November 27, 2019 Dear Friend, Imagine this. A teenager too scared to take a chance on themselves and thinking that new opportunities were only for people who grew up differently than them. A teenager too scared that every day spent at home was a waste of their potential? A teenager interested in learning something new but too afraid to try and fail. Can you relate to those feelings?

I can because that was me. My name is Briana, and as I started my freshman year of high school I wasn’t sure where I fit in. I saw my peers getting involved in community projects, but I lacked direction. Thanks to my pushy guidance counselor, I filled out my application to be a part of Groundwork Hudson Valley’s Green Team. I applied for the Green Team position to gain employment experience, to be outside and to learn more about the environment.

I applied for the Green Team position to gain employment experience, to be outside and to learn more about the environment. I received training in conservation and worked to restore gardens, trails, and rivers right here in Yonkers, New York. I also had the amazing opportunity to leave Yonkers for the first time in my life when I spent a week working at Grand Canyon National Park! Working in Yonkers and in the Grand Canyon showed me the legacy that nature creates and the community it nurtures – it deserves people taking the time to care for it. It also showed me how truly special Yonkers is and the passion I had for improving my community in Westchester County.

I’m not sure I would have realized that if it wasn’t for Groundwork Hudson Valley taking a chance on me through hiring me for the Green Team. I am now a senior in high school and I know I want to work for a company that preserves the environment and helps educate the public on its importance. I hope to give back and do more for the Yonkers area to help our community, encourage business growth and share the beauty of Yonkers and Westchester County with visitors. I know I’m not alone either – a lot of my fellow Green Teamers feel the same way!

But the Green Team did more than help me discover my passion – it helped me become who I am! Being part of the Green Team gave me a sense of confidence, self-reliance, and purpose that I never had before. I learned how to be a good leader and a collaborative team member. I learned how to voice my own opinion and to ask questions. I learned to overcome my fears and try something new. And I learned that even one person can make a positive impact on the world around them. Groundwork Hudson Valley changed my life and now I hope you’ll join me in making sure it does the same for others. Things and places that were once out of reach feel like they are now at my fingertips.

I’m asking you to help me support Groundwork Hudson Valley, so that more teenagers like me have the opportunity to go outside their comfort zones and engage in something that will change the trajectory of their lives. I hope you’ll find it in your heart to continue to support kids like me with a gift to this life changing organization. Please give your most generous gift today here .  Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season! Thank you for reading my story,

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Briana Marcano Green Team Class of 2018 & 2019 Groundwork Hudson Valley

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P.S. Many companies match donations made by their employees! Matching gifts are an important source of revenue for our organization and can make your gift go twice as far. Kindly contact your company HR department or contact Sara Brody at [email protected]  for more information.

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