NYJTL Launches Serve & Connect, Engaging Law Enforcement and the Community

New York (February 13) – Serve & Connect, a community engagement program connecting police and children in a safe and fun tennis setting, returns on February 24 for the second season for three months at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in Crotona Park.
Serve & Connect will be held Saturdays at the Cary Leeds Center, which is within walking distance of 30,000 school children, from 4 – 7 pm from February 24 through May 19. The program provides on-court tennis, off-court mentorship, and a warm meal for all participants.
Designed by New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) with partner USTA Foundation, Serve & Connect, formerly known as Volley Against Violence, is designed to improve perceptions and relationships among youth, police, and residents.
“Through comprehensive and positive youth engagement strategies such as Serve & Connect, NYJTL builds character in under-resourced youth living in the most challenging neighborhoods in New York City,” said George Guimaraes, NYJTL CEO.
Local NYPD Precinct 42 has fully embraced the program, and under the watchful eye of Deputy Inspector, Ernest Morales III, Precinct 42 provides police officers on a volunteer basis.
“We have 12 weeks to build a long lasting relationship between officers and kids all while providing them a safe haven and teaching them tennis,” said D.I. Morales. “These are life lessons that can make a real difference.”
Serve & Connect originated in Boston conceived by Sportsmen’s Tennis Enrichment in 2009. Based on the acceptance of the program in the communities, the USTA Foundation has expanded to eight programs this year, including Sportsmen’s Tennis & Enrichment Center and NYJTL.
“The USTA Foundation is committed to the youth participants from our hundreds of NJTL programs throughout the country and teaching them the importance of developing into model citizens and is proud to launch the Serve & Connect initiative,” said Dan Faber, Executive Director, USTA Foundation.
NYJTL launched “Grow with the Game” in 2017 investing significant funding to introduce its Intensive Training Program and to expand its pathway program from Community Tennis and ACES Afterschool programs to its highest level of training in the Advanced Training Program (also known as NYJTL Tournament Team). In addition to expanding its on-court offerings, NYJTL utilized the Cary Leeds Center to offer a 10-week Princeton Review SAT Preparatory class for high school juniors which began earlier this month.
Media are welcome to attend the Serve & Connect classes. The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning is located at 1720 Crotona Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10457.
About New York Junior Tennis & Learning
The mission of New York Junior Tennis & Learning is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court.  Since 1971, NYJTL has changed lives through tennis, education, healthy living, and character development programs.  Today, it is the largest youth tennis and education non-profit in the nation, reaching 75,000 K-12 New York City youth.
In June 2015, the $26.5 million Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning opened its doors as the flagship home of NYJTL in the heart of the South Bronx.  In April 2017, the Center completed its final phase of construction and opened the Pershing Square Stadium, the Victor Kiam Stadium, and the Dalia and Larry Leeds Viewing Bridge.  The Cary Leeds Center provides more than 6,000 hours of free tennis court time annually to the community’s under-resourced youth.
NYJTL celebrates the diversity of the children who participate in every program, providing 3,000,000 hours of year-round programming that serves youth from all five boroughs.  All NYJTL Community Tennis and Afterschool programs are offered at no cost to its participants.

NYJTL Salutes John Lloyd!

NYJTL is able to achieve so much for so many kids because of the generosity of friends who support our mission.

As NYJTL closes out another successful year making a difference in the lives of New York City youth, we are want to thank all of our incredible supporters and to welcome a new friend to our inner circle.  Leadership Luncheon master of ceremonies John Lloyd answered our call and traveled from Florida to host NYJTL’s major annual fundraiser.

While John is widely known for his tennis exploits and victories, including winning mixed double titles in both the French Open and Wimbledon, as well as for being a commentator and analyst for the BBC’s tennis coverage, his other lifelong passion is real estate. Since entering the real estate industry, John has achieved great success in the marketing and sales of real estate.

