Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram

Delsie’s Words of Encouragement & Reinforcement for Our Youth – #3

Challenges may surface without an invitation of triumph. Its purpose of appearance is to promote opportunity of growth. Through each opportunity you’ll witness your transitional movement towards success. What better way than to experience the full impact of your achievements?! It’s that commitment, courage and hope that reveals your inner strength to push forward without giving up. So remember to never submit to the external influences of judgment. Their vision is merely an expression of their own personal reflection, not yours. Your purpose serves as an exhibition of perpetual possibilities, executing one goal at a time. 

What People Are Saying

C.O.L.O.R.S. is a good program for everyone and I love how the staff makes you feel comfortable. C.O.L.O.R.S. is about a community understanding people. I just love being here and everything about the staff is great. I want C.O.L.O.R.S. to keep coming. Delsie is very understanding and a wonderful person because it was the weekday and Delsie came out of her way to come help me in a very difficult situation. She comforted me to make me feel much better, that's why I like Delsie. She always sacrifices her time to help others. I also like the fact that she's very truthful.
Talasia MimaPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
After attending the C.O.L.O.R.S. program I can honestly say I've changed as a person. My attitude was one of the hardest things I had to deal with. Delsie and the other staff has tremendously helped me with that. I also learned to accept myself with all of my flaws included. Self-love is one of the lessons that has stayed with me the most. Thanks to the help of the program I now love myself more than I ever did prior.
Emani McIntoshPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
The C.O.L.O.R.S. program has been a tremendous part of my life. The C.O.L.O.R.S. team is full of hard workers who go out of their way to help others. Every Saturday they never fail to bring something to the group whether it be joy, a sense of belonging, new friends, an ear to lend, advice etc. The lessons given become a part of the students and are incorporated into our actions everyday. C.O.L.O.R.S. will always be a safe space for the students who have been impacted.
Sutanya Gordon Poughkeepsie High School Graduate
What I like about C.O.L.O.R.S. is that it teaches us how to love ourselves and others. Delsie is a great teacher and friend. She teaches us how to control our anger. She will forever be a great teacher.
Omari Denton-Holmes Poughkeepsie High School Student
C.O.L.O.R.S. is a phenomenal program. They encourage you to do your best and to show your full potential. They inspired me in many different ways. The staff tells me I'm beautiful in my own way. We also have a fabulous "teacher", but more like a great friend. Delsie is a great person to talk to and a great inspiration. I love how the staff greets me with hugs and lots of love. They helped me build my self-confidence.
Teeghan Jackson Poughkeepsie High School Graduate
The C.O.L.O.R.S. program is a great program that is there to help you through the worst of times. The program's impact on me proved that it was beneficial and I feel that many others can learn so much just as I did. We learn about becoming a better person in life. For example, self-control, anger, drugs, respect and love are things we learn. When I'm in class I feel like I belong there, like I found my calling. Delsie is like a second mom to me and I feel as if I can tell her anything because I trust her.
Mateo BrownPoughkeepsie High School Student
Since I've been in C.O.L.O.R.S., I basically love it. It's the light of the end of my stressful weeks for me and part of that reason is the staff. Although I do love the students, I feel that the staff is what makes the program for me. The warm cheery vibe brings me back to when I was younger. All in all, it's been a great way for me to relax before I have to go back home.
Jason WilliamsPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
The C.O.L.O.R.S. program is a fun program. C.O.L.O.R.S. has helped me with my anger, sadness and loneliness. I attend C.O.L.O.R.S. to have fun and learn. Without C.O.L.O.R.S. I would not have gotten the opportunity to meet these nice people that helped me. There are a lot of things I like about the program, such as the field trips and its educational lessons.
Joshua NerenbergPoughkeepsie High School Student
What I think of C.O.L.O.R.S. is that it's the best program I have ever been to, even better than the YMCA. The reason why I think this, it's because they have taught me an important lesson this year and they help you personally. The lesson helped me change my ways.
Dominick AdamsPoughkeepsie High School Student
