Akoma Unity Center lease

Invited the council to Akoma's upcoming events and asked them to extend the lease three years with options.

Spoke on behalf of Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes in strong support of renewing Akoma's lease.

Golden Agers member said Akoma gives seniors fellowship, resources, and civic engagement, and urged the lease renewal.

13-year-old Akoma scholar asked the council to renew the lease, citing the robotics program.

Ward 2 council candidate called Akoma a model partnership and urged a no-hesitation lease renewal.

15-year-old scholar credited Akoma's robotics program with her growth and urged lease renewal.

Former Akoma scholar, now a student senate leader, credited the center with her leadership path and asked for the lease renewal.

11th grader and Akoma scholar described mentorships, mental health training, and coding skills, and asked for renewal.

Called Akoma a unique beacon for youth and seniors and asked for a multi-year lease.

Golden Ager described reconnecting with classmates and learning health information at Akoma; urged renewal.

Guardian of an Akoma scholar described the support the center provided her family.

A 17-year-old scholar who has been with Akoma since age eight asked the council to renew the lease so the program can keep supporting youth.

A 13-year-old scholar asked the council to renew Akoma's lease, citing the robotics program and other opportunities.

A Ward 2 council candidate called Akoma a model city-school district partnership and urged lease renewal, saying it should exist at every park.

A 15-year-old 10th grader praised Akoma's remote robotics program and asked for the lease renewal.

A former Akoma scholar now serving in student government statewide credited the center with shaping her leadership and asked for lease renewal.

An 11-year-old scholar said Akoma taught her robotics, coding, and mental health first aid, and asked the council to renew the lease.

Called Akoma a unique beacon serving youth, seniors, and the whole community, and asked for a multi-year lease rather than a single year.

The guardian of an Akoma scholar said the center was a lifeline when she became a teen's guardian at 26 and begged the council to keep it.

The NAACP branch president said Akoma is the best youth program the city has and urged renewal, calling it a beacon.

A resident who moved to the city eight years ago said Akoma gave her daughters real curriculum-based learning and field trips, and asked for a yes vote.

Read a letter from Sam Catalano recalling the foundation's $150,000 investment in the Akoma facility and urging preservation of the resource.

A candidate for the 45th Assembly District praised the council for listening and urged not just renewal but a permanent arrangement for Akoma.

A mother described her son's success through Akoma — now graduating college with an accounting degree — and urged the council to renew the lease.

Speaking for Akoma's scholars, parents, and staff, detailed the center's statistics — 6,000+ scholars served, 150 scholarships awarded, and 66 college interns hosted.