Community Spotlight Series
Submitted by Rachel Turetsky – BCS Communications Department
Last week we began a four part series called the Community Spotlight. This was created by the Berlin Elementary School. In normal school years students at BES would come together monthly in the gymnasium to talk about character traits that build a strong school community. The students discussed being supportive of one another and honoring the accomplishments and successes of their fellow students through awards and recognition. Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, things had to change this year, and the school came up with this program to honor four recipients who support and inspire others.
Here is the second honoree:
The Sorbello family includes parents Jessica and Joe and children Greyson and Henley. One of the main focuses of their commitment and energy is the Joseph’s House Shelter in Troy.
“We’re all just a choice or crisis away from needing help, and we want our kids to know that their voices matter and deserve to be heard,” said Mrs. Sorbello.
Before the COVID pandemic, the Sorbello children would volunteer monthly in the family room at Joseph’s House. Greyson and Henley would do crafts with the families staying there, sharing snacks and playing games.
“Living with gratitude and appreciation is only possible through paying kindness and compassion forward.”
Service work matters to the Sorbello family, and they believe it helps to bridge gaps that exist in society. The parents strive to teach their children to have the courage to stand up and change something that feels wrong.
The family lives this belief by getting involved with advocacy groups that offer support to victims of gun violence, including Moms Demand Action in the Capital District, Urban Grief and NYS SNUG Outreach, which seek to prevent and offer support to victims of inner city gun violence.
When asked who inspires her family, Mrs. Sorbello said, “I’m not sure there is one person or group that inspires us.
“There are certainly the big names and groups like Martin Luther King Jr, John Lewis and The Ronald McDonald House.”
She added that day-to-day inspiration comes from the volunteers and activists her family connects with, and this “adds to our village of support.”