AS PUBLISHED IN THE QUEENS CHRONICLE, Tuesday, February 8, 2024
- Feb 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Girl Scout Troop 6000 receives $10K
Construction firm makes donation at Jamaica shelter
by Naeisha Rose, Associate Editor
Feb 8, 2024
A Long Island construction firm made a donation to a special group of young ladies last Wednesday.
As part of its fifth annual “Staff Picked Charity Competition,” Forte Construction Corp. in Holbrook, a general contracting firm that has provided elevators for the MTA to expand station accessibility, gifted Girl Scout Troop 6000, which consists of youths who are in transitional housing, $10,000 at a shelter in Jamaica.
Nominating the group was Carlos Lopez, a project manager of the firm, who became aware of Troop 6000 via his wife, Miriam Rayward, a volunteer with the Girl Scouts.
“Every girl deserves to have the opportunity to reach her full potential, regardless of her background,” Lopez said in his submission statement. “Troop 6000 helps girls to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and in life. Troop 6000 is a safe and supportive space for girls to learn and grow, a place where they can feel safe and loved.”
Shelter Recreation Director Regina Butler joined Lopez, Stephanie Hudson and Jeffrey Cardillo, vice presidents at Forte Construction, Rayward and Giselle Burgess, the troop’s senior director, in delivering the check to the Scouts.
“Forte is proud to contribute to the growth and development of Troop 6000,” said Hudson in a statement. “Having been scout leaders ourselves, we understand the dedication, passion and selflessness it takes to lead and inspire young minds. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the leaders for their commitment to helping shape the future of these remarkable young girls.”
Cardillo shared the same sentiment.
“We hope that this contribution will be a stepping stone toward achieving your dreams,” he said. “Remember, each one of you has the potential to make a significant difference in the world. May your scouting journey be filled with exciting adventures, lifelong friendships, and the development of valuable skills that will serve you well in the future.”
Troop 6000, a first-of-its-kind program, was launched in 2017 and serves 1,000 girls citywide. It holds weekly meetings at more than 20 shelters and Scouts take part in activities where they can earn badges and learn to become leaders. Their fees, uniforms, trips and program materials are provided at no cost, according to Girl Scouts of Greater New York.
A permanent fixture of the program is the Troop 6000 Transition Initiative, which supports the young girls and their families as they transition into permanent housing. The average shelter stay in the city is 18 months, and the purpose of the program is to help the youths remain connected to the community and opportunities introduced to them through their troop while facilitating a successful transition. The group has also expanded its supportive program to over 100 young asylum-seeking arrivals living in Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers since January 2023, added the Girl Scouts of Greater New York.
Troop 6000, like many other chapters, has also launched its sale of Girl Scout cookies this month, which can be found at digital cookie.girlscouts.org/scout/sixk347668.
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