June 3, 2019 - A New Race Track Chaplaincy Opens in Puerto Rico! Chaplain Humberto Chavez, who serves on the Executive Board of the National Race Track Chaplaincy of America, has been delighted and honored to assist with the planning of the newest Race Track Chaplaincy - in Puerto Rico- and recently traveled there to celebrate its opening. Pictured here, the Horsemen and Track Officials of Puerto Rico, and handing out toys provided by our local partners, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The Puerto Rican community is very well represented on New York's backstretch and this venture will benefit the families of many who we serve. Thank you to everyone who assisted in this effort. For further information about this mission please contact Chaplain Humberto.
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If you have walked in the door of our trailer, chances are you have met Lorena Hernandez, who greets each person and makes sure their needs are addressed. Lorena does a superb job handling simultaneous multiple visitors, at times with serious and pressing needs, all while remaining calm and making sure everyone feels welcome. Lorena was a member of our youth group, has volunteered with us through the years, and grew up on the backstretch. Her parents, Maria and Santos, are long-time employees of our loyal supporters and former honorees Letty and Kiaran McLaughlin. This month, Lorena, who worked (and volunteered) her way through school, became a graduate of SUNY Farmingdale, where her education was partially financed through a NYTHA scholarship. A true example of how the combination of hard work and the support of a devoted community can pay great dividends. Lorena, as our sign says, "You Are Destined For Greatness". Congratulations, Lorena, and thank you to everyone who supports the Chaplaincy. When you support our programs, you support individuals such as Lorena in a very real and direct way. Thank you!
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Working at Saratoga Race Course - Did you know that Nick Caras and Chaplain Humberto travel back and forth to Saratoga at least once a week and sometimes more often? The NY Chaplaincy handles Saratoga housing for the backstretch community not living on the track, serves the backstretch workers who have already arrived in Saratoga, meets frequently with community leaders in Saratoga, plans our Annual Brunch and Charity Basketball Game in Saratoga, and plans and supervises the Summer Enrichment Program, which requires months of preparation.
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We hope you will support our work for the benefit of those who make racing possible behind the scenes by clicking the links below. Thank you to the Walter Borisenok Family Foundation for joining Marylou Whitney & John Hendrickson, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation, NYTHA, and NYRA as Brunch Sponsors! Thank you to The Sunshine Foundation and William Freeman of West Point Thoroughbreds for becoming sponsors of our Summer Enrichment Program!