John can be reached through Sotheby’s International Realty:

Cell 310-795-8901

340 Royal Poinciana Way, Suite 337

Palm Beach, FL 33480

John.lloyd@sothebyshomes.com

 

 

NYJTL Appoints New Executive Director of Development

New York Junior Tennis & Learning is pleased to announce that Angie A. Calderwood has been named the Executive Director of Development, effective November 1, 2017.

Prior to joining the NYJTL team, Ms. Calderwood was most recently the Director of Individual Giving at the Morgan Library & Museum, responsible for raising over $3 million in membership and general operating funds. She has also held various fundraising positions at other prominent New York City institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera, Central Park Conservancy, and the Museum of Modern Art.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the team at NYJTL. My love of the sport and our great city made the mission of developing the character of young people through tennis and education resonate strongly, and I am passionate about enabling NYJTL to expand its impact on the lives of children in all five boroughs,” said Calderwood.

A graduate of Williams College, Ms. Calderwood is a native of Savannah, GA and resides in Manhattan with her husband and two dogs.

About NYJTL:

The mission of New York Junior Tennis & Learning is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court.  Since 1971, NYJTL has changed lives through tennis, education, healthy living, and character development programs.  Today, it is the largest youth tennis and education non-profit in the nation, reaching 75,000 K-12 New York City youth.

In June 2015, the $26.5 million Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning opened its doors as the flagship home of NYJTL in the heart of the South Bronx.  In April 2017, the Center completed its final phase of construction and opened the Pershing Square Stadium, the Victor Kiam Stadium, and the Dalia and Larry Leeds Viewing Bridge.  The Cary Leeds Center provides more than 6,000 hours of free tennis court time annually to the community’s underserved youth.

NYJTL celebrates the diversity of the children who participate in every program, providing 3,000,000 hours of year-round programming that serves youth from all five boroughs.  All NYJTL community tennis and afterschool programs are offered at no cost to its participants.

NYJTL Recognized as FIRST National Sports Organization of Character

New York Junior Tennis & Learning becomes a national leader in character development education and practices with its certification and partnership with Character.org.  NYJTL is the largest youth tennis and education non-profit in the nation and serves children in all five boroughs in New York City.  With this certification, NYJTL becomes one of two organizations in the nation to be recognized as a Sports Organization of Character.

The certification is awarded after a lengthy eight part approval process, a comprehensive understanding of the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, and a commitment to on-going site visits from Character.org.  “At Character.org, we are extremely proud of the inaugural group of National Sports Organizations of Character.  Their dedication to character development has proven over time to increase the well-being of so many young people, their families and their communities,” said Doug Karr, Character.org’s President & CEO.

“The partnership between Character.org and NYJTL was organic in nature as NYJTL’s mission statement is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court,” said George Guimaraes, NYJTL President & CEO.  This certification validates NYJTL’s character development initiatives and serves as national model to be replicated for like-minded organizations.   The First Tee shares the honor with NYJTL as the only other organization to be recognized and certified.

Zeroing in with laser focus, NYJTL has defined its vision to enable youth to “Grow with the Game”.  As part of an impact measurement study conducted over the last 18 months, NYJTL has determined that life skills learned through tennis and education are the catalyst for long-term achievement.  Recognizing that character development and healthy living play a major role in development, the organization has looked to expand its resources, knowledge base, and offerings to NYC youth.

“Tennis is our tool to build life-changing social, academic and career networks, giving children the best chance for individual growth and success. We are weaving a character-driven mission, core values and a caring community structure throughout our initiatives. Through comprehensive, meaningful and positive youth engagement strategies, NYJTL builds character in under-resourced youth living in the most challenging neighborhoods in New York City for a lifetime of success on and off the court,” said Jessica Kruskamp, NYJTL Chief Education Officer.

New York Junior Tennis & Learning has served as a leader in grass roots tennis instruction in New York City with over 45 years of continuous service.  Early this year to enrich its educational offerings, NYJTL partnered with First Book to distribute over 6,000 developmental level books to its student athletes as part of its ongoing commitment to assist long term growth and achievement.