C.O.L.O.R.S. is more than just a class. It's a family. Delsie helped me through so much and has been in my corner and believed in me even when I felt nobody was or did. Delsie allowed me in her home when the relationship with my mom was rough. Skye, Luz and Pete helped me and spoke with me about things to help me at home. C.O.L.O.R.S. has always welcomed me with open arms and that will never change.
Rifain ThigpenPoughkeepsie High School Student & Army Reserves
Personally, I feel like C.O.L.O.R.S. is a life changing program, not just for the youth but for the adults as well. This program is helping to mold me into the person I plan on becoming. C.O.L.O.R.S. helps me dive deeper on my journey of self-love and helps me to gain new experiences and lessons. Being in this program has also helped me to make many new friends which have become like family over the years. Throughout my time in the C.O.L.O.R.S. program, the C.O.L.O.R.S. staff has been nothing but wonderful towards me. Each time I see them I'm always welcomed with a hug and a warm smile, which makes me and many others feel comfortable, especially Delsie. Having her in my life has made such a huge impact on me. She is the person I can go to with any sort of problem and know that she'll always be there for me and will never judge me because she's so understanding and trustworthy. Being in this program has not only helped me inside of the classroom, but also outside. Going through the many lessons, I developed differently, so to say I'm not the same as I was before I started the C.O.L.O.R.S. program is an understatement. It has helped me to become more patient with myself and others, become more understanding and to be respectful. I carry myself in a different way than how I did two years ago and that's thanks to C.O.L.O.R.S.. C.O.L.O.R.S. has done nothing but positive things for me and those around me.
Alaiysia Bonet-KingPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
As a teenager that goes through many challenges overlooked by society, C.O.L.O.R.S. is a self-development program that advances the thinking behind real world problems, how to deal with them and the action of self-love and acceptance. I joined the program not too long ago and have seen a dramatic change in my thought process and actions. C.O.L.O.R.S. changed my life for the complete better. The staff is remarkable. They're easy to talk to, loving, friendly, humble, sacrificial and are amazing role models for the program. I love C.O.L.O.R.S. and I recommend it to everyone!!! I appreciate the support and love what the program offers. C.O.L.O.R.S. is amazing!!!
Esmeralda Duarte-NievesPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
C.O.L.O.R.S. is an exceptional program. The staff works tirelessly to make sure the students are making personal improvements. Every Saturday is like a family gathering. We laugh and learn, but most importantly we are taught how to truly love. The students here are learning to become compassionate, bold, kind, honest, accepting and much more. Life is hard, especially without the proper guidance. C.O.L.O.R.S. provides guidance without judgement. This program has touched so many hearts just like its creator Delsie Howey. Delsie is truly a selfless person, she goes further than anyone else that works at the school in order to make sure her students are engaged and happy. It has been a true honor to be a part of this program for so many years. Its lessons have guided me well in so many aspects of my life, from the venting to home issues, etc. I'm proud to be able to share its lessons with others as well.
Kiara-Marie Melendez-JemmottPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
C.O.L.O.R.S. is a good educational program that not many other programs can offer. It is socially and mentally helpful to those who are lacking in behavior and attitude. It is a free place where you can not only grow as a person, but also help others grow as well. Where other programs only offer limited comfort and support, C.O.L.O.R.S. gives unconditional acceptance and support and helps for anything at any time, in and out of the classroom, where we hold our program. They recognize that everyone is unique with different backgrounds, faces and opinions. Even when knowing this, they still strive to teach and help spread the lesson of self-love and universal value. The program's teacher and advisors try to improve the lives of each student in the program with great determination.
Amya WestPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
C.O.L.O.R.S. is a program that I would highly recommend to everyone. It gives us a place to be ourselves and to feel welcome and at home. Every time I arrive I am always greeted with either/both by shaking hands or getting a hug. You feel like you are part of a family, to be able to open up and express yourself freely. If you're not ready, you are never rushed or forced and they recognize that we all have different growth patterns. All of the members are genuinely willing and love to help out all of the program students and people outside the program. They show support and teach us all of the valuable life lessons. They strive to help everyone they come encounter with in order to improve their lifestyle. I see this as a very powerful program for all ages and it's now become a major part of my life that I look forward to it everyday, even though I only attend the program on Saturdays. The program is so influential and has impacted my life that I hope I can become a member of the staff in the future and spread the message of the Founder of the program across the world.
Hasaan McWilliamsArlington High School Graduate
The C.O.L.O.R.S. program is beyond phenomenal. The program has played an immense part in my life. I joined the program in seventh grade, when I was struggling with my biggest insecurities. My priorities were not where they should had been. Since then, Delsie has invested in me relentlessly. She steered me down the right path and has become one of my biggest support systems. She's allowed me to make and learn from my mistakes. Delsie builds trust with her students by allowing them to talk with her without judgment. She always stands by you and is incredibly dependable. I am internally grateful for her contributions to our community, our schools and to each of her students.
Kadyl MullingsPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
What I like about C.O.L.O.R.S. is that they never break their promises and if you had a problem they would stop the whole class to resolve it. They have community events and they always make you laugh. They are always thoughtful.
Fajha Bonet-KingPoughkeepsie High School Student
I been in C.O.L.O.R.S. for four years and this year will make my fifth year. I can say I have truly changed since the six grade and being in the program has inspired me to open up and not be shy. I also experienced new things and learned about life, love, trust, truth and embrace myself with the help of Delsie and her staff, who have helped me become a better person.
Arielle LongPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
C.O.L.O.R.S. has helped me through so much. I have learned a great deal from the program. The C.O.L.O.R.S. staff has such a welcoming presence like no other programs I've been in. I love the very insightful advice being given to me, for me, to become a better person and to possibly help someone become better as well.
Otavia BrownPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
I love C.O.L.O.R.S. ever since I joined, everything has changed. I been making better choices in my life. Also, everyone is so nice here. I just feel safe here with everyone. I feel very happy to know if I need Delsie she'll always be there. She'll come over to speak with me when she can and encourages me to be better in my life. I'm glad to know that she'll be there for me no matter what.
Makayla LanierPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
Some of the things I like about the program are that I can always talk to Delsie, also everybody is very nice and we can help the earth out. I like the program because it helps me by speaking up and letting go of "fake friends". The program educates me where I can also teach my family and friends what I've learned. I also like the program because Delsie puts us first. She does a lot of activities to make us happy. I would love to stay in this program because Delsie always takes care of us.
Hydra MilesPoughkeepsie High School Student
I like C.O.L.O.R.S. because I get to express my feelings and thoughts without getting judged by others. Delsie and the staff are supportive, helpful and more than words can explain, for this I'm very thankful.
Otania BrownPoughkeepsie High School Student
The C.O.L.O.R.S. program helped me deal with people I don't get along with. I also had a lot of fun on their field trips.
Javon Aiken-YoungPoughkeepsie High School Student
The C.O.L.O.R.S. program helps make you a better person and realize so much more about what's going on in the world. The C.O.L.O.R.S. staff makes everyone feel welcomed and loved. They always try to be involved in everyone's personal life and help out with whatever is going on at home. I really appreciate this program and the staff and I hope for it to grow and blossom to a successful program.
Ashley SmithPoughkeepsie High School Student
The C.O.L.O.R.S. program truly is a blessing, I can't say it enough how much I love this program! The life lessons and teachings that are spoken about in class really help us through our highs and lows.
Jai Dah CummingsPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
