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Al joined the board of directors of South Suburban Area Project in 2001 and was elected to the executive office of Vice-President in 2006 and is the longest serving chairman (in his present role) now in his 3rd term. He is the first Hispanic chairman as well as within the 28 statewide area projects. As Chairman of South Suburban Area Project he was instrumental in instituting several programs we run including Youth Democracy Day and together with Dave Dal Cerro he helped start the Annual Fishing Derbies, he finds time I in his busy schedule to attend and host trainings meeting and events, he also takes time to meet with the local affiliate groups and assist them with bookkeeping record keeping and program development. He was also instrumental in helping South Suburban Area Project procure a grant in conjunction with Chicago Area Project and Chrysalis Community Center to do a survey and training for a multitude of youth practitioners in the South Suburbs through a Grant from the Grand Victoria Foundation Through his hard work and dedication Al has set a vision for the future of SSAP; setting a long range strategic plan for the continuation of SSAP and he plans to remain active as a lifetime member of the Board of Directors after he passes the torch of leadership to the next chairman at the end of his term February 2011. We cannot thank Al enough for all the time, energy, and good will he has contributed to the growth of SSAP its affiliates, board, volunteers, staff and the development of program in the service of communities, families, and youth. |
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PROFILE: Alfredo Reyes (con’t) |
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Committee and Program Updates Beacon Hill Beacon Hill community is in the process of organizing under the leadership of Reverend Walter Mosby; in conjunction with SSAP and the Chicago Heights Park District we were able to provide a summer program at Sesto Park and are reestablishing a program at Beacon Hill elementary school; where we will also bring Santa and his Elves to visit 400 youth this holiday season. East Gate Community The East Gate Community Association has held various community events such as bicycle rodeos, community beautification projects, unity day picnics, and several community forums as well as establishing a neighborhood watch program. We hope to be able to have a program at Algonquin School as well as visit the students with Santa and his Elves as we did in past years. Euclid Youth Programs Programs at Euclid Park, Washington/ McKinley School, and Grant School. Afterschool tutoring, sports and recreation, arts and crafts, as well as cultural programs and life skills development. La Loma REACH La Loma REACH program has afterschool programs at Jirtle Park that offers homework assistance, cultural activities, arts and crafts, sports and recreation as well as life skills development. Posen (With Open Arms) Posen’s With Open Arms program is in the initial stages under the direction of Mr. Kevin Fus who is enlisting the services of volunteers while establishing a board of directors and raising funds to provide programs for youth and teens in several areas of interest; with a primary focus on sports, and hopes to expand into Midlothian, Robbins, and Oak Forest in the near future. They will be looking to do a Run, Hit, Pitch Program as well as establish a baseball league in conjunction with several of the local park districts. |