MEDIA KIT Brooklyn Community Services

Brooklyn Community Services

MEDIA KIT

285 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 | 718.310.5600 | WeAreBCS.org BROOKLYN COMMUNITY SERVICES Strategic Plan 2014-2017

WeAreBCS.org LOOKING TOWARD 2017

Joining together to strengthen and empower those who live in poverty has defined the work of Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) since 1866. It was after the civil war when concerned residents first came together to address the poverty and suffering of their Brooklyn neighbors. Now for nearly 150 years, BCS has remained committed to serving those whose needs are the most complex in Brooklyn. Today 25% of Brooklyn’s residents still live below the poverty line. Through our unique and comprehensive programs, we strive to address the individual needs and goals of over 13,000 clients each year. Our program locations span diverse communities from Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene, through all of Central Brooklyn to East New York, and most recently to the borough’s southern-most reaches in Coney Island. Our services reach children, youth, families and adults from every zip code in Brooklyn.

1 OUR VISION

BCS envisions ONE Brooklyn Community, where all members of our community can access an excellent education, job opportunities, safe and affordable housing, and quality and affordable health care and wellness programs. OUR MISSION

BCS celebrates the strength of the human spirit. Our mission is to empower at- risk children, youth and families, and adults with mental illness or developmental disabilities to overcome the obstacles they face, as we strive to ensure opportunity for all to learn, grow and contribute to ONE Brooklyn Community.

To achieve this mission, we offer comprehensive and holistic services, including -- Early childhood education -- Youth development services, a transfer high school program and educationally-rich after-school programs -- Counseling for at-risk families -- Treatment, recovery and job training programs to support the life goals of adults living with mental illness -- Person-centered rehabilitation and community living supports for adults with developmental disabilities -- Disaster recovery case management and relief services.

BCS seeks to increase public awareness of the impacts of poverty on individuals and the community at-large. In concert with our consumers and the neighborhoods we serve, we advocate their cause toward our shared vision of ONE Brooklyn Community.

3 ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY

BCS WILL pursue new and innovative service models and will deepen our roots in Brooklyn communities. BCS WILL conduct grassroots outreach efforts and seek community partners, to bring greater attention to the ongoing impact of poverty in Brooklyn. BCS WILL create new ways to involve more of our neighbors in our effort to ensure opportunity for children, young people, families and adults to learn, grow and contribute ONE Brooklyn Community. BCS WILL invest in BCS itself, to improve our financial and operational strength, and to reach even greater success in our performance.

OUR CORE VALUES

COMPASSION EXCELLENCE Our compassion and belief in the strength We strive to deliver innovative services of the human spirit lie at the core of of the highest quality. We join with everything we do. We believe everyone consumers to continuously evaluate the has the right to a life of dignity and has results of our work, and to identify more the ability to contribute productively effective ways to meet their needs and to society. those of the community.

DIVERSITY INTEGRITY We reflect the richness of Brooklyn and We hold ourselves to the highest embrace its diverse people, culture and professional and ethical standards. We neighborhoods. We seek equitable access use resources wisely, we learn from our for all to share in the resources and tools mistakes, and we are transparent with that promote success in life. our supporters, consumers, communities and the public. EMPOWERMENT We strengthen our consumers to overcome their challenges and reach their life goals. We believe our collective strengths can help make Brooklyn a place where everyone can thrive.

5 2014–2017 STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS

GOAL 1: WE WILL DEVELOP AND PILOT NEW GOAL 2: WE WILL POSITION BCS AS A KEY SERVICE-DELIVERY MODELS. “HOMETOWN” RESOURCE AND PARTNER WITH BROOKLYN COMMUNITIES. Innovative Approaches to Meet the Needs of Core Constituencies for our Programs Leverage Our 150th Anniversary Milestone We will enhance our comprehensive services In 1866 our founders saw injured Civil War model. By providing holistic, evidence-driven veterans and homeless young orphans, and were services, we will sustain strong and resilient moved to action against these injustices. We are families. We’ll promote school-readiness by proud that for 150 years our dedicated staff and offering children – from infancy through high supporters have joined in common purpose with school and into young adulthood – stimulating our resilient clients and consumers, to continue curricula and student-centered supportive services to build a just, compassionate and sustainable to foster educational success. In consultation with ONE Brooklyn Community. As we approach 2016, our consumers living with mental illness and we will leverage our 150th Anniversary celebration physical and developmental disabilities, we will to attract targeted investments in our programs strengthen and emphasize person-centered and multi-service facilities. supportive programming that is rooted in Increase Our Reach and the Effectiveness integrated, community-based service models. of Our Marketing With the ongoing transition to managed care, We will reenergize and redouble our effort we will educate ourselves and our consumers to to promote a greater public awareness and increase their ability to access effective and understanding of the lives of the thousands of compassionate care. children, youth, families and adults who live in Deepen and Unify Services in poverty within our ONE Brooklyn Community. Targeted Communities We will promote BCS as a leader in high-quality, We will reinforce our connections and roots innovative and effective services that provide in neighborhoods like Coney Island, East individuals and families the tools they need for self- New York and Central Brooklyn for which the sufficiency and support their efforts to overcome challenges of entrenched poverty are the greatest. the devastating impacts of poverty. We will build Collaborating with community residents and and strengthen partnerships with businesses and partner organizations, we will develop a more community organizations to support enhanced and comprehensive understanding of the needs and expanded programs, particularly those to educate aspirations of all stakeholders. We will develop and train Brooklyn’s future workforce. new programs and enhance our existing array of services, to increase opportunities for all of the children, youth, families and adults we serve, and with the goal of establishing multi-service centers in our target communities, to meet the full range of community needs.

7 GOAL 3: WE WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD A HIGH- PERFORMING AND FINANCIALLY SOUND ORGANIZATION.

Enhance Capacity for Performance Management and Outcome Measurement We are committed to infuse evidence-driven practice models throughout our work. We will build our internal capacity for program evaluation and analysis, and will partner with outside research providers to further enhance our ability to measure our impact. We will upgrade our technology platform and we will provide training to ensure that our staff can effectively employ program data to improve our services. Improve Financial Sustainability We will leverage our major assets, particularly our headquarters, to secure our long-term stability and capacity for growth. We will preserve our roots in Downtown Brooklyn, while also ensuring that the value of our capital assets can better serve our mission and help to support sustainable growth. With an active and energized Board, supported by a strong staff team, we will look to secure new and increased investments to strengthen and enhance our programs. We will also continue to improve our real-time financial management capacity. Invest in Internal Operations, Human Capital and Infrastructure We will engage our dedicated BCS staff and organizational leadership at all levels, by fostering strong and effective internal communication and collaboration. We will build a culture of career-long learning, with opportunity for professional development. We will also reinforce our commitment to personal and organizational accountability. We will develop a well-managed, modern and efficient physical infrastructure for all of our programs, and will invest in improvements to ensure that our community- VISION: BCS IN 2017 based locations meet the needs of clients and staff.