About NYJTL:

The mission of New York Junior Tennis & Learning is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court.  Since 1971, NYJTL has changed lives through tennis, education, healthy living, and character development programs.  Today, it is the largest youth tennis and education non-profit in the nation, reaching 75,000 K-12 New York City youth.

In June 2015, the $26.5 million Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning opened its doors as the flagship home of NYJTL in the heart of the South Bronx.  In April 2017, the Center completed its final phase of construction and opened the Pershing Square Stadium, the Victor Kiam Stadium, and the Dalia and Larry Leeds Viewing Bridge.  The Cary Leeds Center provides more than 6,000 hours of free tennis court time annually to the community’s underserved youth.

NYJTL celebrates the diversity of the children who participate in every program, providing 3,000,000 hours of year-round programming that serves youth from all five boroughs.  All NYJTL community tennis and afterschool programs are offered at no cost to its participants.

About Character.Org:

Founded in 1993, Character.org, is a national non-profit based in Washington, D.C. The mission of the organization is to provide leadership and advocacy for character worldwide.  It is dedicated to help people everywhere become educated, inspired and empowered to be ethical and compassionate citizens.  Charcater.org validates character initiatives in schools, sports, families and the workplace through certifications and sharing best practices.  Results of effective character initiatives in schools typically include improved academic achievement, a decline in behavioral problems and an increase in an overall positive school climate.

Character education is an approach to organizational culture and climate improvement that supports the social, emotional and ethical development of young people.  It is the proactive and intentional efforts by schools, districts, communities and states to help young people develop important core ethical (recognizing what’s right) and performances (doing what’s right) values such as caring, honesty, diligence, fairness, fortitude, responsibility, grit, creativity, critical thinking and respect for self and others.

NYJTL in the News

New York City was treated to another electrifying US Open and tennis captured the attention of the world once again this season.  New York Junior Tennis & Learning is proud to be part of this community and understands the impact that the tennis can have on a child, a family and a city. Follow the stories of NYJTL and see how tennis and education are shaping the next generation. “Through tennis, lives can be changed and spirits reclaimed.” – Arthur Ashe
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The Today Show
The Ntonga family, an NYJTL family who immigrated from Cameroon, discovered the courts at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning and made tennis an important part of their family’s journey. The Today Show has a special surprise for them!
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The NY Times
New York Junior Tennis & Learning provides free tennis to children in all five boroughs of New York City. The NY Times shines a light on the work of NYJTL and the many children it serves.
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WPIX11

Christopher Perez wasn’t playing tennis a year ago, but all that changed when this Bronx-based teen discovered the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning. Christopher first started in the NYJTL FACES program, but after a year of diligent work and great passion for tennis, he decided to take his next step in training to try out for the Advanced Training Program, and got accepted!  Watch WPIX11 followed his progress and learn what tennis is doing for Christopher.
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Bronx News12

Millie and Mercy Ortiz, twin sisters have fallen in love with the sport of tennis.  The Bronx sisters have been long standing players in NYJTL programs, frequent the Cary Leeds Center, and just recently made the new Intensive Training Program.  Bronx News 12 follows their story.

Liezel and Tony Huber Lead the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning!

After a very successful summer, the Hubers have decided to make New York their home. Liezel has been appointed Executive Director of Tennis and Tony has been named Director of High Performance Tennis effective Monday, September 4.

Liezel spent 199 weeks as the #1 Doubles player in the world, won 7 Grand Slam Doubles titles, and is a three time OlympianLiezel and Tony welcome you to join them on court at the Cary Leeds Center this Fall, beginning September 14!

Expect to hear from the team in the next days as we update pricing and finalize details!  To contact the Center, call 718.247.7420 or email caryleedsinfo@nyjtl.org

The mission of New York Junior Tennis & Learning is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court.

About the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning:

The $26.5 million Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning is the flagship home of NYJTL.  The award-winning facility includes a two-story 12,600 square foot clubhouse with classrooms, access to 20 courts with 10 covered during the winter months and two stadium and exhibition courts, which seat up to 800 spectators