​Last Thursday, July 11th, William Rivas, Executive Director of C.O.C.O.A. House, and Adonis Richards, Vice President of the C.O.C.O.A. House Board, visited the New York State Assembly Building for an interview with NYS Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbra. The interview highlighted   C.O.C.O.A. House and the upcoming  3rd annual Common Unity Cup. They brought along the infamous Common Unity Cup, in which they took pictures, signifying its reach to the state Assembly. Viewers can find this interview interview at OpenStageMedia.com, Spectrum Channel 1303, and Verizon Fios Channel 38. The interview is on Monday - Friday between 11 am and 6 pm.

Will and Adonis took pictures of the cup on the building's stairs and other exciting locations. One such was during the interview with Santabarbra, where it sat front and center. The interview was to highlight the new C.O.C.O.A. House teen empowerment center and discuss the Common Unity Cup. Will and Adonis discussed some new initiatives with Santabarbra, including upcoming programs for the Teen Empowerment Center. The three also discussed new ideas for the Common Unity Cup and where they occur this year. They also discussed the importance of the event and how it brings the community together. “ There’s an opportunity here for our policemen and fire department to work with community members.” William explains, “It creates a sense of accountability for both sides to find ways to work together.” With four locations and four different sports, the Common Unity Cup promises to bring fun, family, and community together.

Another interview highlight was some new ideas implemented in the Common Unity Cup this year. One such is a social media challenge where participants can post themselves with a Common Unity Cup T-shirt to gain points for prizes this year. The goal is to add a gamifying element to help people to feel more connected to the events even when they're not happening. This initiative is in an attempt to broaden the reach of the Cup, bringing more interest and incentive for community members to attend and see what’s going on.
 
With a great interview under their belts, Will and Adonis have set their sights on July 23rd, the inaugural date for the 3rd annual Common Unity Cup. The first day is kickball at the park on Campbell Road in Schenectady, New York. It will be a day of excitement and fun. Stay tuned for more!

​C.O.C.O.A. House would like to spotlight its many volunteers this year and their work with the kids in the community. This year, we saw 80 volunteers and work-study students from Schenectady’s own Union College help out at C.O.C.O.A. House. From teaching kids everyday skills, to homework help, to even racing students down Stanley Street in Schenectady, the volunteers made it their mission to brighten each child’s day. 

With Union College students going home for summer vacation, there will be a void in the C.O.C.O.A. House. However, many of the volunteers brought joy and light to the program as they dedicated their valuable time to helping bring smiles to kids' faces. Thus, the year was spent giving a fruitful experience to volunteers, works study, and of course, the youth. 

​​William Rivas was awarded with a Community Hero Award from the Schenectady Foundation on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The ceremony was an acknowledgment of 10 community heroes, showcasing their dedication to excellence and community. Held at the famous Glenn Sanders Mansion in Scotia New York, patrons across the city of Schenectady and beyond came to celebrate this grand event. Winners were nominated by a friend and chosen by the Schenectady Foundation. Their accolades were highlighted as they came on stage to win their award. Each recipient was acknowledged with a portrait of their choosing. Also, the nominator of the hero was asked to give a short description of why they nominated their hero.