13Sep

Sapna NYC Annual Community Picnic

Sapna held its Annual Community Picnic August 15th in Central Park’s North Meadow. Our staff and over 40 women and children took the 6 from the Bronx down to the Upper East Side, for what was for many, their first trip to Central Park. As new immigrants who either don’t speak much English or who don’t feel confident in their English skills, venturing out of their neighborhood and trying to navigate what can be a confusing public transportation system can be overwhelming. Many women become restricted to their neighborhood, or even just the few blocks around where they live. This isolation and lack of mobility can lead to depression and other health problems. Our Annual Picnic and other community trips are a way to help women explore what NYC has to offer and to begin to feel comfortable leaving their neighborhoods and navigating the subway system.

We were blessed with a beautiful summer day perfect for a day in the park. After exploring in the sun and relaxing with music and pass the parcel, we got up and moving with games including a 100-meter dash and a three-legged race. We found fun ways to exercise and burn some calories so we could indulge in a delicious biryani meal together. The day was a reminder that we all need to practice self-care, to take time to do something fun and spend time with friends. We joined together to celebrate Qurbani Eid, Indian Independence, and Pakistani Independence, celebrating our culture and the beauty of our immigrant stories. Check out our social media for more photos from the event.

Come out and support immigrant women realize their own “Sapna” or dreams this Oct. 17th with an evening of good food, wine, music, and social justice! Sapna’s Annual Festival of Dreams gathers leaders, community organizers, and professionals from all backgrounds to celebrate the strength and beauty immigrants bring to NYC. Catered by Michelin-starred SAAR NYC, Chef Surbhi Sahni will be curating a sampling of South Asian dishes each with a unique twist. Come enjoy food and wine while listening to infectious South Asian beats and mixing with other people who believe in building an equitable and just society.The Festival of Dreams will be held 7-9pm in a beautiful gallery space at 122 W. 26th St. 4th Floor, NY, NY.

In this political climate, it’s particularly important to come out and show our collective power and dedication to helping NYC’s immigrant community thrive at a time when they are constantly under attack. Your support will provide programming to help young immigrant women attend community college, give community members opportunity to learn English, fund a women’s circle to provide group support to women in need, teach new mothers how to raise healthy children, among so many other important programs.

Purchase your tickets here! If you’re interested in being a sponsor, email diya@sapnanyc.org for more information.