I like C.O.L.O.R.S. because this program is really the best. They are so caring, sweet, outgoing and they really are there for you. They listen to everything and anything you say. I love this program and I really look up to them.
Jahaira StromenPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
C.O.L.O.R.S. really got me through a lot within this year, even though I wasn't there as much as I would like to be. I still feel C.O.L.O.R.S. has helped me a lot and Delsie has these motivational speeches that also applies to the real world. Without her lessons and the support of the C.O.L.O.R.S. community I probably wouldn't be as mature as I am now.
Amaya HutchinsonPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
C.O.L.O.R.S. has been a great program since I first started fours years ago. It has helped me in so many ways such as improving the way I express myself by sharing my feelings that were kept inside of me. Thanks to C.O.L.O.R.S. I was able to open more. I couldn't ask for a better program to attend. I am thankful in many different ways.
Ashanti LeidPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
The C.O.L.O.R.S. class has helped me improve a lot so far. It has made me begin to see the beauty in pain and reach out for help. Delsie means the world and more to me. She has helped my mother and I improve and communicate better. She has the kindest heart and she always puts her time aside to listen and guide me.
Ambrosia GeibFranklin D. Roosevelt High School Graduate
I like to go to C.O.L.O.R.S. and every time I go to class I'm happy. I'm happy that I get to learn new things. Delsie calls me at home to make sure that I am being good.
Ney'Shawn GriffinPoughkeepsie High School Student
I like the C.O.L.O.R.S. program because I can be completely open and honest to them. The staff is very helpful, nice and loving. I love being around them. Everyday I take what Delsie teaches me and use it in my daily life. The trips that we go on are educational and fun. I love Delsie and all her staff in the C.O.L.O.R.S. program.
Edina KellyPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
In C.O.L.O.R.S. I learned that somedays you just have to take time out and talk about your problems with people instead of always arguing. This is a wonderful program.
Sacred ShamsiddeenPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
I like C.O.L.O.R.S. because we have fun. I learn a lot of things and we can go on field trips.
Demari SimmonsPoughkeepsie High School Student
I learned in the C.O.L.O.R.S. program how important relationships are no matter what the relationship is. I can use Delsie's lectures outside the classroom. I like C.O.L.O.R.S. because it is fun and we do something different every week.
Elijah ThorpePoughkeepsie High School Graduate
I like C.O.L.O.R.S. because I can be myself and not be judged and it makes me think how to handle problems. Instead of violence, I could ignore it or talk about it.
Marcos BridgeforthPoughkeepsie High School Student
What I like about C.O.L.O.R.S. is that C.O.L.O.R.S. teaches you about self-control and is fun when we have parties. C.O.L.O.R.S. helps when you need help with whatever!!!
Raequon DickensPoughkeepsie High School Student
I think C.O.L.O.R.S. is a good program because it helped me learn how to be responsible, respectful, kind and to do good things in life. I also like how we have fun together.
Alejandro ReevesFranklin D. Roosevelt High School Student
What I like about C.O.L.O.R.S. is that everyone in the program is very friendly. I also like that I learn how to deal with situations the right way. I like that Delsie is always there for me and she doesn't judge me in any way. I like that C.O.L.O.R.S. helps me be more positive.
Tatum HenryPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
C.O.L.O.R.S. is an awesome program. They teach and encourage you to put yourself to the test and show your full potential.
Xian KnoxPoughkeepsie High School Graduate
I like C.O.L.O.R.S. program because of the staff, the trips and making new friends.
Janelle SmithPoughkeepsie High School Student
The C.O.L.O.R.S. program has helped me interact with more people, as in talk more and be more open, etc.
Azael GutierrezPoughkeepsie High School Student
I enjoy C.O.L.O.R.S. because of the staff and students and because two of my favorite people attend C.O.L.O.R.S.
Robert-Sky Melendez-JemmottKetchum High School Student
C.O.L.O.R.S. has become a very important part of my life. My first time going to C.O.L.O.R.S., felt uncomfortable being around people I didn't know. That quickly changed after I started to really feel more comfortable and I quickly fit in with mostly everyone, staff included. It made me feel this way because unlike other programs, I get to be free and don't have to contain the real me within myself. The best part about C.O.L.O.R.S. are the staff because they make it feel like it's more than just a program, it's a family or at least to me they are. It's not easy to get close to me neither, but I don't know how they did it. Each one of the staff is special to me and special in their own way. The day I entered the classroom for the first time, I was welcomed with warm hugs. Delsie Howey is such a lovely woman who inspires me to do better with my life. She gathers all of us together and teaches us so many valuable life lessons that I actually take to heart and practice in my life outside of the classroom. Kevin, the photographer of the Foundation, works so hard to get every photo to look their best. He makes me laugh with his comments that he says under his breathe. Pete always looks out for people in the program all the time. He always asks me how I'm feeling and if I'm alright. That's really important to me that he does that. Luz, another special woman in the program keeps C.O.L.O.R.S. in check. She is an important part of the program. She manages everything and that's important because without her it would be "madness". While saving the best for last, Skye and I got close out of no where. That makes her so important to me. She's really awesome and I hope to keep her and the rest of the team in my life forever and become the best of friends.
Latrell DennyDutchess Community College Student
C.O.L.O.R.S. helps me to be myself. It teaches me to love myself. I love the trips and the events we do. I love Delsie because she is nice and pretty. She helps me find myself.
Kailyn BennettPoughkeepsie High School Student
My daughter Ashanti has been in C.O.L.O.R.S. for four years and has opened up and expresses her feelings 100%. I love the program and how it teaches many students with being able to open up and be themselves and not followers. The group of adults that work with the students are the most amazing people I have ever met.
Felicia GriffinAshanti's Mother
My son Ney'Shawn chose to join C.O.L.O.R.S. and he comes home to tell me about the lesson every Saturday. He is very excited to tell me and other kids about it. I am very pleased with the stories he comes home to tell me what he's learned. My son is already saying he wants to go back next year.
Denise GriffinNey'Shawn's Mother
This was my daughter Ambrosia's first year attending the C.O.L.O.R.S. program. She has learned communication skills, insight into herself, personal self-responsibility and taking accountability for her own actions. Our communication has improved and I could see the difference in her actions. I would like to thank Delsie and all her staff for their support and dedication to helping us improve our relationship. This has been a very great experience and I'm looking forward to watching her continue to grow into herself.
Heather GeibAmbrosia's Mother
C.O.L.O.R.S. is a positive program for our youth on a Saturday. My son definitely looks forward to going on Saturdays. He enjoys the program and what it teaches him! He comes home and NEVER did he or does he have anything bad or unhappy to say! Delsie is an awesome worker of the program! She keeps my son in line during the school week and on the weekend as well! She enjoys her job and likes to see the children go in a positive path! Delsie is also a great motivator for hard working parents as for myself! Plenty of nights I was about to lose my mind but just texting her she brought me back to reality! She's a great aspect of the program and hopefully it will continue so my daughter can get the great experience that it has given my son! The last field trip was great because the children were able to help and assist with the elderly in the nursing home! It brought smiles to those elderly people who do not have family members around, and it also made the paper! GREAT JOB C.O.L.O.R.S.! Continue to represent a positive impact on our youth.
Roxanne DickensRaequon's Mother
C.O.L.O.R.S. has been such a positive influence to my son Mateo Brown. He has blossomed into a respectable young man who carries passion in his heart. He cares more about the community and understands the needs of others. I applaud this program and recommend it yearly to students I know from the district. Delsie and her staff has taught and shown the students a great amount of respect, integrity and above all love. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Maria BrownMateo's Mother
C.O.L.O.R.S. is a fantastic program that shows our young men and women that through teamwork they can overcome life's many obstacles. Their directors truly care about their students and prepares them for the future.
David M. BrownMateo's Father
C.O.L.O.R.S. is an excellent program because it taught our son on how to be a leader, work on his self-control and strategies to calm my son Demari down when he's upset. C.O.L.O.R.S. also gave our son the experience to see what other cultures are like and different behaviors and how to cope with kids disabilities. We love this program and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning, experience different things and new ideas.