Today, as we chart our course for the next four years, we’re resolved to build an even broader commitment to this cause, as we bring more of our neighbors together to create opportunities for all to succeed in this place we all love so much. We will deepen our understanding of the challenge of poverty, and we’ll challenge ourselves to find innovative and effective tools to remedy its impacts. To do that, we will draw upon our community’s most valuable and inspiring asset – the creative energy and hard work of the people of Brooklyn, and of people throughout the world who look to Brooklyn as a symbol of all that is possible in a world of dynamic change. We hope this plan gives you a greater understanding of BCS, our historic achievements, the challenges we face today and our hopes for the ONE Brooklyn Community of tomorrow. We invite you to join us on this journey and to share your thoughts with us both now and in the years to come. We look forward to working with you!

9 JOIN OUR VISION FOR ONE BROOKLYN COMMUNITY #ONEBROOKLYNCOMMUNITY 285 SCHERMERHORN STREET | BROOKLYN, NY 11217 | 718.310.5600 | WEAREBCS.ORG CELEBRATE OUR LEGACY. INVEST IN BROOKLYN’S FUTURE.

BCS MILESTONES

Brooklyn Children’s Aid Society organized (1866). Brooklyn Bureau of Charities organized (1886). In our early 1866- years, we built a home for homeless newsboys, and pioneered foster care programs, kindergarten and day care to help working 1896 mothers, training for jobless men and women, and housing for homeless women.

As the 20th Century opened, we established Brooklyn’s first infant health station, and early legal aid and visiting nurse services. 1897- We battled the TB, influenza and polio epidemics, and fought to 1926 improve conditions in tenement housing, and for court reform. Joined the NY Times Neediest Cases Campaign (1912).

We opened our new headquarters, added job training services for people with disabilities, and led the way for community mental 1927- health and family counseling programs, along with juvenile justice reform. During the Great Depression we doubled the number of 1956 people served and tripled our annual relief outlays. Merged to become Brooklyn Bureau of Social Services (1948).

We expanded job training programs and added new vocational assessment facilities, and offered day programs for adults with developmental disabilities. We pioneered a new model for children’s services, with the goal of avoiding foster care and 1957- keeping children safe in their homes, and we developed new 1986 services to help people living with mental illness achieve stability in their lives and live independently in the community. Renamed Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service (1969).

Education became a major new focus – from home-based family child care network serving infants and toddlers, to preschools in Fort Greene and Bed-Stuy, to our acclaimed after-school academic support program (the Gary Klinsky Children’s Centers), to our Brooklyn High School for Leadership & Community Service and our Youth Stand United program for young people with mental illness. We opened our peer-driven mental health recovery 1987- program, the East NY Clubhouse, and our Transitional Living 2016 Community for homeless women, and we stepped up to provide relief for Brooklynites after September 11th and Superstorm Sandy. Rebranded as Brooklyn Community Services (2009). Developed community centers to serve Brownsville, Coney Island and Downtown Brooklyn. Initiated ONE Brooklyn Community campaign and Brooklyn Stand Up! community education panel discussion series.

OUR VISION BCS envisions ONE Brooklyn Community, where all members of our community can access an excellent education, job opportunities, safe and affordable housing, and quality and affordable health care and wellness programs.

OUR MISSION BCS celebrates the strength of the human spirit. Our mission is to empower at-risk children, youth and families, and adults with mental illness or developmental disabilities to overcome the obstacles they face, as we strive to ensure opportunity for all to learn, grow and contribute to ONE Brooklyn Community.

285 Schermerhorn Street • Brooklyn, NY 11217 • T. 718-310-5600 • WeAreBCS.org BCS IMPACT Over 13,000 people were served in 2016 through BCS’s comprehensive programs and services, including Early Childhood Development, After‑School Education, Youth Development, Family Services, Workforce Development, Mental Health & Wellness and Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.

Brooklynites engaged Children & youth educated through our volunteer and empowered 2,000+ projects and community 2,557 events like Spring into Action, Community Parents & children served Engagement Summit through our Bedford and Brooklyn Stand Up! Stuyvesant and East New panel series 2,460 York Family Centers

Consumers living with mental illness received Youth & adults that 1,318 help in reaching their received work readiness personal goals and 806 and job skills training attaining wellness

PRECIOUS At only three years of age, Precious had already lived in three different homes. She was placed in foster care, along with her six year old brother, after her mother and her grandmother were not able to care for her. In April, Precious’ foster mom enrolled her in the BCS Atlantic Avenue Early Learning Center. The Center provides a high quality early childhood education and prepares each child for kindergarten and elementary school. Despite instability in her life, Precious is thriving at the Center, benefitting from an approach that nurtures a child’s individual growth and development. At our program, Precious eats two healthy meals per day and a snack, a menu selected by a nutritionist. After breakfast during circle time, the kids learn about their world. Lessons include the days of the week, colors, and how to describe the weather. Typical daily activities include language development, music time and light exercise. One of Precious’ favorite activities is the community walk, which introduces children to their surroundings and to pedestrian safety. Precious is one of the center’s most confident walkers. Her BCS PROGRAM teachers say she is a bright student who loves playing with the Atlantic Avenue Early Learning Center other children. Our early childhood education program helps kids Bedford Stuyvesant like Precious reach their full potential.

DONNA Donna is a proud member of the BCS Community for All program, which helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live independently and participate in the community. Donna is an avid volunteer, dancer and music fan. When she started at our program, Donna was unable to travel by herself or identify information such as the time and date. She was also very shy and did not engage with the other clients. Donna’s mom passed away when Donna was a child and although she now lives with her loving grandmother, the trauma of losing her mom left Donna withdrawn and timid. Our staff worked with Donna on verbal exercises and role play activities to help her come out of her shell, taught her travel skills, and how to tell time and read basic signs. With the help of BCS, Donna now enjoys socializing with others, taking trips, and volunteering with children at a day care center. Donna even has a new goal—to make a difference for the elderly. She hopes to become employed in a nursing home and has started working on BCS PROGRAM her job skills. Community for All Day Habilitation Boerum Hill

NELDON & JAHYEM Neldon is a single father to Jahyem, an energetic 11 year old boy. Neldon and Jahyem came to New York City from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia in 2012, and currently live in a family shelter. Since their arrival in the US, Neldon has struggled to find steady employment. To support his son, he relies on freelance work assisting with electric jobs. In St. Lucia, he worked for a telephone company for over 15 years. He hopes to obtain his electrician license here in New York. Neldon also struggles to care for his son, who has developmental delays and ADHD. One day in church, Neldon met a BCS social worker and shared his story. BCS helped connect the family to free legal services to assist Neldon in obtaining full custody of his son, helped Neldon find an appropriate school for Jahyem, as well as linkages to organizations with services for kids with special needs. BCS also helped Neldon stay afloat financially, by providing funds for groceries, a birthday present for Jahyem, and medical fees.

Neldon is a very patient and caring father. His dream is for his son to BCS PROGRAM attend college one day. Jahyem reports that he wants to be a doctor Family Support Services Downtown Brooklyn or a police officer. Dreams That a Sister Can Have the ‘Fullest’ Life Possible By John Otis DEC. 11, 2016 Ms. Harry and Ms. Williams in their apartment building in Brooklyn. Credit Demetrius Freeman for The New York Times

In the rare instances that Shareen Williams can treat her younger sister The sisters remained in the United States, leaving behind their stepfa- to something special, like a nail salon pampering for her birthday, it ther and half brother. Ms. Williams also left her job as an elementary comes with a twinge of regret. school teacher. She said she had no qualms about starting her life over because it was a worthwhile sacrifice to make for her sister. “Sometimes I feel so guilty when I feel like I’m not able to give her just little stuff that I feel she deserves,” said Ms. Williams, 35, who has cared In July 2010, the siblings came to New York and moved in with their for Raheida Harry, 21, for more than a decade. In May, Ms. Williams uncle. Their estranged mother lived with him as well; the sisters did became Ms. Harry’s legal guardian. not stay long, and they have had little contact with their mother. They bounced around a few places before finding an apartment in Crown “I put myself on the back burner a lot, just for her,” Ms. Williams said. Heights, in Brooklyn, where they have lived the last three years. Ms. Ms. Harry has had developmental delays since birth, but the underlying Williams, who took nursing classes in St. Vincent, earned money as an condition went undiagnosed for years. The sisters were raised on St. in-home nurse. Vincent, the largest island in the Caribbean nation St. Vincent and the Since 2011, Ms. Harry has been enrolled at P.S. 373 Brooklyn Transition Grenadines. It is a place, Ms. Williams said, where her sister was unable Center, which referred her to Brooklyn Community Services, one of to thrive, let alone receive adequate services, because of the limited eight agencies supported by The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund. resources for people with special needs. In September, Brooklyn Community Services came to the sisters’ aid Twelve years ago, their mother left St. Vincent to live with a relative in when it used $175 to pay for a medical exam for Ms. Harry, part of her the United States. Ms. Williams had to step in as her sister’s caretaker green card application, and a birthday card for her, along with $250 for and provider. groceries for them. “I’ve always been working because I have to support my family,” she said. Ms. Harry received her employment authorization recently and has “Whatever ends and bits I could get from a job, I did it.” a job in the kitchen at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. Brooklyn Community Services has helped Ms. Harry apply for additional services Another time-consuming role was that of protector. Ms. Williams shield- through the State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. ed her sister from frequent insults, lobbed at her not only from cruel schoolmates, but also from adults quick to point out that her mother In October, Ms. Williams started a new job as a cabin agent for Delta Air was gone. Ms. Williams often rushed to Ms. Harry’s school the moment Lines. She would love to become a flight attendant but must wait awhile, classes were dismissed to pick her up before anyone had time to tease she said, because she does not want to leave her sister alone for long her after the final bell. periods. “Something just switched on in me. I felt the maternal instincts just kick “My hope for her is that she just gets to live the fullest and more normal in,” Ms. Williams said. life as possible,” Ms. Williams said. “I want her to have a social life, stuff like that, just to be comfortable.” The insults got worse when Ms. Harry was in high school and developed severe scoliosis. She dreams of buying a house one day, a place where Ms. Harry would live too. And maybe, Ms. Williams said, she will be able to take in a “There wasn’t a day when she didn’t come home and tell me, ‘Oh, they couple of other children with special needs, even if it means forgoing were calling me snake back, or they were calling me turtle,’” Ms. Wil- other opportunities. liams recalled. “It was hard.” “Right now, I don’t have anyone or a relationship,” Ms. Williams said. “At In 2010, a charity in St. Vincent sponsored an operation in Richmond, my age, I want kids, I want the whole thing. But I put her first. Once I Va., to repair Ms. Harry’s spine. Doctors there identified the cause of her deal with you first, once I get you situated and everything, then I can developmental delays: DiGeorge syndrome, a chromosomal disorder. focus on me.” “When I grasped the magnitude of the situation, I was like, ‘Wow, I can’t take her back to St. Vincent,’” Ms. Williams said. “There’s nothing there for her, no resources there for her.” Seizing a Second Chance to Graduate From High School By Emily Palmer & John Otis JAN. 7, 2017 Saquan Bright at his home in Brooklyn in November. Credit Bryan Thomas for The New York Times

She skipped almost every class her sophomore year and still “There was a point where I didn’t have any of my hats,” she said. “All maintained perfect attendance. The trick was to drop in for the 30 of my hats were locked in the dean’s office.” start of third period, wait for attendance to be recorded for the day She enrolled at that school midway through her freshman year, and then leave with a bathroom pass. By the time her mother found after moving from Florida. She recalled skipping classes and out about the scheme, Skylynn Vazquez was failing every subject. darting off to play basketball and video games with a handful of Most days, Saquan Bright did not bother to show up at Boys and friends, most of whom have since dropped out, she said. Girls High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He chose to “We were a bad influence on each other,” she said. “If one of us roam the streets with his friends. wasn’t in the mood to go to class, we’d all leave. We pushed each But then Ms. Vazquez and Mr. Bright found a school designed other to do the wrong thing.” for students like them: Brooklyn High School for Leadership and In March 2014, Ms. Vazquez’s mother — enraged by the discovery Community Service in Clinton Hill, which is operated by Brooklyn of what her daughter had been doing — spoke with administrators Community Services, one of eight organizations supported by The at the school, who suggested that her daughter enroll at New York Times Neediest Cases Fund. Leadership. Ms. Vasquez, nervous about again switching schools, Leadership, one of 57 transfer schools in New York City — did not want to go, but when she arrived, she immediately found a established to help students struggling in traditional schools — has support system there. Classes were small, with 20 to 25 students, 202 students ages 16 to 21. By the time students reach Leadership, allowing a nurturing, hands-on learning environment. Students are they have either dropped out of their regular schools or neared that on a first-name basis with all the teachers, including the principal. point because of low grades or poor attendance. “Respect can be calling someone by their last name, but sometimes Many come from unstable homes, living with single parents when you call someone by their first name, you feel like maybe in shelters and temporary housing, and have spent time in the you’re on a different level,” Stacey Fischler, the school’s program criminal justice system. And 82 percent of the students qualify for director, said. free lunch because of their family’s income. Students have access to advocate counselors, who are similar The flexible school schedule — which allows for free periods — to social workers and help them with issues beyond academics, enables students to concentrate on courses required to graduate. sometimes referring them to mental health services or youth And the school provides an optional paid internship program, which shelters. Each counselor, assigned to 40 to 50 students, is tasked — is appealing to students, some of whom help support their families to the point of pestering — with making sure they all go to school. or who are legally emancipated and support themselves. “My priority is to make sure you get your education,” said Heather Before Leadership, Mr. Bright could not keep up with the demands Hansen, a counselor. “Whether that is going to your house and at Boys and Girls High School. He struggled to pay attention in knocking down your door or calling you like a lunatic all day or class, and could not finish tests in time. Still, he was not tested for bothering your parents. That’s my goal.” a learning disability until he was enrolled at Leadership. Now he Ms. Vazquez smiled as she scrolled through those daily morning receives services at Leadership and extended time for tests, and texts. At 6:25 a.m. on Nov. 2: “Rise & Shine Scholars. The grind his grades have improved. continues.” Two days later, at 6:44 a.m.: “Rise & Shine #TGIF.” At her previous school, in Bushwick, Ms. Vazquez purposefully “I don’t think they sleep,” Ms. Vazquez said, laughing. “It’s a very broke the rules. She wore hats at school every day, even though supportive school.” they were forbidden, and each one was taken away. continues next page continued from previous page

