LSA News: October 2026

A Groovy Night to Remember

The LSA Associate Board came together for An Evening of Disco on October 23, a night of connection, celebration, and community in support of LSA Family Health Service.


We would like to extend a special thank you and recognition to our honorees, Gregory and Talia, for their outstanding dedication and contributions!


Thank you to everyone in our community who attended, sponsored, donated, and helped make this groovy evening such a success. A special shoutout to our sponsors Ted Hopper, Andrea Pincus, Ponce Bank, and Wells Fargo, as well as local businesses Area Latina Bar & Grill and Sevilla Bakery!


"LSA affects everyone in our community ... [they make] sure that these kids, the younger generation, have their voices heard, that they matter in these classrooms, and that their achievements and dreams are attainable and reachable."


– Edwin Guzman, LSA College Access Student

Volunteer Spotlight: Amelia Cottrell

For many volunteers, finding the right organization comes down to shared values. Amelia was first introduced to LSA through Church of the Heavenly Rest. She recalls being inspired after meeting a few of our LSA team members and seeing their dedication and enthusiasm to help children succeed and achieve their best. As she highlights, "[LSA's] mission made me want to do anything I could do to help.”

 

One of Amelia’s most rewarding experiences at LSA was getting to see a young person suddenly understand something they had struggled with earlier. Whether it is reframing a challenging concept or approaching a problem from a completely new angle, witnessing a young person suddenly understand something they have long struggled with is described simply as "magical."


Amelia's time as a volunteer has reinforced her belief that every child deserves access to the resources and support they need to succeed. Viewing education as a critical part of that journey, she sees her volunteer work as a meaningful way to contribute to the East Harlem community and help young people fulfill their potential. 



Beyond the students, Amelia notes that it is the extraordinary community of people behind the scenes that makes LSA special. She points out that the investment demonstrated by LSA’s volunteer coordinators is truly unique. LSA creates an environment where both students and volunteers can thrive by closely monitoring every tutor-student relationship to ensure the best possible outcome for every child. Thank you, Amelia, for your dedication, your passion for education, and the lasting difference you make in the lives of our students!

Trick or Treat!

The LSA Associate Board got into the Halloween spirit by celebrating with our K-5 students! Filled with costumes, smiles, and festive activities, the celebration brought joy, laughter, and special memories for everyone involved. We loved seeing our East Harlem children enjoy the festivities and make lasting memories!

Our Legacy & Beyond

On October 1, community members, friends, and supporters gathered in Wallace Hall at St. Ignatius Loyola for a truly special evening: Honoring Our Women of Faith. It was an unforgettable night celebrating more than seven decades of devoted service, compassion, and leadership in East Harlem. Together, we reflected on the profound impact of remarkable individuals like Sister Judy Garson, Sister Susanne Lachapelle, Sister Judith Cagney, and Sister Theresa Kelly, alongside the many dedicated sisters and religious orders whose continued support has strengthened LSA's mission across generations. Thank you to all who could make it and to those who sent their prayers and well wishes! For more photos, check out our Flickr!

Community Events

Mayoral Assembly Hall

LSA joined Metro IAF and local leaders for a Mayoral Accountability forum to demand action on affordable housing, NYCHA repairs, and mental health support. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our community, we are holding city leaders accountable and pushing for tangible solutions that improve the quality of life for families across NYC.


People's Money Idea Generation

LSA welcomed community members to a special "People's Money" idea-generation gathering to learn about the NYC budget and brainstorm programs that matter most. Neighbors came together to share feedback, explore public funding options, and directly shape how local dollars are invested in our community.

Volunteer Opportunities

K-5 Afternoon Enrichment Program

Tutors & Homework Helpers

  • Mondays 3:30-4:30 PM


Cheering for Team LSA at the NYC Marathon

  • Sunday, November 1
  • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (1-hour time slots)
  • RSVP HERE or Scan below

Interested in volunteering?

Fill out a quick form and connect with our Volunteer coordinators, Elaine Abrams and Jack Giglia at development@lsafhs.org to learn more!

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