Capital Improvements and Renovations Underway at Our Flagship Community Center | | | | If you've passed by our flagship location at 1130 Grand Concourse recently, you may have noticed ongoing construction to the exterior and interior of the building. The BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center (CMCC) is undergoing major capital improvements to modernize the 100-year-old building. This community center has been an icon of the Grand Concourse since it opened in 1926. A century later, BronxWorks is striving to maintain its longevity, not only has a hub of community services, but also as a historic building in the Bronx community. | | The overall capital improvement project is still in early stages, although several renovations have begun throughout the building. The first project, completed earlier this year, modernized the second-floor bathrooms, which now features an ADA-compliant family restroom and an expanded gender-neutral restroom with multiple stalls. | | The finalized gender-neutral restrooms on the second floor of the building. | | Rendering of the exterior updates to the front of the building. | | The front elevation of the building is currently undergoing restoration to maintain the architectural style. Some upgrades include replicating historical architectural elements, such as stone details and granite bases. New railings and lighting fixtures will also be added to enhance both accessibility and safety. 1130 Grand Concourse has been recognized by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission as having a special historical and architectural value to the community. As such, the goal with the exterior work is to preserve the building's cultural significance in the Bronx. | | Concurrently, the entrance and lobby are also under construction, with the goal of reimagining the experience for those entering the building. The lobby will feature an expanded waiting area, as well as updated information panels and floorplan. Another necessary and long-awaited improvement for this century-old building is the installation of an upgraded HVAC system. | | Rendering of the reimagined lobby, featuring the new waiting area. | | For the past century, 1130 Grand Concourse has been used in service of the community. In 1926, the building opened as a children's shelter for the Bronx Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. In 1951, it became the Young Men's and Young Women's Hebrew Association, and then transitioned to the Girls Club in the 1980s. In 1993, BronxWorks acquired the building when combining with the Girls Club, and we have operated services here ever since. | | 1130 Grand Concourse throughout the years. Top left: 1920's, when the building was a children's shelter for the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children; Top right: 1980's, when the building was home to the Girls Club; Bottom left: 2000's, owned by BronxWorks, then known as the Citizen's Advice Bureau as listed on the yellow banner; Bottom right: 2020's, now known as the BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center. | | With these renovations, BronxWorks is working to create a more accessible, comfortable environment for community members as they engage with services. Our staff are committed to providing high-quality programming to uplift our neighbors, and we want the location of the services to reflect that as well. The current projects are just Phase 1 of the overall Capital Improvement Project, and additional phases of renovations will unfold in the coming years. | | |
BronxWorks could not do this project without the support of many partners, elected officials, and other stakeholders. In addition, we want to thank our staff and participants for their patience and understanding throughout the process.
Click here to learn more about the Capital Improvements Project and stay tuned for more updates!
| | |
Ken Marshall
Facilities Manager
| | | | Ken Marshall has dedicated his entire career to ensuring smooth operations of important services. Prior to joining BronxWorks as Facilities Manager, he worked in operations for a social service agency for 17 years. In his role, Ken oversees maintenance and operations at our flagship community center, Early Childhood Learning Centers, Administrative office, some walk-in offices, and more. Ken is an instrumental part of the capital improvements going on at the community center. He is working side by side with the project team to ensure accessibility for participants and help services continue to run smoothly during the renovations. | | "It brings joy to me that I'm maintaining this building and everyone who comes in can enjoy what the building provides." | |
BronxWorks Outdoor Farm Stands Open
for the Season!
| | |
Did You Know? BronxWorks offers two weekly outdoor farm stands from July to November! Community members have the opportunity to buy affordable, fresh, and local produce at BronxWorks Farm Stands, located at Padre Plaza in Mott Haven on Wednesdays and at 1130 Grand Concourse on Thursdays. The farm stands accept EBT and other benefits as forms of payment and even offer incentives for using these benefits. For example, those who spend $1 in SNAP benefits receive an extra $10 to spend at the farm stand. BronxWorks staff also provide cooking instruction at the stands every week, using the produce available. Attendees can learn various ways to include the produce in nutritious meals. It is important to us that the community has access to nutritious foods and the knowledge to build healthy habits.
