Raising young leaders in Elmont

Six students from Elmont Memorial High School and five from Sewanhaka High School have been selected for a unique business program taking place each Saturday in October.

The Gift of Giving Foundation, a nonprofit organization, created the Elmont Student Ambassadors Program, teaming up with local businesses to provide students with financial tools and the communication and customer service skills needed to run a business.

The students were sworn into the ambassador program on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Sewanhaka High School. The businesses mentoring the students during the month are A2Z Automasters, an auto repair shop in Garden City, and Belimage, a graphic design and printing studio in Elmont.

Belimage owner, Van Saint, attended the ambassador ceremony and discussed with the students the valuable lessons they will learn through the program.

“Being a businessman means a lot,” Saint said. “It’s just not about making money, it’s about giving back to the community and the employees daily. At this age, taking the initiative to come out of your comfort zone and see what is out there is great.”

Jessica Brown, director of the Elmont Student Ambassadors Program, spoke about the importance of the program to students.

“Gift of Giving Foundation decided to present this fantastic program, and we worked hard to bring unity, guidance, and support to the Elmont community,” Brown said. “I am here to guide, direct and support the students, local businesses, and the community as we kick off this fantastic program.”

Elizabeth Forbes founded the Gift of Giving Foundation four years ago. When Forbes moved to Elmont 10 years ago, she said she wanted to know how she could help the community and that her six boys inspired her because their friends needed guidance.

“There were about two kids that we took in that needed help,” Forbes said. “They didn’t have any place to go, and they didn’t have any guidance. My husband and I were the type of people to provide tools and want to see someone excel in the path given to them.”

In the 10 years since Forbes moved to Elmont with her family, they have helped 19 teenagers, including two kids whose father had been deported out of the United States.

“It was hard on the mother then, and we helped raise her two kids,” Forbes said. “I was so involved in the community. I was able to supply the resources that I knew that were in the community. Because we were able to give back, I felt like maybe this was our path.”

Before creating the Gift of Giving Foundation, Forbes was paying out of pocket to help out in the community.

“We would get gifts for kids in the community, and if we knew families that needed food, I would always cook a family feast,” she said. “I would always pack up the entrees and then share them with some of the seniors and the kids that needed food for a few days.”

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages suggested that Forbes start the nonprofit organization, instead of paying out of pocket, and thus the Gift of Giving Foundation was launched four years ago.

“When I started the nonprofit and was given the tools on how to go about it, I wanted everyone to walk away feeling like they’re loved or supported in some sort of way,” Forbes said. “I started to get enough resources and get close with the area’s legislator to understand those critical points to give back to the families.”

Forbes has received sponsorship from Webair in Garden City and A2Z auto masters and has collaborated with Island Harvest to provide food to kids during the winter break.

After they complete the student ambassador program, on the first Saturday of November, students will be given a citation from Assemblywoman Solages and a certificate from the Gift of Giving Foundation. The students will then be known as those able and willing to help out in the community.

To learn more about the organization, visit giftofgivingfoundation.org.