The youth group DUO, short for “Do Unto Others,” at St. John’s of Lattingtown Episcopal Church has been making a significant impact on the Glen Cove community through their collaborative art project, “Doors.” The project, now in its second year, brings together high school students from Glen Cove, North Shore, Locust Valley, and nearby private schools with homeless or formerly homeless men from Glen Cove. Together, they create art and build connections.
Courtney Callahan, the organizer of the DUO group, explained that the group’s mission is rooted in community service and interfaith collaboration.
“We have kids from all different high schools, and it’s really exciting to see how this mix of young people brings energy to everything they do,” she said.
“Doors” was inspired by the idea of new beginnings and opportunities. For the project, participants paint on actual doors, symbolizing transitions and the opening of new chapters in life.
Last year, the group worked on canvases, but this year they decided to take the concept to the next level by painting on doors.
Sammy Zarou, one of the youth leaders and a senior at Locust Valley High School, has been part of DUO since its early days.
“We wanted to do something meaningful with the men at the shelter, and after talking to them, we realized that art was a way to connect,” Zarou said. “This project has helped integrate these men into the community. We talk to them, hear their stories, and now, when we see them on the street, we wave and we chat. It’s about building relationships and breaking down barriers.”
Riccardo Rodriguez, a formerly homeless man and one of the artists involved in the project, said he was grateful for the opportunity to contribute.
“I was homeless once, so I understand what it’s like,” Rodriguez said. “Even though I have a home now, I still identify with them. Painting on these doors gave me a way to express myself and tell my story.”
The collaboration has been impactful for both the students and the men they work with. Callahan shared that DUO has about 40 participants, with students working on different aspects of the group’s projects throughout the year. Despite the challenges, Callahan said the youth group continues to grow and evolve, driven by a shared sense of purpose.