"I've learned how the fresh produce offered at the farm stand can have health benefits for me, how it can help my heart health. I've learned a lot about the benefits of natural food like the fruits and vegetables here. It is really hard to get it from the stores, and what is there is usually not local to the New York area or organic. Having this weekly farm stand right down the street from me allows me to have a healthier lifestyle."
Nancy, BronxWorks Farm Stand Participant, pictured above in the bottom middle.
Recent Press Coverage:
PIX 11 Monica Makes it Happen Podcast | News12 The Bronx
| |
BronxWorks Participants Celebrate
Program Completion and End of School Year
Participants across several BronxWorks programs celebrated the end of program sessions! Our youngest students in the Early Childhood Learning Centers walked in graduation ceremonies, with many of them heading off to kindergarten in the fall. After-school youth enjoyed an end-of-year party and presented culminating projects. A BroxWorks supportive housing site celebrated all who had completed the school year with festivities. The second cohort of our Workforce Readiness Training program also recently wrapped, with participants receiving certificates of completion as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Congratulations to our participants for their continued engagement throughout the year!
| |
BronxWorks Breaks Ground on River Commons Development Alongside Partners
BronxWorks was proud to join our partners L+M Development Partners and Type A Projects to celebrate the groundbreaking of River Commons, a new mix-use development where BronxWorks will provide social services. River Commons will feature 328 affordable and supportive housing units for the community and a variety of onsite resources. We were also joined by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Helen Arteaga. BronxWorks is thrilled to be part of this development, which will uplift hundreds of our neighbors in the South Bronx.
Press Coverage:
Bronx Times | Crain's New York Business | New York YIMBY | Hoodline
| |
College-Bound Students Learn Financial Literacy and Skills for Academic Success
The BronxWorks Center for Achieving Future Education (CAFE) program offers programming throughout the summer for college-bound students to prepare for life on campus. The students have taken a campus tour of Lehmann College in the Bronx, and also participated in workshops on financial literacy and academic success. CAFE remains connected with participants once they are in college as well to ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.
| |
Positive Living Connects with the Community on National HIV Testing Day
Once again, BronxWorks Positive Living programs partnered with Walgreens on National HIV Testing Day to provide free HIV and Hepatitis C testing to the community. BronxWorks staff also shared information about Positive Living services and other resources for chronic illness management.
| |
Diane Semper Retires After 40+ Years at BronxWorks
Diane Semper, the organization's most tenured employee, retired this month after four decades with the organization. Diane has worked with thousands of young children in after-school and early learning programs her entire career, shaping multiple generations of students and fellow educators along the way. For many years, she has been a Teacher's Assistant at the BronxWorks Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) at 1130 Grand Concourse. Diane was surrounded by friends and family, as well as former and current colleagues, for a celebration on her final work day. BronxWorks Senior Vice President John Weed also presented Diane with a Certificate of Merit from Bronx Borough President Gibson for her 40 years of service to the Bronx community. Although she will certainly be missed, Diane's impact upon the organization and her students will be felt for years to come.
Read Diane's staff profile from 2021, when she reached 35 years of service.
| |
Workforce Development Hosts Job Fair
BronxWorks Workforce Development department hosted a job fair at their main location, offering a variety of employment and other resources to the community. Representatives from local businesses, governmental offices and services, and BronxWorks programs were present to meet with attendees and connect them to opportunities.
| | |
Save the Date!
BronxWorks 5K Fun Run/Walk
Monster Mash Hunger Dash
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, Orchard Beach, Bronx NY
Join us on OCTOBER 24 for the BronxWorks 5K Fun Run/Walk Monster Mash Hunger Dash! All funds raised will support our work to combat food insecurity in our community.
Join us in your best costume and enjoy a run or walk along the beautiful boardwalk on Orchard Beach in the Bronx.
Stay tuned for more information about the BronxWorks 5K by following @BronxWorks on social media.
| | 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. 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:
| | | | |
