CMP hosted a Thanksgiving Reception on November 19th, extending our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible donors and supporters who selflessly championed our cause throughout the year. The event, held at our headquarters at 55 Chrystie Street, welcomed over 70 attendees, including 12 esteemed board members and more than 50 dedicated supporters and donors.
This special occasion provided a unique platform for our donors and board members to engage with our team, gaining insights into our work and understanding how their contributions play a vital role in fulfilling CMP's mission of promoting economic self-sufficiency.
Group Picture from 2024 CMP Thanksgiving Reception
The highlight of the evening was the 7 p.m. media ceremony, where attendees had the opportunity to hear inspiring stories from our former students, Aria and Yiming. These individuals shared their transformative journeys, narrating how CMP played a pivotal role in their personal development, leaving a positive impact on their lives.
Now a student at LaGuardia Community College of the City University of New York, Yiming laughs that when he was first recommended by a friend to come to CMP's Train & Earn program (formerly known as the OSY program), he didn't believe that it was really free. But he later found out that this organization had been helping Chinese in the community free of charge for many years. He was offered an internship through this program, and his excellent performance led him to become a part-time computer teacher at the Hamilton-Madison House, where he was interned.
Aria was a student in Peter's class at CMP. While improving her English with us, she also wrote her first English resume with the help of our job developer. She is now an English teacher at the Senior Center for the Chinese Planning Council and is preparing to apply for college to pursue a higher degree with the help of the Train & Earn Program instructor. She said, “CMP has made me who I am now. I hope CMP gets better and better and is seen by more people.”
Representative Ravi Reddi from the office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Representative Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio from the Office of Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Dynishal Gross also presented at the event.
Some highlight photos:
