UJA-Federation of New York, a philanthropic Jewish organization, has launched a multi-million dollar anti-poverty initiative to help tens of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers.
The effort will see new 'Hubs' opened in Jewish community centers across the five boroughs, including Bensonhurst in Brooklyn, and in Long Island and Westchester. The hubs will offer trainings and virtual appointments and will give service and program referrals. The two hub sites in Brooklyn were opened in partnership with SBH and Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst.
UJA-Federation of New York CEO Eric S. Goldstein said the goal was to go beyond helping people meet their basic needs and, "actually move people from crisis to stability, and we are thankful for all our partners in this effort who are truly the engine behind New York's sustainable recovery."
The SBH Hub is located at its 425 Kings Highway office and offers increased workforce development, benefits assistance, mental health services, and case management for those who qualify. In addition, UJA partner New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) will offer probono legal counseling.
The Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst site, located at its 7802 Bay Parkway office, will provide mental health services, client advocacy, legal consultations, emergency cash relief, benefits assistance and expanded workforce development. The Jewish Board and NYLAG will be on site providing support.
Marks JCH of Bensonhurst CEO/ED Alex Budnitsky said the pandemic had destabilized hundreds of vulnerable individuals and families simultaneously in the community. "
Through the generosity and in planning jointly with UJA-Federation, we can now expand our capacity to meet the growing needs on the path towards recovery."
The seven hubs new hubs are located in Elmhurst, Queens; White Plains, Westchester; Cedarhurst, Long Island; East Hills, Long Island; Bensonhurst, Brooklyn — two sites; and the Lower East Side, Manhattan.
The flagship site is a permanent, newly constructed $10 million facility in Elmhurst, Queens operated in conjunction with Commonpoint Queens, and another major new standalone Hub site in Brooklyn under construction and scheduled to open next year.