Fabienne SimmonsDemari's Mother
I like C.O.L.O.R.S. for my daughter Arielle because they do community work and help others in need. They also helped my daughter with herself to be a better person. I'm glad to say my daughter has changed from being in C.O.L.O.R.S. and I thank the entire amazing team.
Sherisa PowellArielle's Mother
My daughter has been finding herself and how she fits in a global community through this program. My girl loves the program and it makes her happy. She also likes giving back to the community and socializing with her peers. Delsie has helped her pursue her school work with a new zeal and for that I'm grateful.
Kameka WrayKadyl's Mother
The C.O.L.O.R.S. program has provided a safe and fun learning environment for my daughter and son to spend their Saturdays. I like that the program discusses all different and important topics as well as giving the children an opportunity to keep busy, focused and out of trouble.
Toni-Nicole MelendezKiara & Robert's Mother
Another great year (though shortened) for the C.O.L.O.R.S. crew. My child has been in the program for the second year. This year, Ms. Delsie Howey went out of her way to take heightened approach to correcting some behavioral issues concerning my child. As of this testimony, he has improved in his classes by over one letter grade at least. He has also shown some consideration towards his responsibilities at home. I personally have nothing but gratitude when it comes to C.O.L.O.R.S., thank you again!
Eric IdosuDominick's Father
My son Javon has been attending the C.O.L.O.R.S. program for a few months now. Since Javon has been attending the C.O.L.O.R.S. program he has shown great interest in his school work and has achieved mid 80s to low 90s in all of his classes. I truly thank the C.O.L.O.R.S. program for all their hard work, dedication and support.
Paris J. AikenJavon's Father
It is a blessing to have the C.O.L.O.R.S. program willing to reach out to our community and teach our teens about life, explore new things and expand their minds. Keep up the great work!
Lekeisha RobertsMakayla's Mother
I could honestly say that C.O.L.O.R.S. is a wonderful program. My children are always exited to attend the program on a Saturday morning, it's a priority for them. C.O.L.O.R.S. have had a positive impact on my children's lives. I have seen growth as it relates to being more sociable and helpful. This program is phenomenal.
Bridgette Crosdale-Brown Otavia & Otania's Mother
The C.O.L.O.R.S. program is very good, especially when they do community services which is very important for the youth to learn...and everything they teach them from the program I am very grateful with the C.O.L.O.R.S. staff, thank you.
Sinai NievesEsmeralda's Mother
I appreciate the C.O.L.O.R.S. program as a whole! It truly takes a village to raise a child. Not only does Delsie and her family help my daughter with developing life and coping skills in order to navigate the complexities of challenges she faces as a high school student. Delsie also supports me with coming up with creative solutions to try and reach my daughter Rifain. My family and I are deeply appreciative of Delsie and the authentic dedication that she has shown. As a single parent, who works two jobs, and who is dealing with a sick parent, it is nice to have another source of support. Thank you so much!
Jacquetta BrownRifain's Mother
C.O.L.O.R.S. has helped my daughter, Hydra, transition into middle school and issues she had...and also helped her grieve the death of her grandfather. She looks forward to getting up early on Saturday to spend time with her C.O.L.O.R.S. family. She has especially bonded with Delsie who she talks about regularly at home. She has went on many outings that she greatly enjoyed and gave her great memories!
Jessica MilesHydra's Mother
So my beloved children have been in the C.O.L.O.R.S. program for some time and honestly there could be no better organization to encourage self, friendship, leadership and goals. The C.O.L.O.R.S. program is a rainbow of thank you and welcomes. Family...they have such ways of getting through to many different kids. They are a true fact, "It takes a whole village to raise a king, queen, doctor, lawyer, just anything they want to be". C.O.L.O.R.S., is that stepping stone. Love them with all my heart.
Kadian DentonOmari & Amaya's Mother
I think C.O.L.O.R.S. is a great program for our youth. My daughter feels and looks much better. Her confidence, self-esteem and self-love has grown. I think the staff are doing a great job and I thank you very much for working with our youth.
Alicia KnoxXian's Mother
Previous
Next
Read More
Read All About It
Copyright © 2021 C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation
C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

