Hey Folks,

I'm excited to bring back my monthly newsletter to give an update on my work across New York. It has been a busy summer, and below are just a few highlights from August.

Earlier in the month, I helped swear in hundreds of new AmeriCorps members. AmeriCorps is doing incredible work, and I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of their members' journey, particularly as I look to stand up New York's Office of Service and Civic Engagement.
 

I had an amazing visit with the Klinic Kids program in New Rochelle, which is providing invaluable mental health and wellness tools to our youth through sports.
 

Growing up, basketball was at the core of my development, and the lessons I learned through sports continue to serve as a guide. I loved seeing the kids get involved (and I’ll never turn down the chance to shoot a few hoops)!

At the Southside Community Center in Ithaca, I got some questions that made it clear that our children have so much to offer not just to our future, but also our present.
 

And I had a great time in Syracuse helping to kick off the Great New York State Fair.
 

Another huge moment this month was announcing Matt Schaffer as New York State’s first-ever Chief Service Officer. Matt is a dedicated public servant with over a decade of frontline experience inspiring others to serve.
 

With Matt’s leadership at the Office of Service and Civic Engagement, we can connect folks to opportunities that will ground them in our shared capacity to love one another and unite us around our values as New Yorkers.
 

August has been a great month, and the work ahead certainly continues. Stay tuned for more monthly updates. In the meantime, all the very best. 

Thanks for reading.