Last Shabbos, the Staten Island Community successfully
hosted over a dozen families interested in potentially moving to the community.

As previously reported on YWN, the Staten Island Community
Initiative was formed to help encourage new families to move to the community
by showcasing the many benefits it has to offer.

The event was much publicized in social media, news
websites, in flyers distributed in Queens, New Jersey and Brooklyn, and most
importantly through word of mouth. Community members were encouraged to reach
out to their own social circles and encourage others to come for a visit.

Over Shabbos, the community hosted around 15 families who
got to experience the neighborhood first hand. Following, on Motzei Shabbos, a
special fair as held to showcase the local schools and shuls. Information,
food, giveaways were distributed, and special entertainment was provided by
illusionist Miles Thorn.

More than anything, the fair was a testament to the “small
town feel” that makes the Staten Island community unique. The fair showcased
the spectrum of the community, from Yeshivish to Modern Orthodox, co-ed and
separate schools, all working together for a common cause – the good of the
community.

The visitors had a great time, and many were blown away by
the atmosphere. “I really love Staten Island,” says one participant who
attended the event. “the warmth, the welcoming environment, and the achdus that
I felt when I was here for Shabbos was very special.”

The Staten Island community sees this event as just the
first step, and are very happy with the results so far. “We feel it’s the start
of something good,” says Stacey Emmer, a member of the Staten Island Community
Initiative. “People are calling, getting more familiar.”

Plans are already in place to follow up with the
participants and continue to promote the community and the unique benefits it
has to offer.

Learn more about the Staten Island community here.