|
Engaging Our Elected Officials to Support
The Bronx Community
| | BronxWorks was thrilled to connect with our state, city, and local elected officials at several exciting events this month! We kicked off October by welcoming New York State Governor Kathy Hochul to our Morris Older Adult Center, as she shared information about the Energy Affordability Program. BronxWorks also hosted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at our flagship community center, as he made an exciting announcement about childcare vouchers for New Yorkers. Just a few days later, BronxWorks engaged with Mayor Mamdani once again at the Metro IAF Mayoral Accountability Assembly, advocating for the Bronx community alongside our neighbors and other organizations. | | | | |
Governor Kathy Hochul Visits Morris Older Adult Center
BronxWorks welcomed New York State Governor Kathy Hochul to the BronxWorks Morris Older Adult Center on October 1. The Governor spoke with seniors and community members about the New York State Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which aims to provide millions of New Yorkers with discounts for their energy bills.
| | |
The community members in attendance were excited to learn about this opportunity and to hear directly from our elected officials. We were also joined by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, State Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia, and City Council Member Pierina Sanchez. A team from the NYS Department of Public Service was also present, speaking with community members and handing out information about EAP. We are grateful to our elected officials for their continued partnership as we work together to serve our community and address their needs.
Click here to learn more about the Governor's visit or check out press coverage of the event: BronxNet | Bronx Times | News 12 The Bronx
| | Many of the participants at BronxWorks Older Adult Centers (OACs) live in the same neighborhood, or even the same block or building, as their center. The seniors care deeply about their community and build even stronger ties among their neighbors by joining the OACs. They appreciate these kinds of opportunities to engage in advocacy for their community and connect with their elected representatives. | | | A few weeks later, Morris OAC once again opened up its doors to seniors and community members to convene, prior to the Mayoral Accountability Assembly. | | | | |
As A Member of Bronx First, BronxWorks Attends The Mayoral Accountability Assembly With Mayor Mamdani
BronxWorks staff and participants joined community advocates from the five boroughs at a Mayoral Accountability Assembly with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The assembly was organized by Metro IAF, the NYC branch of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), a nationwide network of leaders and organizers building collective power to improve communities. BronxWorks attended as a founding member of Bronx First, the Bronx coalition of Metro IAF. The community advocates in attendance asked the Mayor to address vital concerns, such as improving public safety and expanding affordable housing. BronxWorks CEO Eileen Torres joined the Mayor and other community leaders on stage and called the assembly to order.
| | |
BronxWorks is proud to lead community advocacy and collective power in support of a brighter future for the Bronx. As we continue to come together and strive to uplift the Bronx, we look forward to maintaining open communication with our elected officials and advocating for the needs of our neighbors. Thank you to all the BronxWorks stakeholders who joined us and helped us represent the Bronx at the assembly!
If you are interested in being a part of this movement, feel free to contact us at info@bronxworks.org.
| | |
BronxWorks Hosts Mayor Mamdani As He Announces 10,000 Additional Childcare Vouchers for Low-Income New Yorkers
BronxWorks was proud to welcome Mayor Mamdani on October 5 for a press conference at the BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center, announcing that 10,000 children from low-income families will receive childcare vouchers. Mayor Mamdani made the announcement alongside other elected officials, leaders in city government, community advocates, and childcare service providers, like BronxWorks.
| | | | | BronxWorks operates three Early Childhood Learning Centers in the Bronx, with each site providing all-day childcare and educational activities. Our newest ECLC at Bronx Point in the South Bronx, opened earlier this year, is the first BronxWorks ECLC to offer 2K childcare. We are grateful to all of our elected and community partners who are working towards improved access to childcare services for New Yorkers! | | |
Katherine Pichardo
Program Specialist, Morris Older Adult Center
| | | | Katherine Pichardo first came to BronxWorks to connect with our Workforce Development department and find a new job. Soon after, she applied to the Program Specialist role at the BronxWorks Morris Older Adult Center, where she has now worked for four years. During this time at BronxWorks, Katherine has found a passion for working in social services and plans to go back to school to earn a degree in Social Work. | | "It's a lot of coordination and making sure everything falls into place. I try my best to make sure the center has something for all the seniors to look forward to when they come in." | | BronxWorks Hosted 5K Monster Mash Hunger Dash to Support Programs Fighting Food Insecurity | | |
The BronxWorks 5K Monster Mash Hunger Dash returned to Orchard Beach this month, raising funds to fight food insecurity in the Bronx! BronxWorks staff and community members enjoyed the fun run/walk along Orchard Beach Promenade in support of food access programs at BronxWorks. Thanks to the generosity of our participants and supporters, we raised over $18,000 to support our work combating food insecurity! These funds will directly benefit BronxWorks programs such as bi-weekly pantries at several locations, seasonal farm stands with fresh, local produce, and site kitchens providing thousands of meals each day to program participants.
