Dad goes to the New York Mets Dominican Heritiage Night with Dominican Gen Z's 😁. These kids are part of ACTIVO Youth Program we support as a family. Thank you New York Mets for providing tickets for the youth and volunteers.
The whole thing started during the Covid. My church family at Church of the Heights and I started to organize sports activities in the park for the youth in our neighborhood and now it grew into a full program. ACTIVO Youth Program is a safe space where young people in Washington Heights can come as they are. Through fun activities, workshops, mentorship and spiritual guidance, we help young people develop the confidence, character, and practical life skills and experience God's unconditional love through a loving community.
Attending the New York Mets Dominican Heritage Night was a truly memorable experience that highlighted the power of community and cultural pride. Being part of this event with the vibrant Dominican Gen Z youth from the ACTIVO Youth Program showed me firsthand how sports and cultural celebrations can create a positive space for young people to thrive. What struck me most was how this program, born from a simple initiative during the Covid pandemic, has blossomed into a full-fledged support network for local youth. Through organized sports, workshops, mentorship, and spiritual guidance, the ACTIVO Youth Program offers much more than entertainment—it builds confidence, life skills, and a sense of belonging among Washington Heights' young people. This event reinforced the importance of community-driven programs that nurture identity and connection. The New York Mets' involvement by providing tickets not only offered a fun, safe outing but also underscored how partnerships between organizations and sports franchises can amplify support for youth development. From my personal perspective, investing time in these community activities and witnessing the growth of young people in such programs is deeply rewarding. It serves as a reminder that fostering environments where youth can just be themselves, engage in healthy activities, and receive mentorship truly impacts their future. The blend of cultural celebration and youth empowerment seen at Dominican Heritage Night is a perfect example of how communities can come together to support the next generation.