(cont’d) Seizing a Second Chance to Graduate From

High School Stacey Fischler, right, Leadership’s program director, and Heather Hansen, a counselor. Credit Michelle V. Agins/The New York Times By Emily Palmer & John Otis JAN. 7, 2017 More than 14,000 students attended transfer schools in New dreaded subject. So Brooklyn Community Services has allocated York City as of the 2015-16 school year, the latest for which the $500 in Neediest Cases funds to provide him with one-on-one Department of Education provided data. Four-year graduation tutoring. rates for the schools are much lower than the overall rate for More than one-third of Leadership students, including Mr. Bright New York City public schools, which increased in recent years to and Ms. Vazquez, participate in an after-school work-training 70.5 percent in 2015. Although the class of 2015 at Leadership program. They have paid internships at places including Burlington had a 5.6 percent four-year graduation rate, that rate improves Coat Factory, child care centers and the Brooklyn Veterinary Group. over additional years — typical of many transfer schools. About a quarter of students graduate within six years, according to Last semester, Ms. Vazquez, 20, received an internship at 3 Black Department of Education data. Cats Café and Cakery in Brooklyn, where she worked in the kitchen. It was the first job, Ms. Vazquez said, that she took pride in. Despite lower rates, the schools are serving students who may have otherwise dropped out, never receiving a diploma. “To bake something from scratch and perfect it,” she said. “Knowing that it represents your work, that is new for me.” “You’re working with a population that can be changed, that does need help and doesn’t get targeted often,” Ms. Hansen said. “You’re The internship ended in November, but she hopes to work working with a population that is getting a second chance. And at another restaurant. Her love for cooking started in her it’s nice to be able to give that. At the end of the day, it can be grandmother’s kitchen. They followed traditional Puerto Rican frustrating and taxing, but you get to see them walk across the recipes, including pasteles, a dish of plantains, meat and olives. stage, and that’s the main goal.” Now she cooks to remember her grandmother, who died last spring. For Mr. Bright, graduation day seemed unlikely two years ago. In After graduation in March, she hopes to continue her passion and spring 2014, he fell behind again, started ditching classes and has applied to culinary schools in upstate New York. almost dropped out. That August, when he was standing on a When she talked to her grandmother about graduation, her street corner in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a car passed by. Shots rang grandmother would say, “Vamos a ver” — she would believe it when out, hitting him in the abdomen. she saw it. Members of his family and of the Leadership staff surrounded his “And now she’ll see,” Ms. Vazquez said with a smile. hospital bed. “There’s a lot of love there,” he said. He returned to school with renewed commitment. The Leadership family also kept Ms. Vazquez in school. “I have good friends and a good support system when I get to school every morning,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d get this far. But now I see a difference in myself, in how I react and how I say and do things. I’ve become a totally different person, and a lot of it comes from this school.” Both Mr. Bright and Ms. Vazquez are looking forward to graduation. Mr. Bright, who will turn 22 this month, is allowed to finish this school year before he ages out of the public school system. He needs to pass one more Regents exam, for algebra, his most

Dane DeHaan & Anna Wood Help Brooklyn Community Services Raise Over $47,000 at ONE BK Unite Walk-A-Thon

October 4 10:04 PM2016 by BWW News Desk

Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) ONE BK Unite raised over $47,000 for BCS programs and clients at the Prospect Park walk-a-thon on Sunday, September 25. The walk included participants like Brooklyn's Hollywood couple Dane DeHaan("The Amazing Spider-Man 2") and Anna Wood (USA's "Falling Water"), the ONE BK Unite Ambassadors, and writer-image activist Michaela Angela Davis, a member of the BCS Board of Directors.

The monies raised at the ONE BK Unite walk will go directly to BCS programs and services. BCS wants to change the math for the 23% of Brooklyn residents who are living in poverty. BCS Top fundraisers were presented awards at the event. The BCS Program Team winners , comprised of BCS staffers and clients, were Community for All ($2,010) and East New York Family Dreamwalkers ($1,335). The Group Winners were BK Winots ($3,010), Soul Steppers ($2,360) and Con Ed BCS Walk team ($1,615). Individual top fundraisers were Lorraine DiPaolo, Claude Pierre-Louis and Janelle Farris, who each raised between $3,000 - $4,000. For the dog category, the top fundraising dog was Rocco, who helped owner Dana Simmons-Greco raise $940.

ONE BK Unite was a fun, family event. Attendees, including BCS staffers and clients, walked either one mile or 3.5 miles throughout the park. There was an energetic warm up yoga session provided by SYNCStudio Bklyn, giveaway prizes, face painting for children and a DJ. Dogs were also part of the ONE BK Unite walk.

Ambassadors DeHaan and Wood, who are Williamsburg residents, strolled with their petite mixed-breed rescue dog, Franny, an adorable rescue pup from California. DeHaan had won raves as Harry Osborn/Green Goblin in smash "Amazing Spider-Man 2"and co-starred in the Beat Poet biopic "Kill Your Darlings" with Daniel Radcliffe. In 2017, he will be seen as Valerian in the eagerly awaited Luc Besson ("The Fifth Element") sci-fi flick "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets." Wood, whose been appeared in "Mad Men" and "House of Lies," is now co-starring in the USA Network sci-fi thriller "Falling Water."

"By supporting the ONE BK Unite walk we are hoping to bring awareness to the 23% of Brooklynites living in poverty," said DeHaan. "We want to show our love and support for them and the work that Brooklyn Community Services provides."

Also joining the ONE BK Unite walk was Michaela Angela Davis, the noted CNN and BET News contributor, writer-image activist and member of the BCS Board of Directors. Davis, a longtime Brooklyn resident and community activist, was joined by her daughter Elenni Davis-Knight.

The lead sponsor for ONE BK Unite was PVH. Other sponsors included: New York Mets, SYNCStudio Bklyn, Equinox, The Vale Collective and JUST Water. Each ONE BK Unite participant received a gift bag with: BCS water bottle, Walk T Shirt, New York Mets rallying towel and T shirt, Speedo Goggles, KIND Granola Bar and bottle of JUST Water.

The ONE BK Unite walk is part of the BCS 150th anniversary. ONE BK Unite brings together hundreds of Brooklynites, from all neighborhoods, to walk or donate for this annual event benefitting the work of BCS. The funds raised sustains the 23 BCS programs and services for our 13,000 Brooklynite clients living in poor and low income neighborhoods. For more information, check out www.onebkunite.org. Pictured: Sonya Shields, Chief Officer, External Relations and Advancement, BCS; Michaela Angela Davis, writer-image activist and BCS board member and her daughter Elenni Davis-Knight

Brooklyn Actors Billy Magnussen, Michael Chernus, and More Speak Out on Poverty Through MTA Subway Poster Campaign September 9 10:49 PM2016 by BWW News Desk

Actors Billy Magnussen, Michael Chernus, Will Rogers and Staceyann Chin have joined the Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) 2016 ONE Brooklyn Community MTA Campaign, which launched on September 7 in 36 Brooklyn subway stations, featuring stylized posters illustrating a diverse, hip and eclectic group of Brooklyn movers and shakers who are advocating for poor and low-income Brooklyn residents. The BCS ONE Brooklyn Community MTA campaign's call to action is to help change the math for the 23% of Brooklynites living in poverty through volunteering, advocacy and philanthropy. It features a diverse cross section of 27 actors, musicians, poets, writers, artists, chefs and business owners living in Brooklyn neighborhoods like Bedford Stuyvesant, Williamsburg, Crown Heights, Greenpoint, Park Slope, Ditmas Park and Prospect Heights. BCS, which is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary, has been named a "Best Place to Volunteer in Brooklyn" by Brooklyn Magazine.

