Congressman José E. Serrano

Representing the 15th District of New York

The Serrano Report, Volume XI, #3

Feb 14, 2014
The Serrano Report

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Applauds BronxWorks – Helps with $1 Million Federal Grant 

Today, Congressman José E. Serrano applauded BronxWorks, an organization in his community that changes lives and assists those in need with a variety of services. Serrano recently helped BronxWorks with a federal grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their work, which will bring $1 million to the organization.

“BronxWorks is precisely the type of organization that our federal government must support,” said Congressman Serrano. “The good work done in our community cannot be replaced and its impact cannot be understated. They are a keystone in the network of non-governmental organizations providing services to the homeless and underserved populations in the Bronx. I was extremely proud to be able to help them with their HUD grant, which, being worth $1 million, is of great importance to the organization, and by extension, our community. I salute BronxWorks for all they are doing in our borough, and look forward to working with them to help people in need for years to come.”

“BronxWorks has reduced street homelessness in the borough by 72% since 2005.  HUD funding has been critical to this achievement,” said Eileen Torres, interim Executive Director of BronxWorks. “HUD supports our Living Room homeless drop-in center, a 24 hour, seven day a week facility where homeless individuals can spend the night, use the laundry and showers, eat meals, and receive medical treatment and other services.  The Living Room is an important component in our comprehensive services to help people transition from life on the streets to permanent housing.”

The accomplishments of BronxWorks in 2012 alone illustrate the vast array of services that they offer that change lives in the Bronx. http://bronxworks.org/accomplishments

Among them, in 2012 BronxWorks:

  • Served 350,000 meals to seniors, children, teens, chronically ill people, and homeless adults.
  • Placed 161 previously homeless single adults into permanent or transitional housing
  • 120 previously homeless persons received supportive housing services at The Brook
  • Provided temporary housing for approximately 350 families with about 1,000 persons
  • Provided early learning opportunities for approximately 165 children, enabling them to develop the skills necessary for success in kindergarten and throughout the educational pipeline
  • After-school, summer camp, and school violence prevention programs served 500 children ages 5-12
  • Helped 125 high school seniors get into college with $1.1 million in grants and scholarships
  • 260 adults enrolled in ESOL and citizenship classes
  • Conducted 200 workshops on HIV/AIDS for 4,400 people 

 

In The Bronx

Serrano to Host Community Discussion on Social Security Office Consolidation

On Tuesday, February 18th, Congressman Serrano will host a community discussion on the alternative service options that will be made available once the Bronx Hub office is consolidated into the Social Security Administration (SSA) South Bronx office. SSA representatives will highlight how local leaders and service providers can be trained on how to use SSA’s suite of eServices as a means to help those who cannot travel to one of the other SSA offices in the Bronx. All social service providers, community based organizations, caretakers and concerned residents are encouraged to join the discussion and hear what SSA options and resources are available to the community.

Date/Time: Tuesday February 18th, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Location: Hostos Community College, 120 Walton Avenue (corner of E. 149th Street), D-Building, 2nd Floor, Savoy Multi-Purpose Room

Congressman Serrano, State Senator Serrano to Host Black History Month Event

On Wednesday, February 19th, Congressman Serrano and State Senator Serrano will hold their annual Black History Month Event from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year's event will take place at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse (Between 165th & 166th Streets). The honorees will include Kelly Terry, Executive Director of The Point CDC; O'Cynthia Williams, Parent Leader & Organizer, NYC Coalition for Educational Justice, and the United Parents of Highbridge; and Bernel Arthur Richardson, Executive Director of Black United Leadership of The Bronx (BULB). 

Date/time: February 19th, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse (Between 165th & 166th Streets).