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When temperatures drop below freezing, the New York City Department of Homeless Services calls a Code Blue. Should you see anyone at risk, especially a homeless individual, please call 311. The BronxWorks Homeless Outreach Team will be dispatched to offer assistance.

BronxWorks food pantries operate on a client-choice model, allowing individuals to select the items they prefer. Distribution is based on family size to ensure appropriate support. We are appointment-based, and all clients must call the hotline (646.596.1316) on the designated call day to schedule an appointment. Appointments are issued on a first-call, first-served basis. Please note that some sites have limited availability, so we strongly recommend calling early, as appointments fill up quickly. Click here for a full list of BronxWorks pantry sites.

Amy Greenbaum-Strauss, LCSW, Director of Training

Amy grew up in Brooklyn, New York, the youngest of two daughters. Amy’s father was an accountant, and Amy’s mother earned a degree in and pursued social work. In looking at her career, there is a clear line of paying forward the opportunities and experiences that Amy’s parents gave her to the students, clients, and staff with whom Amy works. 

“I did not grow up thinking that I would one day become a social worker,” Amy says, “but I feel that my parents raised me and my sister with the values and experiences that prepared me for a career as one.”

Amy completed her Bachelor’s Degree at SUNY Oneonta in Elementary and Preschool Education. She knew she wanted to work with children and families, and would start her career working in a foster care agency. “I was touched by how powerful it was to be an advocate for these families,” Amy says. “I saw how many of these parents were working their hardest to make the best world for their kids, but with limited resources, knowledge, and opportunities.”  

After working in foster care for two years, Amy enrolled at Smith College for her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She then joined the Jewish Board, working in many areas, including foster care prevention, adolescent psychiatry, domestic violence shelter, training, and teaching. Later on, at Turnaround for Children, she was part of an interdisciplinary team as a consultant and trainer that focused on struggling schools throughout New York City. In 2019, Amy joined BronxWorks as the Director of Training.  

“That’s what I love about my job. I can take all my experiences and share my knowledge in a way that enhances the services we provide. I see everyone at BronxWorks as a part of our mission, and I see my role in the Training Department as supporting our staff who are doing the tough work, to help everyone be the best version of themselves.” 

Outside of work, Amy loves to be with her family. She loves being outdoors, spending time at the beach, hiking and gardening. Her husband is also a social worker, and together they have a daughter who is about to graduate from college, majoring in psychology. Amy’s family is completed by a dog, Ziggy, and two cats, Meeko and Jasper.

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