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2004 - 2007 

Sylk's Angels began programming at one of Casella Housing HDFC  Senior residents. "Rev, David Casella Plaza - 961 Vyse Ave at 180th Streer Bronx New York 10460 

2008 -2016

  Our program expanded, and Sylk's Angels was donated a community center at  

870 E 175th Street, Bronx, New York 10460 

 OUR JOURNEY TO SYLK.S ANGELS

August 2008, Sylk's Angels was blessed  with a donation of a community space for $1.00 a month by former Executive Director  Mr. Michael Brennan of Casella Houses HDFC.  

A non-profit organizational housing management company in our community.  As a first-time minority, women-owned business owner,  I was very proud and excited to pay it forward in my community. 

Sylk's Angels was responsible for all renovations. ( The location was in very bad condition ), but!  we were blessed to receive the support of friends, family along with another non-profit organization, " Rebuild Together.org. With no funding,  Sylk's Angels finally had a home right in our community on the hill.

Our local officials never  bother to  see us in the 14 years of programing. Not attending  our grand opening which was very sad.  Sykj;s Angels continued on with beautiful and empowering events thanks to Mr. Shawn Cragil of New York Parks Department and St Mary;s Park and Recreation Center.  

 A magical true inclusive, barrier-free world came to life for our angels, their families, and the community.  Everyone was able to be their own creative, beautiful selves 

2013  

Wavecrest Management Team became  our new management in a very unprofessional, racist, and discriminatory manner. This behavior did not fall under community gentrification.   It was very personal. 

 (No Blacks. No Retards and No Gays) 

 2016

Although we tried to remain professional and positive during the process as well as during oue our legal proceedings, the threats, vandalism, and theft of our property became very toxic and dangerous for all concerned.    Most of our equipment, supplies, costumes, etc., were stolen but more importantly  was the safety and future of our angels. It was time to move on.

September 15, 2016, Sylk's Angels closed its doors.  Many in the community were sadly affected as well. 

We are a very underserved community with non exisiting programs.

“To date 2023 "NON - COVID RELATED"

 SPACE IS STILL VACANT ”. 

Our Angels were displaced again and as a mother of an adult, differently-abled daughter, I know that story all too well.  

We have not fully recovered due to lack of funding and now we all are just LIVING and surviving.

 COVID #19.

 During Covid, everyone  experienced  the everyday exsistance of what a differently-abled life is, i.e. isolation, lack of inclusion, social distancing,  and fear of"The Unknown.

 Welcome "Normal" World.  

Sylk's Angels would  also like to take this time to thank everyone for the love and  support  through our journey. 

Still!  We Rise.

COMMUNITY LOVE

Sylk’s Angels shares the love of music, dance, and art with many underserved communities throughout NYC. 

While keeping the spirit and legacy of  Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Huston,  Freddy Mercury, and many of our iconic legends alive. 

Music and Movement is medicine for the SOUL.

Sylk’s Angels, Health & Wellness "IS" the key 2 unlock your Understanding.

Sylk" Angels continues to remain active  in the community,  providing services to families and other organizations utilizing our gift of movement/fitness through music, art, sign language, drumming, and unconditional love

.  

PLACES WE HAVE TRAVELED

New York City: Our Home

New York City Parks and Recreation -

Shape Up NYC -

Friends Of Crotona -

 Lambert  Houses - Forget Me Not - Seniors  

Princess Janae Place - LGBTQIA+

St John Lutheran Church NYC - LGBTQIA+

CommuniaLife Inc. - HIV/Aides Residence -

NANBPWC Inc - Bronx Women's Club -

West Farms Day & Rehabilitation -

Sheltering Arms -

 Neighborhood Group Home -

Henery  Carter Specialty Nursing Home & Hospital,

Seven Corners Child Care -

Seaberry Child Care -

LaPanensula Child Care -

Fulton Ave Child Care Center

  NYCHA Hnouses -         

Neighborhood Boys and Girls Clubs -

NYC Police Athletic League -

Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)

PENNSYLVAINA

"Foreign Entity Permit"

Poconos Mountains:

Ranch Land Sports & Recreation

Rainbow Mountain Resorts ( LBGTQIA+)

Las Vegas

"Foreign Entity Permit"

Lifelong Dreams Inc - Special Needs 

Opportunity Villag Inc. Special Needs

The Center - LGBTQIA+

Kiss Is 4 Kidz.org - Special Needs

Ann Arbor MI

Camp Hill - Summer Camp 

We just added 

Kissimmee Florida 2023

"Foreign Entity Permit"

2009 - 2016

 Sylk's Angels partnered with The Department of Youth and Community Development  (DYCD) Summer Youth Employment Program. and NYC Parks 

 Our first year, Sylk's Angels employed seven differently-abled and seven traditionally-abled individuals. Our numbers increased over the years, which was amazing.  All of our participants were able to explore and participate in all nature and recreational activities in the beautiful 180 acres of  "Crotona Park," located across the street from the Sylk's Angels Academy.