Congratulations to our 5K winners,
Dylan Cahir, Marin Varney, and Jacob Caravello!
We are so grateful to everyone who has supported the BronxWorks 5K and our efforts to support our neighbors facing food insecurity. Special thank you to our 5K Major Sponsor, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, for your support and continued partnership.
Click here to view the photo album of the event!
Did You Know? It's never too late to support BronxWorks programs fighting food insecurity! You can make a donation anytime at bronxworks.org/donate and designate your contribution to BronxWorks Food Pantries.
| |
UPTOWN Family Enrichment Center Celebrates
Grand Opening
The UPTOWN Family Enrichment Center (FEC) hosted their Grand Opening this month, following their Soft Launch a few weeks ago. Families, community members, elected officials, and other partners gathered at the center in Williamsbridge to celebrate this milestone. Guests had the opportunity to learn more about the FEC's offerings, connect with their neighbors, and hear from leaders in the program and from the community. The UPTOWN Family Enrichment Center is operated by BronxWorks in partnership with the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS) as part of a citywide effort to strengthen families and build community connections.
Learn more about the UPTOWN FEC Grand Opening at https://www.uptownfec.org/milestones/grand-opening
| |
PwC Sponsors Halloween Party For BronxWorks Youth
BronxWorks was thrilled to welcome staff from PwC to once again sponsor a Halloween Party for BronxWorks after-school participants! The children enjoyed spooky games and activities, such as pumpkin painting, mummy wrapping, musical chairs, and more! Thank you to PwC for your continued support of BronxWorks children!
| |
Older Adults Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Older adults at the BronxWorks E. Roberts Moore Older Adult Center celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a festive lunch and raffle. BronxWorks provided dishes representing a variety of Hispanic cultures, and several seniors contributed homemade specialties to share with friends. Participants also enjoyed a raffle featuring holiday-themed prizes, with many taking home seasonal items to enjoy during the upcoming winter holidays.
| |
BronxWorks Board of Directors Holds Annual Retreat
The BronxWorks Board of Directors gathered with BronxWorks leadership for their annual retreat to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and discuss priorities for the future. During the retreat, board members toured the ongoing capital improvements at the BronxWorks flagship at 1130 Grand Concourse and explored the organization’s long-term vision. Thank you to our Board for its continued leadership, dedication, and commitment to the BronxWorks mission.
| |
Community "Walkshop" with BronxWorks Older Adults
BronxWorks Morris and Heights Older Adult Centers, in partnership with Bronx Health Reach, Equity Design, and The Institute for Family Health, hosted a community “Walkshop” block party in Morris Heights. Attendees enjoyed exercise classes, a community art activity, and plenty of BINGO. The event marked the culmination of years of collaboration with community partners to engage local seniors in conversations about what would make neighborhood spaces feel safer, more welcoming, and more enjoyable for everyone.
| |
Allied Universal Sponsors Halloween Party For BronxWorks Youth
Allied Universal once again supported BronxWorks youth from our Cornerstone Community Centers with a Halloween Party! The children were excited for activities such as mummy wrapping, face painting, musical chairs, painting, and other games. Thank you to Allied Universal for supporting our youth participants with this fun event!
| |
BronxWorks Chief of Staff Tyler McCormick Recognized By City & State Rising Stars - 40 Under 40 List!
Tyler McCormick, BronxWorks Chief of Staff & Strategy, was recognized by City & State New York's Rising Stars - NYC 40 Under 40 List this month! Congratulations to Tyler for this wonderful recognition!
View the full list here.
| |
BronxWorks Children and Staff Attend Giants Game
Thanks to United Way of New York City’s Ticket Turnback program and a generous donor, BronxWorks youth had the opportunity to attend a New York Giants game at MetLife Stadium. We are grateful to our partners for creating memorable experiences that broaden horizons and bring joy to the youth we serve.
| |
BronxWorks Participants Attend New York Comic Con
BronxWorks participants and staff enjoyed an exciting trip to this year's New York Comic Con. All had a great time exploring incredible cosplay, playing classic arcade games, and even got to meet professional wrestlers! Our participants and staff are so grateful for these opportunities to experience all that NYC has to offer!
| |
BronxWorks Staff Enjoy Knicks Preseason Game
BronxWorks staff and their families enjoyed a thrilling Knicks preseason game against the Raptors at MSG earlier this month. Thank you to the New York Knicks for making this experience possible for the BronxWorks community!
| | | | It's not too late to support #TeamBronxWorks in the TCS 2026 NYC Marathon! BronxWorks is proud to once again be a charity partner for the TCS NYC Marathon, this year on Sunday, November 1. As a charity runner, members of #TeamBronxWorks each have a goal of raising $3,000 for BronxWorks Children and Youth programs. Support our runners here! | | |
Here are other ways you can join BronxWorks and support our mission this year:
| | | | |