Erica D. Livingston

Erica Livingston is a proud board member of the C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation. Erica has participated in Non-For-Profit Organizations all her life and strives to provide arts education to children from all walks of life. 

Erica began her life in North Carolina, where she attended college and began providing a venue for music education and performing on the coast in Wilmington, NC, from there she attended Boston Conservatory of Music (now Berklee College of Music) and received her Masters in Music Theater. 

Upon moving to NY, she performed in a variety of theaters around the continental US as well as national tours. She also became a member of New Perspectives theater, a Non-For-Profit dedicated to providing voices and performing opportunities to those less represented. Through New Perspectives she exposed and educated students throughout Brooklyn and Queens to Shakespearean literature. She also performed bilingual and indigenous peoples plays for children in the Midtown West communities of Manhattan. 

Erica has continued her path working in Not-For-Profit Organizations through the SGI Buddhist community, various yoga studios and at the House of the Redeemer in NYC. She currently has moved to NJ in her new role as mother and early childhood educator at Rainbow Preschool. 

Kevin M. Connors

Kevin M. Connors is currently a Verizon FiOS Design Engineer/Manager for NYC who proudly joined the C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation in support of its impactful mission. Prior to Verizon, Kevin had spent over 8 years as a Civil Engineer in design and construction.  His career changed when he joined Verizon Communications in 1996 as a Project Manager and in 2005 through 2011, Kevin was recognized as a top Sales Engineer in enabling customers with FiOS. Kevin’s passion and dedication by valuing the customer concerns continued for the next six years earning him as the top ranking of sales as a Design Engineer.  Kevin believed in the simple saying, “just listen to what the customer has to say” and everything will fall into place. 

 Kevin’s life took a unique change when he met Delsie Howey, who showed him how to demonstrate the act of love for one another. Patience and understanding were the tools that Kevin had, but it was the word, LOVE that was missing from his formula of working with people.  Today, Kevin has taken his sales/marketing experiences, as well as his skills in working in a diverse city of individuals and looks to polish his passion of helping people through the C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation. He has a new moto these days “lead with your heart and the world will see the goodness in you.” 

Kevin M. Connors holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering from Clarkson University. He also has certificates for Principles of PYD, Youth Work Ethics, Youth Voice & Engagement, Youth Development Programming, Youth & Technology, Puberty & Adolescence & Identifying & Reporting Child Abuse & Maltreatment. 

Luz E. Morales

Luz Morales is a retired Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist Level 2, from The New York Presbyterian Hospital. She served thirty-three years performing clinical tests and troubleshoots on instruments and performed quality control. Putting patients first, Luz delivered high quality patient care by promptly getting results to the doctors in a timely and efficient manner.  

In her spare time, Luz volunteered her services in tutoring mathematics and science to students in need. She also volunteered her time in giving back to the community by collaborating with other non-for-profit organizations. She joined the C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation in hopes of being a part of the community’s impact of positive change. Luz believes that every individual can examine their potential by investing in themselves in order to improve their quality of life. She supports the C.O.L.O.R.S. program because it encompasses the value of self-love.    

Luz Morales graduated from John Jay College and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections with a minor in Forensic Science. She graduated with honors and Cum Laude in her class. She also holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Technology from The New York Technical College, receiving highest honor Women’s Faculty Award and on the Dean’s Honor List. Luz also has certificates for Principles of PYD, Youth Work Ethics, Youth Voice & Engagement, Youth Development Programming, Youth & Technology, Puberty & Adolescence & Identifying & Reporting Child Abuse & Maltreatment & was awarded the Lincoln Medical & Mental Health Center for outstanding dedication & humanitarian services to patients. 

Jesse A. Saperstein

Jesse A. Saperstein is a best-selling author, autism advocate and motivational speaker. He is considered one of the most respected leaders in the Anti-Bullying movement of his generation. Jesse also has a form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome (AS) that gives individuals some profound talents and challenges. 

 After graduating from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 2004 with a BA degree in English, Jesse set out to conquer the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail to benefit the Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation. He began hiking from Georgia to Maine on March 9, 2005 and successfully completed the journey on October 18, 2005, raising more than $19,000 for children to attend summer camp who had contracted HIV/AIDS through prenatal transmission. Shortly after his hike ended, Jesse was exposed to some of the harsh realities of living as an adult on the autism spectrum and was treated with fear by members of the community who did not understand.  His decision to write a book was an opportunity to escape these realities and advocate for his peers who are not always granted a voice.  Jesse’s story, “Atypical: Life with Asperger’s in 20 1/3 Chapters,” was published by Penguin Group (USA) in April 2010 and immediately became a popular memoir due to its practical advice and humor. 

 After receiving a grant from the Anderson Center for Autism (ACA) in Staatsburg, New York, Jesse completed his first skydiving jump in front of his community in an effort to eradicate bullying.  “Free-Falling to End Bullying in 2012” is now a popular video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/jessesaperstein 

 Jesse visits schools on a regular basis and has been successful with wiping out bullying or at least dramatically alleviating it with every presentation.  He was part of the “Keeping it Real” project with New York University (NYU) that helped introduce a new anti-bullying curriculum to New York City public schools.  The web page is: www.projectkeepitreal.com  He has spoken in front of the United Nations and the Mall of America in Minneapolis, MN among other venues. 

