COPE Program
Brooklyn, NY: December 18, 2014—Kingsborough’s College Opportunity to Prepare for Employment (COPE) program received a holiday donation of toys and coats for the families of students who participate in the program. For the past six years Atlantis Cricket Club – NY has collected toys at its annual holiday party and donated them to the KCC COPE program.
Keith Aaron, Treasurer (at left), Leslie Lewis, Liaison Officer (at center in tie), and John Aaron, Secretary (at extreme right) officers of Atlantis Cricket Club - NY, presents toys to Marie Mandara, COPE Director (center), and the staff of the COPE program at Kingsborough Community College.
“I saw a need that we could fulfill by making a direct donation of children’s toys and coats to benefit the families of our students,” said Atlantis and American Cricket Federation Secretary John Aaron. “I believe strongly that we have a responsibility to help others, and what better place than on our campus? It’s rewarding to be able to bring smiles to the faces of parents and their children,” continued Aaron, who also serves as KCC’s Continuing Education department Marketing Director.
“The toys and coats will be distributed among the program’s participants for their families,” said COPE Program Director Marie Mandara. “They are always excited at the chance to bring home a fun toy, or a warm winter coat to their children, and we are grateful to the members of the Atlantis Cricket Club for their continued generosity.”
About the COPE Program
The College Opportunity to Prepare for Employment program was established in collaboration with the New York City Human Resources Administration to provide services to a population of students receiving public assistance. COPE provides comprehensive support, including job placement assistance, to students who enroll full time in approved, vocationally-oriented associate degree programs, preparing them for employment leading to economic self-sufficiency.
Leslie "Tulu" Lewis, Atlantis Cricket Club - NY's Liaison Officer (center) presents children's winter coats to Ms. Marie Mandara, COPE Director and her staff, on behalf of Atlantis.
About Atlantis Cricket Club – NY
The Atlantis Cricket Club – NY is a member of the Eastern American Cricket Association (EACA) and the nationally recognized American Cricket Federation (ACF). The club has both men’s and women’s cricket teams, and participates in domestic tournaments and international tours. Sustained through contributions of members, donors, and fundraising events, Atlantis is one of only a few clubs in the USA supporting a women’s cricket team. The club’s relationship with CUNY is solid, having contributed to a scholarship fund at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, and as part of its Atlantis Shevonne Mentis Educational Scholarship Fund established in the name of a member’s daughter who died on September 11.
About Kingsborough Community College
Kingsborough Community College serves approximately 14,000 full- and part-time students a year in credit and non-credit bearing courses in liberal arts and career education. As one of the City University of New York’s seven community colleges, Kingsborough provides a high-quality education through associate degree programs that prepare students for transfer to senior colleges or entry
into professional careers, and is dedicated to promoting student learning and development as well as strengthening and serving its diverse community.