"I want to find a way to help Brooklyn continue to grow and evolve without losing its identity, and without marginalizing the people who have called it home for decades," said Will Rogers, the acclaimed Off-Broadway actor (The Submissionand Golden Age) who recently co-starred with Tom Hanks in Steven Spielberg's film Bridge of Spies. "We need to take action before we pass the point of no return. Brooklyn Community Services is giving a voice to those who are not listened to. They believe in unity." Other Brooklyn actors joining the BCS ONE Brooklyn Community MTA campaign include: Billy Magnussen, a Tony nominee for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, who also appeared in Bridge of Spies, Into the Woods and recently as Kato Kaelin in The People V. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story. Michael Chernus, known for Orange is the New Black, is an Obie winner( In the Wake at The Public Theater) and has appeared in films Captain Phillips, Men in Black 3 and The Bourne Legacy. Chernus shares the ad with his wife, playwright Emily Simoness, who is founder and executive director of SPACE on Ryder Farm, a creative home to playwrights, musicians and dance companies. Staceyann Chin, the spoken word poet, noted as a performer and co-writer for Broadway's Tony-nominated Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam, has a one woman show Motherstruck directed by Cynthia Nixon. Broadway actor-singer-dancer Wesley Taylor, winner of Theater World Award for Rock of Ages and co-star of The Addams Family musical, is known for TV's SMASH and the web series It Could Be Worse. The BCS ONE Brooklyn Community MTA campaign also includes author, entrepreneur, and LGBT advocate Jodie Patterson (founder of Doobop.com and GeorgiaNY.com, who is a frontline activist of her 7 year old transgender son) and entrepreneur Joe Ghartey, Entrepreneur (education & technology). There are musical artists, such as: folk and blues singer and musician Toshi Reagon (who has performed with Lenny Kravitz, Ani Difranco and Elvis Costello and mother Bernice Reagon, historian and founder Sweet Honey in the Rock), bandleader, vocalist and songwriter Dannis Winston (who has performed with Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin), singer/songwriterRaye 6 (who has performed with M1 of Dead Prez and Ghostface Killa) and DJ, musical director and arts educator DJ Reborn (who has done music for Common, Talib Kweli, John Legend and India Arie). Visual artists include acclaimed painter, illustrator and collage artist Charlotta Janssen (Civil Rights Freedom Riders art series and owner of Chez Oskar restaurant in Bedford Stuyvesant), photographer Shannon Greer (Perry Ellis, Publics and Target), painter and designer Cacho Falcon (designer of Beyonce and Tina Knowles t-shirt collection and the t-shirt for First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign) and noted visual artist Chitra Ganesh (solo shows atMoMA PS1, Brooklyn Museum, The Andy Warhol Museum and Permanent Collection at MOMA, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Baltimore Museum of Art). The public awareness campaign's creative concept was developed by Grammy nominated singer, model and writerMaiysha Kai, as art director, and visual artist Mark Holthusen, as photographer. The concept blends images of local tastemakers in iconic natives with the clients that BCS serves. "I am really proud to be a part of a campaign that brings attention to the underserved people in Brooklyn," said Ms. Kai. "We want to remind New Yorkers that Brooklyn is more than a destination or a trend."

The campaign is powered by Investors Bank who's Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary,Brian F. Doran, played a leading role to ensure the campaign continues to reach a wide audience. "Investors Bank is committed to partnering with institutions that share our community values and work to empower people in underserved neighborhoods," Mr. Doran stated. "We are very proud to be a part of this important campaign, particularly during the organization's 150th anniversary celebration." "We are deeply grateful to Investors Bank for their support of this timely campaign in the Borough," said Sonya Shields, Chief Officer for External Relations and Advancement at Brooklyn Community Services. "As we watch Brooklyn continue to evolve, it's important that we preserve not only its history, but the livelihood of its native residents. It's a balancing act, but our campaign aims to celebrate Brooklyn's triumphs while also bringing much-needed attention to the 23% who live in poverty in our great borough."

Other participants in the ONE Brooklyn Community Campaign:

Marva and Myriam Babel, Co-Founders/Owners of Ode to Babel Bar and Ode to Babel Preserves & Jams Renae Bluitt, Creator, In Her Shoes Blog & Founder, Crush Media Gordon Chambers, Recording Artist & Award-Winning-Songwriter Calcie Cooper, The Social Broker Nook Will DuBose, Design Architect Ivan Garcia, Chef and Owner of Mesa Coyoacan & Zona Rosa Aliya LeeKong, Chef and Author of Exotic Table Ashley Austin Morris, Comedian/Actress/Writer Imani Uzuri, Vocalist/Composer/Cultural Worker Gerardo Zabaleta, Owner of Mesa Coyoacan and Zona Rosa Restaurants The BCS ONE Brooklyn Community campaign will continue to roll out through the organization's 150th Anniversary celebration. Other initiatives of the ONE Brooklyn Community campaign include BCS's panel discussions, "Brooklyn Stand Up!" and its networking and fundraising events series, ONE BK Social. More information is available atwww.onebrooklyncommunity.org. ABOUT Brooklyn Community Services (BCS)

BCS celebrates the strength of the human spirit, and in 2016, we celebrate our 150th Anniversary. Our mission is to empower at-risk children, youth and families, and adults with mental illness or developmental disabilities to overcome the obstacles they face, as we strive to ensure opportunity for all to learn, grow and contribute to ONE Brooklyn Community. To achieve this mission, we offer comprehensive and holistic services: early childhood education; youth development services and educationally rich after-school programs; counseling for at-risk families; treatment, recovery and job training to support the life goals of adults living with mental illness; person-centered rehabilitation and community living support for adults with developmental disabilities and disaster recovery case management and relief services. BCS also seeks to increase public awareness of the impacts of poverty on individuals and the community at-large. With a staff of over 400 and over 20 sites around the borough, BCS serves 12,000 people every year. Today, BCS is one of the longest serving nonprofit, non-sectarian social service providers in New York City.

CONTACT: Fern Gillespie [email protected] (O) 718-310-5774 (C) 917-334-9298

Brooklyn Community Services Produces Short Subject Documentary Video “The Forgotten Farragut” Exploring the Impact of Changes to Brooklyn’s DUMBO Neighborhood Upon the Adjoining Community of Farragut Houses

Sponsored by Human Services Council and Measure of America

NEW YORK (January 30, 2017)—Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) examines the impact of gentrification with “The Forgotten Farragut,” a short subject documentary video spotlighting the struggles of lower-income residents of Farragut Houses, a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) development in the shadow of the increasingly wealthy neighborhood of DUMBO.