 His second book, “Getting a Life with Asperger’s: Lessons Learned on the Bumpy Road to Adulthood” was released on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 and focuses on surviving the difficult transition into adulthood if someone has an autism spectrum disorder.  Jesse moved to Albany in June 2015 to live in his first apartment as an independent adult.  He serves as the Media and Activities Liaison for the College Experience that is run by Living Resources, Inc.  The College Experience is a program that gives individuals with disabilities the ability to attend a mainstream college with a modified curriculum and provides life skills as well as employment training.  The web page is:  www.thecollegeexperience.org, and feel free to check out his blog entries. 

On the date of Tuesday, April 2, 2019 Jesse had the honor of being included as one of the thirty-plus American heroes profiled within the anthology, “American Spirit” produced by New York Times Bestselling authors, Taya Kyle and Jim DeFelice.  On Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Jesse appeared on the Dr. Phil Show after successfully pitching the producers to advocate for his friend, David Elmore Smith who was in dire need of resources to combat his morbid obesity.  He has recently worked with the CEO of the American Red Cross to replenish the blood supply in hospitals especially if it is the antibody-enriched plasma harvested from survivors of COVID-19.  On Thursday, August 27, 2020 Jesse was one of twenty-five citizens in Albany presented with the Community Champions Award for his litter collection to benefit the bus company of the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and raise awareness for Convalescent Plasma.  Jesse’s latest endeavor to benefit society is encouraging the public to become vaccinated by sharing his footage from the second dose that was filmed on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. 

Delsie Howey

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Delsie Howey is an extraordinary individual who discovered her passion for helping others at an early age. She strongly believes, regardless of your gender, race, culture, status, sexual orientation or religious belief, everyone is worthy of love. It is that same passion & belief that creates opportunity of support and compassion to those in need. Delsie’s greatest strengths are her creativity, drive and leadership. She believes through the power of unconditional love, understanding and respect for one’s belief, we can remove the barriers of all divisions by bridging our similarities, rather than discriminating against our differences. It was that same belief that motivated her to create the C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation, in hopes of serving as a platform in breaking barriers within race, culture, religion, social status, individuality, creed & sexual orientation, through the vessel of LOVE.

Delsie Howey had to get creative with her time as working as an Accounting Consultant at Kiwi Partners, Inc. & balancing her additional role as the Founder & CEO of the C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation. Delsie established the C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation in 2011 to bring awareness to all communities by shattering religious separation and bridging unity among multiple religious & racial divisions through active collaboration on community and charitable projects. She serves as a mentor/life coach to the youth & adults in fulfillment of enhancing their potential in living a purposeful & abundant life. Through networking & collaborating with different community leaders, Delsie & her team were able to partner with the Poughkeepsie Central School District from 2014 – 2020. She helped the Poughkeepsie Middle & High School students discover their own truth by examining a profound analysis of their individual structure. Delsie emphasizes the importance of self-development/character building with projects that embrace artistic expression & teaches the importance of giving back to the community. She also has participated in multiple not-for-profit engagements in the New York City Metropolitan area.

Delsie Howey was recognized for leadership, diversity & achievement on March 23, 2013 for 40 Under 40 Rising Stars Award. Delsie was also considered for the Hispanic Heritage Committee’s Community Service Award, but she requested that the C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation be recognized instead, so that it included all staff & students for the achievement as a whole. She believes the award is within the lives that are transformed and not the individual’s name of recognition on a plaque. So therefore, the C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation was awarded and honored for their dedication, commitment, and contributions to their community on October 12, 2019. Delsie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting/Finance and a Master Degree of Business Administration in Business Management from American InterContinental University (AIU). Delsie also has certificates for Principles of PYD, Youth Work Ethics, Youth Voice & Engagement, Youth Development Programming, Youth & Technology, Puberty & Adolescence & Identifying & Reporting Child Abuse & Maltreatment.