LIFE Center Turns 15, Reaches Out to Community

After 15 years, one local resource has helped more than 2,500 Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow and Westchester residents, who fall below the region's poverty level, graduate from high school.

Sleepy Hollow's RSHM LIFE Center will celebrate its accomplishments in the community on Saturday, September 25 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. on the porch of the Marymount Convent.

"This event is really intended to celebrate the 15th anniversary and honor Sister Susan [Gardella], she's been there since the beginning," said the Center's chairman, Dave Cartenuto. "It's really not intended so much as a fundraiser as a 'friendraiser.'"

Additionally, organizers hope the event will attract locals for an evening of cocktails, music and inquiries about the nonprofit.

"The hope is people who do know us will bring some friends who have questions and would like to know us a little better," explained Sister Susan Gardella, the site's director.

The organization relies entirely on donations to keep its programs running, which include after school and ESL homework help and daycare, Friday night activities for local teens and outreach for senior citizens.

Over the years, board members have arranged for several large corporations to give monetary donations or, as of late, more "donations in kind," according to Cartenuto.

For example, MasterCard donated several new computers to the LIFE Center a few years back, IBM offered science-related workshops for students and Jacob Burns Center allowed fourth-graders to write and animate their own films in January.

The LIFE Center's staff and board has worked to connect with the area's residents over the years, as much of the Center's publicity comes from word-of-mouth references.

"What's allowed it to flourish is the the good work and the reputation developed in the community," said Cartenuto.

Added Gardella, "I just continue to be amazed at how hard-working the people we deal with are and what parents will go through to help their kids."

Cartenuto believes the LIFE Center's "emphasis on doing the work first" in the after school program has greatly contributed to its positive correlation with graduation rates.

"The majority of the time they spend at the Center is done doing work," he revealed. "The kids really recognize that and stick with the program. It really has helped to reinforce what they learned in the classroom."

Gardella's unfailing dedication to the success of the Center has been a major factor, too.

"We try to make the learning fun," said Gardella, "so it's not a turn-off and they see the value in learning and how it benefits them."

Going forward, Gardella said she hopes to see some of the LIFE Center's graduates give back to the community.

"I'd love to see them running the center one day," she said. "That would be the ultimate — people we've served could continue and help our new arrivals."

The requested donation donation to the 15th Anniversary Celebration is $50/person or $90/couple. Proceeds will support the LIFE Center's programs. To R.S.V.P., call 631-0675.