Greetings, One Strong family!
As 2025 moves forward, we’re pausing to celebrate just how far we’ve come together. From an unforgettable Character-Themed Summer to the exciting launch of a new school year, this year has been full of growth, joy, and community impact. And with a new site opening on the horizon, our journey is only just beginning.
Let’s look back at the moments that defined our year — the laughter, the teamwork, and the lessons that continue to make One Strong Community Program a place where young leaders grow strong in spirit and character.
☀️ Character-Themed Summer: Impact, Inspire, and Grow
This summer, the One Strong Community Program brought its mission to life through a Character-Themed Summer built around nine weeks of growth, creativity, and connection.
Each week centered on a powerful theme — Optimism, Neighborliness, Empowerment, Service, Tenacity, Respect, Ownership, Nurturing, and Gratitude — guiding our members through meaningful experiences that built leadership, teamwork, and confidence.
From brainstorming personal vision boards to leading outdoor service projects, our youth didn’t just participate — they led, collaborated, and reflected on what it means to be “One Strong.”
☀️ Character-Themed Summer Highlights
- 🌞 Optimism Week: Built Vision Boards, played Positivity Bingo, and shared uplifting messages through Optimism Jenga to kick off the summer with confidence and good vibes.
- 🏘 Neighborliness Week: Strengthened community ties with the Build the Block Challenge, Kindness Chain, and neighborhood art and beautification projects.
- 💪 Empowerment Week: Discovered leadership through the “I Am Strong Because…” creative project, public speaking challenges, and high-energy Gaga Ball tournaments.
- 🤝 Service Week: Focused on giving back by crafting Thank-You Cards, creating Kindness Signs, and planning the One Strong Time Capsule to honor community service.
- 🏁 Tenacity Week: Embraced perseverance through a Growth Mindset Obstacle Course, Relay Races, and a spirited Mario Kart Tournament.
- 🙌 Respect Week: Celebrated empathy and culture with Respect Lists, Cultural Appreciation Flags, and the team-based Overcooked Challenge on Nintendo Switch.
- 🧠 Ownership Week: Practiced accountability with the My Brand Activity, Shark Tank Presentations, and decision-making fun in Animal Crossing.
- 💕 Nurturing Week: Showed care through the One Strong Olympics, Juice & Paint Party, and acts of kindness that lifted everyone’s spirits.
- 🙏 Gratitude Week: Reflected and celebrated achievements with awards, superlatives, and gratitude journals, closing the summer with appreciation and heart.
A special shoutout to our summer member, Ethan H. He has shown tremendous growth and was one of our top participants in activities this year. He has joins the Members of the Year, an alumni group supported by future scholarships. More to come.
🏫 A Fresh Start: The 2025–2026 School Year
September brought new routines, familiar faces, and exciting beginnings. Our after-school programs returned in full swing.
We're thrilled to share that One Strong Community Program is in the process of licensing our newest site at Fairview Elementary through the Massachusetts EEC (Department of Early Education and Care). This marks an exciting expansion for our organization as we continue growing to meet the needs of more Chicopee families.
We’re working diligently to open the Fairview site within the next few weeks, and we couldn’t have reached this stage without the continued support of our community partners. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Chicopee School Committee and Assistant Superintendent Kruser for their collaboration, encouragement, and guidance through this process so far.
As always, families can learn more about our current programs or enroll online at onestrong.page/enroll.
The transition from summer sunshine to the rhythm of the school year has been seamless, thanks to the dedication of our families, staff, and volunteers who make this community thrive day after day.
🚀 On the Horizon: A New Site and New Adventures Ahead
The most exciting news? One Strong Community Program is growing!
With a new site opening soon, we’re expanding our reach to serve even more youth and families. This next chapter represents years of collaboration, hard work, and belief in what’s possible when a community invests in its young people.
Alongside this expansion, we’re also developing something new and truly exciting — the One Strong Pokemon League Fan Tournament!
This Pokémon fan-themed tournament series will bring together players across multiple formats — including the Nintendo Switch Pokémon games, Pokémon GO, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The Battle League will combine friendly competition, strategic thinking, and community spirit into one creative and inclusive experience.
💬 Message from the Director
Dear One Strong Family,
This year has been a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. Watching our youth grow in confidence, character, and leadership fills me with immense pride. From the first moments of summer’s Character Weeks to the excitement of a new school year, your support has fueled our mission at every step.
And now, with our next site on the way — and creative new opportunities like the Battle League — One Strong is entering an exciting new era built on shared vision, trust, and the belief that every child deserves a community that lifts them up.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us, grow with us, and believe in the power of strong beginnings.
With gratitude,
Charles Laboy
Owner/Director
One Strong Community Program
🧡 About the One Strong Project
This blog and account are managed by the Executive Director of the One Strong Community Program, with input from our staff and members.
Our Hive-powered mission remains simple: to raise tokens that help fund scholarships, youth leadership programs, and community initiatives — ensuring that One Strong’s impact grows year after year.
Learn more about our mission, programs, and upcoming events at onestrong.page.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building strength, character, and community — together.