“The Forgotten Farragut,” was created through the “Portraits of New York City: Small Grants Challenge” and sponsored by Human Services Council of New York in partnership with Measure of America with funding provided by The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Grants of $10,000 were awarded to 14 New York City nonprofits, to enable them to illuminate, explore and offer solutions to local problems, using Measure of America’s DATA2GO.NYC, a free, online data mapping and visualization tool.

“In the BCS video documentary ‘The Forgotten Farragut,’ Farragut residents tell their personal stories and observations on the impact of gentrification throughout the DUMBO area that surrounds their homes,” states Marla Simpson, executive director, BCS. “We’d like to thank HSC, Measure of America and The Helmsley Charitable Trust for giving BCS this chance to examine this critical issue through the eyes of Farragut’s residents, so any of whom are struggling in poverty as our city changes around them.”

Although Farragut Houses was built in the 1950s, the surrounding area has been a hub of activity since the 1700s, and was known for its ferry landing and warehouse buildings. By the 1970s, the area was dubbed DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and became a haven for artists. Today, DUMBO boasts luxury lofts and technology start-ups, and has become Brooklyn’s most expensive neighborhood. While the median household income in Farragut is $20,169, in DUMBO it is $204,205.

The boom in area construction has not translated to job growth for Farragut residents, where unemployment exceeds 12%. “People in the community are not getting the jobs for whatever new establishments they build. It’s someone from outside the community,” according to a Farragut resident depicted in the documentary. “The hotels that are built—nobody from my neighborhood is getting hired. And we’re putting in applications.”

In 2016, BCS Farragut Cornerstone Community Center was launched at Farragut Houses. It is a partnership with the New York City Housing Authority and enables BCS to bring vital resources and support to the residents of Farragut Houses. BCS Farragut Cornerstone provides engaging, high-

quality, year-round programs for adults and young people. Programming includes: youth activities, workforce development, community events and community building. An advisory board of community members at each location helps obtain community input and leverage local resources. In addition, BCS Farragut Cornerstone also partners with other local organizations to provide services such as a basketball league, dance teams, and health education. Cornerstone programming is driven by the needs of the local community.

“Forgotten Farragut” is available for viewing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CjIrBzhR54

To become a volunteer or mentor at BCS Farragut Cornerstone Community Center or to support the program, please contact BCS at: [email protected].

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ABOUT Brooklyn Community Services Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) celebrates the strength of the human spirit, and in 2016, we celebrate our 150th Anniversary. Our mission is to empower at-risk children, youth and families, and adults with mental illness or developmental disabilities to overcome the obstacles they face, as we strive to ensure opportunity for all to learn, grow and contribute to ONE Brooklyn Community. To achieve this mission, we offer comprehensive and holistic services: early childhood education; youth development services and educationally rich after- school programs; counseling for at-risk families; treatment, recovery and job training to support the life goals of adults living with mental illness; person-centered rehabilitation and community living support for adults with developmental disabilities and disaster recovery case management and relief services. BCS also seeks to increase public awareness of the impacts of poverty on individuals and the community at-large. With a staff of over 500 and over 25 sites around the borough, BCS serves 12,000 people every year. Today, BCS is one of the longest serving nonprofit,non-sectarian social service providers in New York City.

About HSC: The Human Services Council, a leading advocate for nonprofits providing human services, works to strengthen the ability of nonprofit agencies to maximize human potential in communities across New York. Nearly 200 nonprofit agencies throughout New York City and State are HSC members. Visit HSC at www.HumanServicesCouncil.org

About Measure of America: DATA2GO.NYC was created by Measure of America, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research and advocacy initiative of the Social Science Research Council. Our mission: to breathe life into numbers by providing easy-to-use yet methodologically sound tools for understanding wellbeing and opportunity in America.

About the Helmsley Charitable Trust: The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting effective organizations in health, place-based initiatives, and education and human services. Since beginning its active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $1.5 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. Helmsley's New York City Regional Grants Program seeks to identify and solve specific problems that hinder the region's ability to assist populations in need. For more information on Helmsley and its programs, visit www.helmsleytrust.org.

CONTACT: Fern Gillespie [email protected] (O) 718-310-5774 (C) 917-334-9298

Brooklyn Community Services Produces Short Documentary Video “Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness”

Documentary Examines the Challenges of Living with a Mental Illness and How to Overcome the Stigma to Reach Personal Goals

Sponsored by Human Services Council of New York and Measure of America

NEW YORK (February 10, 2017)— “Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness,” a short subject documentary video produced by Brooklyn Community Services (BCS), spotlights the struggles and successes of Brooklynites who are living with mental illnesses and how they’ve overcome obstacles with assistance from BCS mental health programs.

“Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness” was created through the “Portraits of New York City: Small Grants Challenge” and sponsored by Human Services Council of New York and Measure of America with funding provided by The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Grants of $10,000 were awarded to 14 New York City nonprofits, to enable them to illuminate, explore and offer solutions to local problems, using Measure of America’s DATA2GO.NYC, a free, online data mapping and visualization tool.

“In this compelling documentary, our clients open up about the personal impact of mental illness,” explained Marla Simpson, BCS’s Executive Director. “For decades, BCS has been on the frontline in providing holistic services for people living with a mental illness in underserved neighborhoods. We’d like to thank HSC, Measure of America and The Helmsley Charitable Trust for helping us give voice to our resilient clients.“

In the video, Philip Johnson recalled his experience with undiagnosed schizophrenia. “Schizophrenia makes you lost.” At BCS’s PROS program, Johnson’s magnetic personality earned him the nickname “Fabulous Phil.” When Phil joined the public art project at Downtown Brooklyn’s City Point last year the organizers decided to name the mural “Fabulous Phil” in his honor. “If you know something is bothering you or something is wrong—go seek help,” Johnson stated. “Don’t let mental illness control your body and your mind.”

Former BCS client Thomas Torres, now a trained peer counselor at BCS, reminds clients that mental illness is treatable. Torres, diagnosed with schizophrenia, lives in Crown Heights, which – according to DATA2GO.NYC -- ranks 3rd among NYC communities for psychiatric hospitalizations. “I understand what it’s like to be shunned, to be snubbed-- to be just ignored,” Torres comments in the documentary. “I was afraid to tell my closest friends that I have a mental illness because I didn’t know what they would think of me. I was afraid to lose friends and lose respect.” At BCS, he helps clients stay goal-oriented. “Never let anybody stop you from reaching your goals because you have a disability. You can use that disability as a motivation.”

BCS mental health programs focus on the needs of adults, teens and families in underserved neighborhoods. Programs include: Brooklyn Community Services PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services), East New York Clubhouse, Transitional Living Community (women’s shelter) and Youth Stand United for young people ages 16 to 21. BCS has also joined the statewide Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) initiative and New York City’s ThriveNYC “Connections to Care” initiative, partnering with Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation.

“Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness” was produced and written by the Brooklyn Community Services External Relations and Advancement department and is available for viewing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdPpGWKVp_Y

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ABOUT Brooklyn Community Services Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) celebrates the strength of the human spirit, and in 2016, we celebrate our 150th Anniversary. Our mission is to empower at-risk children, youth and families, and adults with mental illness or developmental disabilities to overcome the obstacles they face, as we strive to ensure opportunity for all to learn, grow and contribute to ONE Brooklyn Community. To achieve this mission, we offer comprehensive and holistic services: early childhood education; youth development services and educationally rich after- school programs; counseling for at-risk families; treatment, recovery and job training to support the life goals of adults living with mental illness; person-centered rehabilitation and community living support for adults with developmental disabilities and disaster recovery case management and relief services. BCS also seeks to increase public awareness of the impacts of poverty on individuals and the community at-large. With a staff of over 500 and over 25 sites around the borough, BCS serves 13,000 people every year. Today, BCS is one of the longest serving nonprofit,non-sectarian social service providers in New York City. www.wearebcs.org

CONTACT: Fern Gillespie at [email protected] (O) 718-310-5774 (C ) 917-334-9298

BROOKLYN COMMUNITY SERVICES LAUNCHES 2016 “ONE BROOKLYN COMMUNITY” PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON BROOKLYN’S 36 MTA SUBWAY PLATFORMS

Brooklyn Actors, Musicians, Poets, Writers, Artists and Entrepreneurs In Poster Campaign to Raise Greater Public Awareness and Community Engagement For 23 Percent of Brooklynites Living in Poverty

(Brooklyn, NY) September 12, 2016- The Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) 2016 ONE Brooklyn Community MTA Campaign launched in September in 36 Brooklyn subway stations with stylized posters illustrating a diverse and eclectic group of Brooklyn movers and shakers who are advocating for poor and low-income Brooklyn residents. The ONE Brooklyn Community campaign’s call to action is to help change the math for the 23% of Brooklynites living in poverty through volunteering, advocacy and philanthropy.

The BCS 2016 ONE Brooklyn Community MTA campaign features a diverse cross section of 15 actors, musicians, poets, writers, artists, and business owners living in Brooklyn neighborhoods like Bedford Stuyvesant, Williamsburg, Crown Heights, Greenpoint, Park Slope, Ditmas Park and Prospect Heights. It spotlights actors Billy Magnussen (Broadway’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and the TV series The People V. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story), Michael Chernus (TV’s Orange is the New Black, Off -Broadway’s In the Wake and film’s Captain Phillips, Men in Black and The Bourne Legacy), Will Rogers (film Bridge of Spies) and Wesley Taylor (Broadway’s Rock of Ages and Addams Family the Musical and TV’s SMASH).

There’s acclaimed spoken-word poet, performer, writer and LGBT activist Staceyann Chin (wrote and performs in her one woman show Motherstruck), playwright Emily Simoness, (founder and executive director of SPACE on Ryder Farm, creative home to playwrights, musicians and dance companies) and author, entrepreneur, and LGBT advocate Jodie Patterson (founder of Doobop.com and GeorgiaNY.com, who is a frontline activist of her 7 year old transgender son).

Musical artists include folk and blues singer and musician Toshi Reagon (who has performed with Lenny Kravitz, Ani Difranco and Elvis Costello and mother Bernice Reagon, historian and founder Sweet Honey in the Rock), bandleader, vocalist and songwriter Dannis Winston (who has performed with Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin), singer/songwriter Raye 6 (who has performed with M1 of Dead Prez and Ghostface Killa) and DJ, musical director and arts educator DJ Reborn (who has done music for Common, Talib Kweli, John Legend and India Arie).

Visual artists include acclaimed painter, illustrator and collage artist Charlotta Janssen (Civil Rights Freedom Riders art series and owner of Chez Oskar restaurant in Bedford Stuyvesant), photographer Shannon Greer (Perry Ellis, Publics and Target), painter and designer Cacho Falcon (designer of Beyonce and Tina Knowles t-shirt collection and the t-shirt for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign) and noted visual artist Chitra Ganesh (solo shows at MoMA PS1, Brooklyn Museum, The Andy Warhol Museum and permanent collection at MOMA, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Baltimore Museum of Art).

The public awareness campaign’s creative concept was developed by Grammy nominated singer, model and writer Maiysha Kai, as art director, and visual artist Mark Holthusen, as photographer. The concept blends images of local tastemakers in iconic natives with the clients that BCS serves. “I am really proud to be a part of a campaign that brings attention to the underserved people in Brooklyn,” said Ms. Kai. “We want to remind New Yorkers that Brooklyn is more than a destination or a trend.”

Jodie Patterson stated why she wanted to participate in the campaign: “As a mom, if I can enlighten others on just one new idea I’ve uncovered, then the world can change. Community is what is needed most right now with less division, less fraction and more collective movement towards light.”

The campaign is powered by Investors Bank who’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Brian F. Doran, played a leading role to ensure the campaign continues to reach a wide audience. “Investors Bank is committed to partnering with institutions that share our community values and work to empower people in underserved neighborhoods,” Mr. Doran stated. “We are very proud to be a part of this important campaign, particularly during the organization’s 150th anniversary celebration.”

“We are deeply grateful to Investors Bank for their support of this timely campaign in the Borough,” said Sonya Shields, Chief Officer for External Relations and Advancement at Brooklyn Community Services. “As we watch Brooklyn continue to evolve, it’s important that we preserve not only its history, but the livelihood of its native residents. It's a balancing act, but our campaign aims to celebrate Brooklyn’s triumphs while also bringing much-needed attention to the 23% who live in poverty in our great borough."

The full list of participants in the ONE Brooklyn Community Campaign include:

Raye 6, Singer/Songwriter/Community Activist Marva and Myriam Babel, Co-Founders/Owners of Ode to Babel Bar and Ode to Babel Preserves & Jams Renae Bluitt, Creator, In Her Shoes Blog & Founder, Crush Media Gordon Chambers, Recording Artist & Award-Winning-Songwriter Staceyann Chin, Writer/Performance Artist/Activist Michael Chernus, Actor Calcie Cooper, The Social Broker Nook Will DuBose, Design Architect Cacho Falcon, Visual Artist Ivan Garcia, Chef and Owner of Mesa Coyoacan & Zona Rosa Chitra Ganesh, Visual Artist Joe Ghartey, Entrepreneur, Education & Technology Shannon Greer, Photographer/Eccentric Innkeeper Charlotta Janssen, Painter/Restaurateur (Chez Oskar)/Eccentric Innkeeper Aliya LeeKong, Chef and Author of Exotic Table Billy Magnussen, Actor Ashley Austin Morris, Comedian/Actress/Writer Jodie Patterson, Co-Founder of Doobop.com & LGBT Activist Toshi Reagon, Musician/Composer/Producer/Cultural Instigator DJ Reborn, DJ/Arts Educator/Musical Director Will Rogers, Actor/Writer

Emily Simoness, Executive Director of SPACE on Ryder Farm Wesley Taylor, Actor/Writer/Producer Imani Uzuri, Vocalist/Composer/Cultural Worker Dannis Winston, International Bandleader/Mentor Gerardo Zabaleta, Owner of Mesa Coyoacan and Zona Rosa Restaurants

The BCS ONE Brooklyn Community campaign will continue to roll out through the organization’s 150th Anniversary celebration. Other initiatives of the ONE Brooklyn Community campaign include BCS’s panel discussions, “Brooklyn Stand Up!” and its networking and fundraising events series, ONE BK Social. Brooklyn Community Services has been named a “Best Place to Volunteer in Brooklyn” by Brooklyn Magazine. More information is available at onebrooklyncommunity.org

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CONTACT: Fern Gillespie at [email protected] (O) 718-310-5774 (C ) 917-334-9298

Brooklyn Community Services Raises Over One Million Dollars At 150th Anniversary Kick-Off Gala Event on June 6

Total Includes $500,000 Donation from Charles J. Hamm, Former BCS Board Chairman

(Brooklyn, NY) June 7, 2016 - Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) milestone 150th Anniversary Kick-Off Gala, held June 6 at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, has raised over $1.1 million, a new record for BCS.

