Spotlight On

Mission:
Sisters Divinely Connected Ministries is a non-profit community outreach organization founded by two sisters, Judith Gaffney and Karen Broadway, who are driven by a passion to help youth and families in the underserved community of Wyandanch, Long Island. This community battles with teenage pregnancy, gang violence, and substance abuse. These sisters desire to help this community break through social, educational, and economic barriers. The two sisters work with the school district, community organizations, youth, and parents to provide viable programs that provide mentorship and creative activities.

Background:
The two sisters, Judith Gaffney and Karen Broadway, have been working in the Wyandanch community in various capacities for over 10 years. They have worked with churches, community organizations, and the residents to evaluate the community needs so that the programs they implement are effective and life changing.

Current Programs:
The current programs the organization provides are:

Hannah's House - clothing for those in need and bread deliveries for two community shelters.

Breakthrough Learning - An educational program that provides academic enrichment services. This program also provides computer training and workforce skill development.

Breakthrough Cultural Arts Program - This program provides ballet, liturgical dance, step, and African dance classes. It also has a creative arts component.

Breakthrough Basketball - A basketball league that provides mentorship, skill training, and keeps the youth off the streets.

Funding Needs:
We currently need funding so that we can provide an educational/cultural arts/recreational summer program for the youth in the community. This summer program will have a mentorship component that will address some of the issues that have plagued this community such as truancy, gang violence, and teenage pregnancy.

Every month, the "Spotlight On" highlights the activities of a different 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in the tri-state region (NY, NJ, or CT). The selection of organizations for the "Spotlight On" is based on criteria such as programmatic interests, geographic focus, and size, to ensure the broadest possible representation of the region's nonprofit sector. While the Foundation Center strives to showcase the diverse range of organizations in the area, selection for "Spotlight On" does not constitute an endorsement by the Foundation Center.

If you'd like to see your NPO in the "Spotlight," please use this submission form to send us a profile of your organization. Or e-mail a description of your organization, following the above format, to nyweb@foundationcenter.org with "Spotlight Submission" in the subject line.