2022-2023 Reconnecting Through Service
A year of renewal as IMPACT Youth Club fully returned to in-person service and expanded opportunities for youth to serve, learn, and lead. Through senior outreach, environmental conservation, tutoring, humanitarian projects, and creative initiatives, our volunteers demonstrated that compassion and service can take many forms.
Throughout the year, members developed new skills, built lasting friendships, and strengthened community partnerships. New programs such as the Worry Worms Workshop, Giving Gardens, and Reading Partners, along with the expansion of service opportunities in Taiwan, reflected IYC's commitment to meeting community needs with creativity and purpose.
This year represented a renewed spirit of connection, collaboration, and hope. Together, our volunteers continued to inspire positive change while growing into compassionate leaders dedicated to making a lasting difference in their communities.
Humanitarian Support for Families in Need
In 2023, Impact Youth Club (IYC) expanded its humanitarian efforts by launching several donation drives to support vulnerable families in the community. Volunteers organized a Book Drive to provide underserved children with books and educational resources, helping encourage literacy and a lifelong love of reading.
At the same time, IYC conducted a Food and Clothing Drive, Book Drive, and Back-to-School Drive to support families facing financial hardship. Through the generosity of our volunteers and community supporters, these initiatives provided essential everyday necessities while demonstrating IYC's commitment to caring for children and families beyond our traditional music and environmental service programs.
Award-Winning Excellence:
Reading Partners Tutoring Program
In 2023, Impact Youth Club (IYC) partnered with Reading Partners New York City to launch a specialized online tutoring program for underserved elementary school students. Throughout the 2022–2023 school year, seven dedicated IYC volunteers provided weekly one-on-one reading support, helping students strengthen literacy skills, build confidence, and achieve academic success.
The outstanding dedication of our tutors and the impact of the program were recognized with the prestigious New York City Mayor's Service Award for the 2022–2023 school year. This distinguished honor celebrated IYC's commitment to educational equity and the meaningful difference our youth volunteers made in the lives of New York City students.
Environmental Conservation
ICaring for the environment has always been an important part of IYC's mission. Throughout the year, our volunteers participated in a variety of environmental conservation projects, including park cleanups, beach cleanups, and trail restoration efforts. Working alongside park staff and community partners, volunteers removed litter and debris, repaired boardwalks and hiking trails, and helped maintain public parks and natural habitats for the benefit of both wildlife and the community.
By protecting our beaches, parks, and outdoor spaces, IYC volunteers not only created cleaner and safer environments but also inspired others to care for the natural world and become lifelong advocates for a healthier, more sustainable future.
The Worry Worm Crochet Project
Worry Worms was introduced to IYC by Ms. Carol in December 2022. Inspired by the idea that small handmade gifts can provide comfort during difficult times, she generously hosted a series of crochet workshops to teach IYC volunteers how to create worry worms. Through her patient guidance, volunteers learned the basics of crocheting while crafting colorful companions designed to help children and adults cope with anxiety, stress, and nervousness.
Worry Worms has become one of IYC's most popular and meaningful ongoing service projects. Volunteers continue to create and donate these handmade companions to hospitals, senior centers, schools, and community organizations, bringing comfort, encouragement, and smiles to people of all ages.