“Our BCS 150th Anniversary Kick-Off Gala not only recognized the historic impact of our organization on Brooklynites, it was also a record-breaking financial success. The $1.1 million dollars raised will go directly into the BCS programs,” said Marla Simpson, Executive Director, BCS. “I want to extend a special thank you to Charles Hamm, a longtime BCS supporter and former BCS Chairman of the Board, for a major $500,000 donation. It will make an instrumental impact on BCS clients.”

The elegant 150th Anniversary Kick-Off Gala honored Brooklyn’s visionary trailblazers: philanthropists and long-time BCS supporters Charles J. and Irene Hamm, builder and corporate leader Forest City Ratner Companies, NYC First Lady and mental health care activist Chirlane McCray, BCS program honoree Lanetta Darlington and BCS outstanding service honoree is Ellen Fine Levine. The emcee for the gala was Carla Hall, co-host of ABC’s The Chew and the owner of Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen Restaurant in Brooklyn.

Charles J. and Irene Hamm received the BCS Philanthropic Leadership Award. Charles J. Hamm started his illustrious career in advertising and marketing, becoming Executive Vice President at McCann Erickson. After 24 years in advertising, he became President and CEO of Independence Savings Bank. From its Brooklyn headquarters, he grew the community-based bank from eight branches to 150. In 1998, he founded Independence Community Foundation, now known as the Brooklyn Community Foundation. In addition to his long service on the BCS Board of Directors, including as Chairman, Charlie’s impact has been felt throughout Brooklyn, through his work with such great institutions as Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Academy of Music and Pratt Institute. Former Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, presented the award to Mr. and Mrs. Hamm.

Chirlane McCray, the First Lady of the City of New York, received the BCS Civic Leadership Award “BCS has always been as vigorous and dynamic as Brooklyn itself, “ stated Ms. McCray, a longtime Brooklyn resident and community advocate. “Throughout its history, the organization has been at the forefront of movements that would go on to change the world.” A graduate of Wellesley College, she began her career as writer, editor and marketing analyst with Redbook, Essence and other magazines. She served as a speechwriter for Mayor David Dinkins and New York State Comptroller Carl McCall. As First Lady, she also serves as Chair of the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City. An outspoken advocate of the need to break the stigma associated with mental illness and expand access to care, Ms. McCray joined Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2015 to release a groundbreaking mental health roadmap, ThriveNYC. Today, she spearheads the City’s efforts to transform mental health care throughout all communities. “In 2016, BCS joined with Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration to partner with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City on a very important initiative called Connections to Care,” she said. “It’s a signature initiative of Thrive NYC that is bringing mental health resources into the 15 organizations that already provide to the most vulnerable New Yorkers.” The presenter was Michael Berry, a mental health advocate and former BCS client.

Forest City Ratner Companies received the BCS Corporate Leadership Award. Forest City’s leadership in the construction of Downtown Brooklyn paved the way for the economic boom Brooklyn is experiencing today. From the MetroTech Center in 1992 to Atlantic Center in 2004 to Barclays Center in 2012, Forest City has built with a deep seated belief in Brooklyn and the people who live here. Bruce C. Ratner, Forest City Ratner's Executive Chairman and former member of the BCS Board of Directors and MaryAnne Gilmartin, Forest City Ratner’s President and CEO, accepted the award on behalf of the company. “Forest City Ratner is not only committed to the borough of Brooklyn to insure that we have solid buildings, but we have solid families. Some of the people who will live in this new housing believe that they were not deserving of having a quality life. They felt that displacement was equal to development and Bruce changed that,” said presenter Eric L. Adams, Brooklyn Borough President. “You cannot be judged by brick and mortar. You must be judged on how you build people.”

Lanetta Darlington received the BCS Program Leadership Award. Ms. Darlington attended the BCS Gary Klinsky Children's Centers (GKCC) after-school program at P.S. 149 in East New York as a child. Her parents, who emigrated to Brooklyn from Guyana, inspired Lanetta to focus on academics. She graduated as high school salutatorian and earned an accounting degree from NYU. During high school, she worked as a teacher's aide with GKCC at P.S. 149, mentoring students. Today, she is a successful financial analyst at New York Presbyterian. She remains committed to GKCC as a volunteer and is also involved in community work in her East New York neighborhood, where she continues to reside with her husband and daughter. Steven Klinsky, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Mountain Capital, a former BCS Board member and long-time benefactor of the GKCC program, presented the award. “Without a doubt, GKCC has had a great impact in my life,” said Ms. Darlington. “The program taught me to be curious and not complacent. Asking questions such as ‘what’, ‘if,’’ how,’ and ‘why?” I learned the importance of creativity and knowing that it’s ok to think differently. That knowing that I had something special to offer.”

Ellen Fine Levine – BCS ONE Brooklyn Community Outstanding Service Award. Ms. Levine is Vice-Chair and Treasurer of the BCS Board of Directors. Through her exemplary service on the BCS Board since 2007, Ms. Levine has had a lasting impact on BCS and all those we serve. Until her retirement in 2015, Ms. Fine Levine was Managing Director and Executive Client Officer of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), and previously, the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the NY State Society of Certified Public Accountants. She also serves on the Dean's Advisory Board of the UAlbany School of Business and Chairs the Gotham Comedy Foundation's Board of Advisors. Edward Gentner, Esq., Senior Counsel at Cullen and Dykman LLP and Vice-Chair of the BCS Board of Directors, presented the award.

Monday night’s gala had a record number of corporate and individual sponsors. Proceeds of the gala will support BCS programming.

In addition to signature event support from honorees Charles and Irene Hamm and Forest City Ratner Companies, BCS’s major gala sponsors and donors include: Bala Consulting Engineers, Robert Catell, CBRE, Citi, Louis Colombo, Con Edison, Corcoran, Cullen & Dykman, Cydean Group, Depository Trust & Clearing Corp, Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh, Lorraine DiPaolo, Alan Fishman, Gartner, Edward Gentner, Goldman Sachs, Greenberg Traurig, Investors Bank, Steven Klinsky, Charlie Lewis, M.C. O’Brien, Gerry McGinley, Robert Morgano, The New York Jets Foundation, The New York Mets, Optimum, Park Strategies, Pinnacle City Living, PVH, Susan Rifkin, Signature Construction, Susan Skerritt, Uber, Jonathan Weld and The Wright Group.

Please connect to BCS on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram or at www.wearebcs.org.

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