NEWS BRIEFS / FALL 2024

 

Boulevard Cuts the Ribbon for New Children’s Library called Bookmark 

The Boulevard Family Residence opened the doors to a new children’s library called the Bookmark. Nearly 200 families reside at the facility, which provides a prime location for children and their parents to read and find literary resources together.

The library was made possible with a $10,000 grant from the United Way of NYC and the collaboration of the NYC Department of Homeless Services.

With the funds, the colorfully designed Bookmark offers children's books, computers, and reading nooks. Families at the Boulevard have a quiet place to research, read, and engage in activities together in the space.

The library is part of the United Way’s effort to ensure every child in transitional housing has access to the resources they need to flourish and reach their full potential.

For more about the library opening, watch the Spectrum NY1 news story.

 

Forbell Set to Surpass Housing Placement Goal

Forbell Men’s Shelter in Brooklyn has achieved a high placement rate into permanent housing. Program Director Yvelyse Marrero reveals that the shelter's goal is 87 move-outs per year. Within eight months, Forbell has already achieved 78, easily on its way to shattering its annual goal.

Marrero attributes the team’s success to a combination of a great work ethic and a positive attitude. “We’ve been working hard to get the men supportive housing—not just through Samaritan Daytop Village’s housing options but through the City’s,” she explained.

The Forbell team works side by side with the client to complete the City’s required housing application, upload the psychiatric evaluations into the database, and ensure the clients are in the City’s network. Only then can the men qualify for an apartment in the City.

The “hands-on” approach ensures all paperwork is completed and submitted. Marrero also personally contacts landlords and brokers—a step that is often overlooked but can often be the final step needed.

Congratulations to the Forbell team!

 

Nutrition Workshops Score Big with Families

 

Thanks to funding from the New York City Council and the support of Council Member Althea Stevens, families at Bridge Haven Family Residence took part in a free healthy foods workshop series. Parents and children learned and sampled nutritional snack, breakfast, and lunch ideas together.

  

The series ended with two Supermarket Tours at the local Stop and Shop Store #2593 in the Bronx. Nutritionist Elizabeth Madison provided tips on selecting healthy yet affordable foods and explained how to stretch SNAP dollars at the cash register.

The series received excellent reviews from the family members, and participants hoped to see more of the workshop series in the future.