Economic Development
MBSCC aims to improve the economic life of the community and its residents by promoting commercial growth, creating job opportunities for residents, enhancing the employment skills of residents, and making the community a more attractive location for commercial enterprises.
161 Street Merchants Association
Since 1995, MBSCC has partnered closely with local businesses and merchants. Together, we seek to improve the commercial strip of 161 Street from River Avenue to Morris Avenue. MBC is working side-by-side with local merchants to implement the enhancements planned for the 161 Street Business Improvement District.
161 Street Business Improvement District
In conjunction with the 161 Street Merchants Association, MBSCC led a 10-year effort to create the 161 Street Business Improvement District (BID). Our untiring efforts proved effective. Last May, the 161 Street District was announced as the City’s 51st BID, and only the 6th in the Bronx. Enhancements planned for the area include: improved lighting, sanitation, security, facades and storefronts, green spaces, streetscapes and parking.
Workforce Development
JobResourceCenter (JRC)
MBSCC has been helping local residents find and keep quality employment for over 10 years. Situated in the Family Preservation Center, the Job Resource Center serves adults and youth, utilizing a network of relationships with local businesses, institutions, and non-profits. The center posts weekly job openings and information about current job fairs. Staff provides one-on-one counseling and follow-up support for job search assistance, placement and career development. We also offer a variety of workshops for resume building, interview skills, work-related technology, and follow-up support. Presently, the center spearheads a Custodial Maintenance Training program, a 7-week classroom-based course making extensive use of hands-on practicum. The program trains residents for positions as porters, custodians and janitors in the growing field of building and custodial maintenance.
Youth Employment
A comprehensive program designed by MBSCC to meet the educational, social, and economic needs of local Bronx youth. Since 1994, MBSCC has provided educational and cultural enrichment, conflict resolution training, leadership skills development, and career exploration opportunities to community youth. This program aims to serve at-risk adolescents by improving attitudes, expanding career awareness, preventing dropouts, and developing core skills and competencies. Presently, the agency contracts with DYCD to provide a Youth Employment program for local youth (in-school and out-of-school), ages 16-21. The Youth Employment Initiative, YEI, offers career and educational counseling, job readiness classes, computer training, internships, and assists with placement in paid employment. YEI served almost 100 young adults in 2005-2006.
Children and Family Services
FamilyPreservation Center
The Family Preservation Center, opened on the ground floor of MBSCC's landmark Andrew Freedman Home in 1998, provides comprehensive support services to enhance family stability and self-sufficiency through a "one-stop shop" approach. Services are provided through the collaboration of MBSCC and other organizations, and include affordable child care, comprehensive case management, basic education/literacy, ESL, immigration services, community organizing, counseling, community health services, nutrition programs (WIC), in-home visiting services, youth services, prenatal care, and housing for those living with HIV/AIDS. The center also houses MBSCC's Job Resource Center, which provides employment training and job referrals to community members, as well as a Technology Center that trains residents in basic computer skills. MBSCC is one of only nine organizations in New York State to have received a commitment of State funding to establish a family preservation and support center.
Head Start
The New York City Agency for Child Development awarded MBSCC a Head Start contract that began in 1995. The contract includes a center-based component and 10 home-based sites. The program has four service areas; education, health, parent involvement, and social services. About 90 children are enrolled at the center based Head Start; 40 children participate through home-based providers who receive ongoing training, supervision, and support from the Head Start staff. Services available to parents and interested adult community members include vocational counseling, adult education, nutrition, health services, and literacy improvement. Currently, over 160 families receive an array of support services, and over 144 children attend either the school or home-based licensed Head Start sites.
Neighborhood Partners Initiative (NPI)
For over a decade, MBSCC has been “building community” in the Mid-Bronx region by coordinating stakeholders and organizing residents to become leaders. In an age when corporate and political decisions are increasingly unaccountable for the effects on community, MBSCC believes in empowering residents and stakeholders to assure accountability. Every day we are helping area residents, young and old, to become actively involved in improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Currently, Bronx Voices for Equal Inclusion (BVEI) is spearheading an effort to ensure that local economic development – particularly mega-projects like the new Yankee Stadium and Bronx Gateway Center – occur in a sustainable, equitable and participatory manner. MBSCC continues to organize a Neighborhood Advisory Council, the main vehicle for residents and stakeholders to identify pressing issues, and dialogue with local politicians to improve the Mid-Bronx area. Finally, in collaboration with several other CBOs, MBSCC participates in the Community Collaborative for the Bronx (CCB), a successful parent organizing effort that transforms education in one of the lowest-performing school regions (CSD 1) in the City. Last year, parents and educators celebrated the success of the CCB Lead Teacher effort.
Services for the Elderly
MBSCC assures an array of social services designed to increase the stability and self-sufficiency of senior citizens.
Project Homebound, developed by MBSCC in 1977 and funded by the New York City Department for the Aging, has been widely replicated by service organizations throughout the city. The program prevents the early institutionalization of the home-bound elderly by providing case management and direct services such as Meals-on-Wheels, transportation, escort, and telephone reassurance. In 2005, the program delivered more than 150,000 meals and provided about 10,000 trips to frail, ill, and disabled seniors.
Concourse Plaza Social Services, implemented in 1981, provides an array of social, medical, and legal services as well as cultural, educational, and recreational activities for seniors residing in the Concourse Plaza and surrounding community.
Concourse Plaza “Healthy Seniors” is a new health and wellness program launched in 2006, with the support of the Citigroup Employee Community Fund. “Healthy Seniors” offers a comprehensive array of programs to a diverse group of seniors. These programs include nutrition workshops, weekly exercise and walking groups, weekly consultations and screenings with a certified nurse, entertainment and activities. Many of these seniors are at high risk of social isolation and illness. Not surprisingly, their response to this program has been enthusiastic.
Through the Sixth/Holiday Meal Program, implemented in 1986 and funded by City Meals-on-Wheels, MBSCC prepares and caters an average of 225 meals each Saturday and holiday, and delivers them to seniors. On selected holidays, the program also sponsors a special luncheon for seniors, with dancing and live entertainment.
Satellite Weekend Nutrition and Recreation Program, begun in 1987 and funded by the New York City Department for the Aging, provides recreational activities and about 100 hot meals to senior citizens at Fordham Lutheran Hospital in Community District 5 every weekend.
In 1987, MBC was selected by the New York City Department for the Aging to Administer the Project Work Prepared Program in the South Bronx. Under MBC staff supervision, PWP workers, many of whom are public assistance recipients, provide housekeeping and personal care in-home services to over 250 elderly clients.
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