The Carver Center, a community center located in Port Chester, New York, honored five women Friday, February 9, including Director of Summer Outreach and After-school Programs at Sacred Heart Greenwich, Mrs. Lisa Lyons-Young.  The organization recognized her during their “Black History Month: Lady First” celebration, which acknowledges women for outstanding work and commitment to the Carver Center and Port Chester families.

Mrs. Lyons-Young has been developing and expanding the Summer Outreach Program that began in 1991.  Each summer, 280 boys and girls from second to eighth grade come from both Westchester and Fairfield counties to participate in the five-week program hosted at Sacred Heart.

There are four separate academies within the Summer Outreach Program. The co-educational Summer Academy, which includes students second through sixth grade, provides numerous enriching opportunities for students. There are two academies specifically designed for girls sixth through eighth grade. First, the Arts Academy, which assists in developing their potential as young writers, scholars, and artists. The Science Academy encourages girls to explore courses in sciences and mathematics. The Athletic Academy is for boys sixth through eighth grade. It supplements their academic curriculum with skills and team building exercises, according to cshgreenwich.org.

Mrs. Lyons-Young hopes that the program continues to grow and that the students are able to learn and understand life beyond their communities.

“[I hope to create] new activities for the Outreach Programs, [which include] taking the students on new journeys filled with exciting adventures,” Mrs. Lyons-Young said.  “I want the Outreach students to explore and experience the world and not just their community.”

Many students who participate in Summer Outreach also benefit from the Carver Center services.  Mrs. Lyons-Young is working to further develop and strengthen the connection between Sacred Heart and the Carver Center, which the late Sister Rosemary Sheehan, Religious of the Sacred Heart, established.

Mrs. Lyons-Young is attempting to rework programs that were successful in the past with the Carver Center, including the Tuesday HeadStart Enrichment Program.  Carver Center staff accompany children from their Daycare/HeadStart Program to spend Tuesday mornings at Sacred Heart. Through this partnership, Sacred Heart hopes to support the Carver Center’s curriculum while also providing additional enriching activities for the children.

“I’m currently working with the Children’s Place Daycare at the Carver Center to revamp the Tuesday program,” Mrs. Lyons-Young said.  “In the past, the Tuesday program was under the leadership of Sr. Sheehan and provided enrichment activities to the children with the volunteer assistance of Sacred Heart mothers.”

In addition to her award from the Carver Center, Mrs. Lyons-Young also received a proclamation from New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer for exemplary service and another proclamation from the Office of the County Executive Westchester County, New York.

The people that surround Mrs. Lyons-Young have motivated her to pursue her passion for community service.  They are what inspire her to continue serving others every day.

“In my [acceptance] speech, I stated that I am only a reflection of great women that surround me,” Mrs. Lyons-Young said.  “The women in my past and those I currently work with at Sacred Heart have encouraged me to be the best woman I can be. My mother, my family, my friends and coworkers each contribute positive energy that supports and fuel my mission to help others.”

Featured Image by Shantel Guzman ’19