Dear Friends of S:US,

As the giving season approaches, I hope you're enjoying connecting with your community. We are thankful for you. In this issue of News On The Go, we commemorate Veterans Day, invite you to join our Holiday Gift Project, celebrate a housewarming, honor our staff, and more. Please read the details below.

S:US staff marching down 5th Avenue alongside our nation’s heroes during the NYC Veterans Day Parade.

We commemorated Veterans Day on November 11. On that day and every day at S:US, we honor and support veterans. Like all the people we serve, we believe that our veterans deserve to continue to live with dignity. 

Read a story about a veteran served by S:US. Y’shua’s story demonstrates the impact of dedicated support and community care.

We are proud to recognize the remarkable contributions of our S:US staff who have served in the military. See staff veteran profiles.

Gifts received for the children and families living in our housing buildings.

Please join our Holiday Gift Project. Help us provide a personalized gift to people served by S:US — adults with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, children living in our family shelters, domestic violence shelters or supportive housing, or veterans who need assistance.

Help us reach our goal to ensure more than one thousand people we serve experience the joy of the holiday season! The last date to send or drop off gifts is Friday, December 6.

Monica Santos, S:US Chief Program Officer, (second from right) with staff at the Bushwick Community Fridge opening.

Two years ago, we launched the first community fridge in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Since then, we’ve been working to make nutritious food more accessible for everyone, especially as food insecurity continues to rise. Thanks to the support of our community, we’ve been able to expand our mission, and with continued funding, we plan to bring more fridges to neighborhoods across all five boroughs. Read our community impact.

Mark your calendars: GivingTuesday is two weeks away. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring donation, your support drives change in the lives of thousands of New Yorkers in need.

Every dollar goes directly towards our mission to create opportunity for all by providing housing, shelter, treatment and recovery services, employment and skills-building, crisis programming, therapeutic horticulture, and food security. By delivering high-quality services that address the complex circumstances of each person, you’re helping to transform lives, improve communities, and help break the cycle of poverty for future generations.

Support S:US on GivingTuesday and throughout the year. Learn how you can get involved.

In photo (from left): Samantha Magistro, CEO, Bronx Pro Group; Arlo Chase, SVP of Real Estate, S:US; Karuna Mehta, Senior Community Investment Officer, CSH; Daniel Magidson, Vice President of Acquisitions, Enterprise Community Partners; Chantel Jackson, Assembly Member of District 79; Edwin, Melrose North resident; Adolfo Carrión Jr., Commissioner, NYC Housing Preservation & Development; Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Borough President; Perry Perlmutter, President & CEO, S:US; Jane Silverman, Executive Director of Community Development Banking, JP Morgan Chase; Molly Park, Commissioner, NYC Dept. of Social Services; Rafael Salamanca, Jr., Council Member of District 17; Jonathan Gouveia, Executive Vice President for Real Estate Development, NYCHA. Photo credit: Rafael Salamanca, Jr., Council Member of District 17.

On October 28, S:US and Bronx Pro Group celebrated the housewarming for Melrose North, a transformative new housing development bringing 171 affordable and supportive homes to the Bronx. The project represents a major milestone in S:US’ mission to combat homelessness and create pathways to stability for New York’s most vulnerable residents.

Check out a video from News 12 Bronx about how Melrose North is helping residents like Ms. Monita find stability and avoid living in a shelter. With high local rent and low vacancy rates, the development aims to provide lasting housing security and supportive services to New Yorkers most in need. 

Ms. Monita speaks to News 12 Bronx about her new home at Melrose North.

Monica Santos, S:US Chief Program Officer, person supported by S:US, State Senator Julia Salazar, and Perry Perlmutter, S:US President & CEO, at a group home for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Brooklyn.

State Senator Julia Salazar presented a check for $75,000 to S:US to support critical improvements at a Bushwick group home serving adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The state capital funding, secured by Senator Salazar earlier this year, will allow for significant accessibility upgrades at the S:US-operated home located in Brooklyn.

The renovations include the installation of a new ADA-compliant ramp, a widened side entrance, a protective canopy cover for the lift, and a newly renovated bathroom. These renovations will make a meaningful difference in our residents’ daily lives, supporting our mission to help every person reach their fullest potential.

S:US staff at our annual employee recognition event.

Our annual employee recognition ceremony is one of my favorite events at S:US. Employee recognition should be every day, but last month gave us a chance to focus on it. Our remarkable S:US staff goes above and beyond in their commitment to each other and the people we serve. I was thrilled to be part of this event, which honored employee milestones across all levels of service in five-year increments, from 5 to 30 years, acknowledged special awardees, and recognized outstanding individuals through the monthly Employee Recognition Spotlights.

Thanks for reading.

Perry Perlmutter

S:US President & CEO