Feeling Grateful at a Public Allies NY Service Day

by Lydia Gringer Schinasi

     I’m a first-year MSW intern at Public Allies NY. That’s me packing bananas at a Thanksgiving Community Service Day with Juan, a second-year Ally. Public Allies NY teamed up with nonprofit Repair the World to help prep the meal in Harlem for anyone in the community who could use a hot, home cooked holiday meal. There were 50 volunteers and more than 100 guests! Service Days, such as Thanksgiving and MLK Day, are an integral part of the Public Allies program.

     What’s Public Allies, and what’s an Ally? Glad you asked! Public Allies is a national organization that partners with AmeriCorps by giving hundreds of diverse individuals (Allies) an opportunity to be placed at a local nonprofit organization and participate in a paid, 10-month apprenticeship program. Allies attend regular skills and leadership trainings and receive professional and emotional support.

     Fun fact: Michelle Obama was the Executive Director of the Chicago chapter of Public Allies back in the 1990s!

Lydia Gringer Schinasi is an MSW student in the 3-year extended program at NYU. Prior to pursuing her master's, she worked as an advertising sales executive. This experience guides her as she works with clients in their personal and professional lives toward a stronger sense of self and healthier patterns.