Youth Help Wash Away Effects From Village Fire

WAPPINGERS FALLS – On June 3, 2017 the Village of Wappingers Falls suffered a devastating fire that impacted 5 buildings that displaced 30 people from their home. Three of the connected buildings holding several residents were destroyed and two others underwent water damage. Thank God no injuries occurred.

After hearing about the destructive fire the Next Generation Latino Youth Group felt the need to help out. The group decided to organize a carwash to raise money to contribute with supporting the needs of the families.

The group raised a total of $ 1, 286.00. This money was distributed among two families that were adopted by Abriendo Puertas/ Opening Doors. The families are planning to use the funds towards rent deposits. Ivette O’Sullivan, CEO/President of Abriendo Puertas /Opening Doors, said, “ I’m so proud of the Next Generation Latino Youth Group for taking the lead to honor their civic responsibilities. This is the age where they are standing at the crossroads of adolescence and adulthood and knowing what they owe to society and what is expected of them is imperative to their community. Change can only be brought with action and the best and most responsible thing Abriendo Puertas/ Opening Doors can do is to share the sense of civic responsibilities with the younger generation.”

It is only with the support of all the volunteers and donors that group was able to make the fundraiser happen. Thank you  to all the volunteers for their kindness, generosity, time and effort that they put into making the event such a huge success.  A thank you to Legislator Francena Amparo for taking time out of her busy schedule to spend the day with the youth group and give a hands on directive to demonstrate to the youth how to wash the cars.
Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors is a non-profit agency that was formed in 2015 to advocate for a strong Latino Community to address key issues of sustainability, growth and long-term development faced by the Latino population. The mission is to strengthen the whole community by enhancing the healthy integration of underserved families, individuals and youth by offering education and empowerment. The program promotes a sense of community to lessen the negative emotional impacts of society as a whole by offering a variety of programs and by presenting bilingual and cross-cultural activities throughout the year.