcomed new mental health counselor interns from Hunter/Silberman, Lehman College, Adelphi, Fordham, and Manhattan College. These talented individuals are essential to expanding the resources available to our community.
October
October was packed with events! We introduced our Restorative Justice Fellowship, training high school seniors to mentor and support younger students in creating meaningful change.
Our annual Harvest Festival featured a haunted house, activities, and a costume contest. We also partnered with the Luminary & Bold Lambda Beta Alumni Chapter to help community members register to vote during this critical election year.
Additionally, we held Idea Generation sessions for the People’s Money initiative, empowering residents to voice their priorities for public funding. Throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we wore purple to honor and support survivors.
November
Our high school and college alumni visited to guide middle schoolers on selecting the right high schools for their futures. We also celebrated Bronx Community Board 8’s Comeback Kid Achievement Award winners, Summer and Kevin, for their resilience and success. Finally, we distributed over 500 Thanksgiving food bundles to community members in need.
December
We wrapped up the year with our holiday drive, giving away over 800 toys and countless coats to ensure families stayed warm and joyful during the winter season. Special thanks to NY Liberty for donating an Xbox to our youth lounge! None of this would be possible without the generous support of our donors and partners—thank you for making this year unforgettable.