South Asian Council for Social Services has productive summer, especially for youth

SACSS volunteers packing cases for feeding needy families. ALL PHOTOS: SACSS

The non-profit South Asian Council for Social Services, SACSS, experienced a productive summer full of events and activities, especially for youth leaders that it grooms to take up tasks that expand learning and involvement in community support systems.

This summer, the young leaders completed the Summer Youth Leadership Program, leaving with new skills, confidence, and big dreams for the future, SACSS said in its monthly Newsletter.

The organization also honored its volunteers—”the heart of our food pantry,”

“From unloading and storing food to packing and distributing bags, our volunteers ensure every step is done with care,” the organization noted.

Summer Youth Leaders with Senior Program Manager of SACSS Nushmia Shafique.

During this summer, the SACSS Youth Leadership Program took a field trip to the Museum of the Moving Image. Its current batch of seven youth coming from diverse backgrounds, was led by the Senior Program Manager of Family Support Services, Nushmia Shafique, and joined by volunteer Jamie Li Damonti.

The day began at the SACSS office, where apart from enjoying pizza, Shafique introduced the students to a special clue hunt they would take on inside the museum. Each question of the quiz was connected to a different section of the museum, encouraging the kids to not only explore but also to interact with each other and the exhibits in new ways.

SYLP student receiving graduation certificate from Board Member Mysore Gandhi, ED Sudha Acharya and Council member Linda Lee.

The non-profit organization led by Executive Director Sudha Acharya also celebrated the graduation of SYLP students. New York City Council Member Linda Lee joined the event to honor young leaders as they received their City-certified certificates.

Other SACSS volunteers were also presented certificates of appreciation. “From supporting our food pantry to lending a helping hand across programs, they are truly the backbone of our work and the reason we can continue serving our community,” SACSS said in it outreach email.

Stitch with SACSS student stitching a Potli bag

The second Stitch with SACSS batch of the year is ongoing currently. Participants have kicked off with a creative project—making colorful potli bags, “a timeless accessory that’s back in trend,” the organization said “Through this program, women not only learn valuable sewing skills but also build confidence and community along the way,” it added.