Greetings and welcome to the 10th update from the One Strong Community Program!
As always, we're excited to share our progress and the impact of our community-focused initiatives.
This summer, we've worked closely with our youth members, providing enriching experiences through our School Age and Internship Programs.
These updates reflect our team's efforts and aim to further our mission of raising Hive tokens to support the repurchase of One Strong Tokens—our scholarship token on the Hive-Engine—from our dedicated alums.
Stay tuned as we dive into the details of our summer activities and how you can continue supporting our community's growth through Hive!
Summer Season Highlights
☀️ Summer Season Highlights
In June, we wrapped up our afterschool program and hosted our final Pokémon Tournament of the school year before diving into our exciting summer programming! 🎮🎉 We also welcomed three new kids who would be joining us in July, setting the stage for an unforgettable summer. With our license expanding to 10 kids, we brought on four more, and thanks to the additional income, I had the chance to buy new materials and plan even more engaging activities for the group.
To kick off the summer, we made it a tradition to walk regularly to the nearby park. 🌳 At this park, there's a pool where we cool off twice a week—a refreshing treat for the kids and me during those hot days! 💦 The park also had a playscape where the kids could let loose and explore while our lunches were generously provided by the food program ChicopeeFRESH. 🍎🥪
A special shout-out to ChicopeeFRESH for offering free, delicious food to Chicopee residents. Their summer menu was a big hit with us—some kids even said they liked the summer version of school food better! 🚚🍴 Whether served from local cafeterias or their ChicopeeFRESH food truck, we enjoyed a variety of healthy and tasty options that fueled our summer adventures. 🥗🚶♀️
By the time August rolled around, we were ready for some epic field trips! 🚌 We explored the Connecticut Science Museum 🔬🧪, indulged in some sweet treats at McKinstry Farms 🍦, and welcomed special guests who led art projects and games with the kids. 🎨🤹♂️ It was an excellent way to end a summer full of learning, creativity, and fun!
Letter from the Director
Dear One Strong Family,
As we reflect on the incredible summer of 2024, I want to take a moment to express how much joy it has brought to welcome three new members into the One Strong Family. It's been a pleasure getting to know them, and watching them grow alongside our returning members has been a highlight of the season. Their energy and excitement have enriched our program in ways we couldn't have imagined.
I also want to thank ChicopeeFRESH, especially Georgina from Lambert, for providing us with snacks throughout the summer. The children and I sincerely appreciate her support, which helped make our days more enjoyable and nourishing. 🍎🥪 Without her efforts, our summer meals wouldn't have been the same, and we are grateful for the kindness shown to our program.
Special thanks also go to MassHIRE Holyoke, which provided us with two exceptional workers this summer. The kids loved having them around, and I believe they gained valuable experience and created lasting memories with us. It was an excellent addition to our summer program!
Lastly, I want to thank the families for allowing me to have their children in our space. Your trust and support allow us to create a positive, nurturing environment where your children can grow and thrive; I am deeply grateful.
Your support continues to be the backbone of our success, and I am incredibly thankful for each of you. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the children in our community, and I couldn't ask for a more dedicated and vibrant group to share this journey with.
Warm regards,
Charles Laboy
Owner/Director
One Strong Community Program
This blog and account are managed and organized by the Executive Director of the One Strong Community Program, along with contributors and associated members of the One Strong Foundation.
The One Strong Community Program is dedicated to assisting its members by delivering "creative programming," which includes events, resources, and opportunities that promote a community's educational, cultural, artistic, and economic growth and interests.
Explore the latest updates from the One Strong Community on our website.
Chicopee Cultural Council Appreciation
Thank you, Chicopee Cultural Council, for being a vital part of our journey toward growth and creativity!