By Dan Murphy
In an effort to re-new the neighborhood center, the Nepperhan Community Center Board of Directors decided to appoint a new Executive Director and re-organize its board.
On January 4 at 10AM Mayor Mike Spano swore-in members of the NCC Board of Directors and welcomed the new Executive Director, Melvina Lathan.
Lathan is a Former Commissioner for the New York State Athletic Commission, Former Director of Youth Development with Yonkers PAL, Board of Directors of International Boxing Federation, President of American Association for the Improvement of Boxing, a Yonkers Community Advocate, and a member of Mayor Spano’s Women’s Advisory Board.
NCC Board President Evan Inlaw said, “We as the board of Nepperhan Community Center, Inc. are pleased with our choice, in the person of Melvina Lathan, for a new director of the corporation. Ms. Lathan has a wealth of professional experience having worked many years with the International Boxing Federation and the Yonkers PAL; and she also brings a great deal of wisdom gained from life experience – along with a dedication to and passion for helping the Yonkers community.”
“Financially, the Nepperhan Community Center has gone through very difficult times; and we, as the board of directors, look forward to working with Ms. Lathan toward the goal of brighter days to come: brighter days for the Nepperhan Community Center, and brighter days for the community of people in Yonkers. Stay tuned,” said Inlaw.
We spoke to Lathan about her new position. “I got a call from the board to ask if I would be interested in helping out the Nep. (NCC). At first, I wasn’t sure what they wanted me to do. I told them I could help with some of the children’s programming from my experience with the PAL. But after 2 or 3 meetings they offered me the position of Executive Director.”
“We need some time and some help to put things back together, but the primary focus will be on providing our seniors, and youth, a place to go to that they can rely on.”
“I have my hands full but its worth it because I want to restore NCC to its place as a space where people feel they belong and where they can come and feel comfortable. We want to give the center back to the community, but I need the community to help us in this effort.”
“I am thankful that the Mayor has offered his support. We need more structure and I’m learning more about the organization every day. My vision is to move forward and not dwell on the past.”
“The most valued people on this planet are our seniors. They are all family to me, and I want to show our elders that respect by making NCC a special place for them once again.”
“This is a work in progress and will not happen overnight. But it will take a village and I want and welcome the assistance of the community to make it happen. I will do anything I can to make it work, understanding that there has to be order here to function, and understanding that we are rebuilding.”
“I am not coming her to make major changes, I’m just allowing it to continue so I can watch and see where we can make improvements. And I will help make that happen.”
“We may have to make some improvements to the building and make sure there are no health issues. This will be a major undertaking but it will be a group effort. My women from the Mayor’s Women’s Advisory Board are all with me and willing to help,” said Lathan.
This reporter’s experiences with Lathan at the PAL were all positive. We would ask the people of Yonkers to help her in this effort, to help rebuild a very imporant place for many of the city’s residents, and pray for her success.