Although job readiness skills were a large component of their job description, our participants also embarked on health and wellness,  which played a major role in their fine and gross motor, socialization, and conflict resolution skills while staying focused and fit and improving on their positive work ethics goals.

Our numbers increased every year.

 Sylk's Angels was able to employ more of our differently-abled youth who otherwise "NEVER"   would have been given the opportunity with the appropriate placement and/or to perform at the level that best fits their abilities.

Many youths were transferred from other sites to Sylk’s Angels after a week of employment who was labeled difficult to work with.

Many individuals who had IEP’S - refused to submit that information on their application for fear they would not be chosen for employment and/or receive the appropriate job placement. 

At Sylkszone, all of our youth were introduced to money management and job readiness skills while improving literacy and conflict resolution through the arts.  Also, while participating in free weekly, dance, music, vocal, drumming, tennis lessons, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, weekend retreats, canoeing, nature walks, and tree pruning  at  Parks, and recreation and with Bronx River Alliance,

 At the end of the summer, all participants approached their goals with a different outlook and respect for health /wellness, education, employment. And self-worth.   

Many of our individuals have excelled and gone on to accomplish many of their life's goals, college and the armed forces.

SPECIAL EVENTS/ FUNDRAISERS

Fitness classes /Dance showcases, and picnics are held every year in our back yard - Crotona Park -  Indian Lake, and the amphitheater. 

Community organizations, Child care, after-school programs, and various dance groups, along with our LGBTQIA+  performers, are invited to grace the stage

and partake in the  creative  moments all in  the spirit of Unity 

 Special annual events and showcases consist of our tributes to:

 *May - Mother's Day & Wounded Worrior  fundraiser 

* June - Tribute 2 Prince Roger Nelson and summer Blast Tye Dye Picnic and LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Connection. 

*July -Disability Unite Festival, Disability Pride Parade, Baby Contest & Family Day Picnic.

*August - Trybute 2 Michael Jackson & Back 2 school Block party.

*September - Sunset fitness/ Crafts classes and weekend family retreats -

*October - Harvest Moon Holloween craft/ game night  & abbual  Masquerade Ball 

December = Holiday/Kwanzaa Celebration, held at St Mary's Park and Recreation center.

 WEST FARMS DAY PROGRAM

 Services ages 21+,  located a block away from Sylk' s Angels at 175th St and Boston Road.  

Sylk's Angels volunteered services every Tuesday from 10:00 - 12 p.m. as we danced together, sang, learned ASL, created art and played board games.  

Our angel friends were so excited when  Sylk's Angels arrived,  ready to learn and jam.

  Literacy through the arts allowed many who did not know or were ever taught to spell their names or count.

 They all enjoyed learning through music, dance and art.

Our angels were introduced to interacting and playing as a group, i.e., pick up sticks, jacks,  turn-taking while  learning basic sign language to communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing attending the facility.

African drumming played a major role in calming the soul where communal expression, conflict resolution were encouraged through pure movement.

Modeling and showtime was the favorite of all.  When one looks good, one feels good, and the sky was not the limit.

Possibilities R amazing.  

ST MARY'S PARK & RECREATION

Sylk's Angels Annual holiiday/ Kwanzaa Celebration held at St Mary's Park and Recreation Center - 450 St Ann's Avenue - Bronx New  York.  

Our love for the stage is not just for performances. Sylk's Angels continue to "edutain", empower and up lift individuals and our communities.

 Unconditional Love is our gift of giving back. One never knows when one will enter the world of DIFFERENCE

 Sylk’s Angels In the Zone “Is The Key 2 Unlock The Worlds Understanding.

 Beauty "IS" in the DIFFERENT..

Sylk’s Angels will continue to make a difference in the daily lives of others.

Our Angels are here to teach, share the love through their differences.

And with the support and generous donation of our families, friends, and communities

Open Minds, Will Open Hearts.

We are aware that we are rare. 

That's how God Planned it.