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20 THE COURIER SUN • APRIL 18, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com Teen’s speech to Congress: Ys ARE POWERFUL BY ANTHONY O’REILLY editorial@queenscourier.com As 14-year old Kayla Brathwaite sat on a train heading to the nation’s capital, she rehearsed the speech she would give in front of Congress. Brathwaite, a resident of Ozone Park and a student at Park East High School, spoke in front of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services on March 13, urging them to continue giving $1.15 billion in funding to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Brathwaite told The Courier she’s been going to her local YMCA after school program since she was eight, and felt the need to give back to the program. “It’s been such a large infl uence on my life,” Brathwaite said. “I felt the need to go down there and give back.” During her testimony, Brathwaite spoke to how the YMCA has infl uenced not only her own life, but the lives of countless others enrolled in after school programs. “I am here today for all youth who need these programs to succeed and for all parents who need these programs to help keep their jobs and for the employers who employ those parents. We should not forget that these programs or the lack of these programs will have an effect on our economy,” she said in her written testimony. “I can’t say enough about it,” Brathwaite told The Courier about the effect the YMCA has had on her life. The teen has had experience in dealing with government offi cials in the past. Back in 2012, she introduced First Lady Michelle Obama in Washington, D.C., an opportunity that was provided to her through the YMCA. Currently, Brathwaite participates in the Teens Take the City program, where teens imitate how local governments work, passing laws and ordinances. She hopes to become a counselor for the upcoming summer session, and said people of all ages should take advantage of after school programs. “I think the YMCA can help everybody,” she said. “If you didn’t have an opportunity to go, it’s never too late.” ‘Window’ to a bright future BY MAGGIE HAYES mhayes@queenscourier.com One Far Rockaway organization is aiming to provide young girls with a greater sense of life, more than just “what they see outside their windows.” Project Window was created with intentions to provide a feeling of camaraderie and a common ground for young women to speak about friends, family and life, as well as opportunities to reach their full potential and face life with confi dence. “I wanted to help girls get help and not become a product of their environment,” said Angela Hines, the program’s creator. Hines, a Far Rockaway native, is no stranger to struggle. She dropped out of high school and became a teen mom. However, she was determined to succeed, and started college, with three children to take care of. After graduating, she went on to law school, now with fi ve children. Through hard work, she persevered, got her degree and started work at Queens Family Court representing children. “I saw at-risk girls,” she said of her time in the courts. “Girls who were struggling in school, with poor family life. I knew I wanted to help, and if I could help just one girl, it was worth it.” With that, she began Project Window. Hines works with girls at P.S./M.S. 138 once a week; they sit together and discuss bullying, teen violence, domestic violence, etiquette and more. They also travel to sites outside of the neighborhood so Hines can show them that “there is life outside the only community they have known.” “Ms. Hines sees that we can do well in life,” said participant Domenique White, 13. “Before the program started, all of us girls were rowdy and disrespectful.” PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGELA HINES White said that before Project Window, she picked on people and was a “big bully.” After meeting with Hines and airing out problems, White has learned to think positively and change her attitude. The school’s assistant principal, Shallonda Daniels, said that she has seen a signifi cant change in the girls since they began Hines’ program. “The program has given the girls an opportunity to share their thoughts and learn that there is more to life than what they see outside in their communities,” Daniels said. Initially a pilot program, Project Window is now looking to expand to all of Far Rockaway. The Ocean Bay Action Center has offered up a larger space for Hines to hold mentor sessions, and the community has put themselves behind her, supporting the initiative. “I can’t even describe the feeling I get when I see the girls and how they’re changing,” said Hines. “I really feel like this is working.” If you would like to know more about Project Window or contribute to the initiative, contact Hines at 347-306-8688. 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