BronxWorks is proud to celebrate National Social Work Month every March. Social work is rooted in decades of advocacy and dedication to the most vulnerable in our communities. The contributions of social workers have immeasurably shaped our society and led to the establishment of organizations, like BronxWorks, to assist those facing challenges in the community.
Social workers are a vital part of the BronxWorks infrastructure, supporting clients in almost every department across the agency. Each year, the BronxWorks Social Work Committee hosts an Empowerment and Appreciation Breakfast for all social workers on staff to attend. This year’s theme was Compassion in Action, and over 30 social workers were in attendance. Everyone enjoyed breakfast before coming together for a fun ice-breaker activity. Staff paired up to ask each other about their social work inspirations and aspirations, as well as get to know each other personally with other intriguing questions.
BronxWorks is incredibly grateful to all our social workers for the dedication and compassion they show their clients. This annual event is just one of the ways BronxWorks strives to uplift and show appreciation for our social work staff. The BronxWorks Social Work Committee works to provide various opportunities to support current or aspiring social workers across the agency, including scholarship applications, information about social work licenses, collaborative study sessions, continuing education credits, and more. BronxWorks also offers a One Year Residency (OYR) Master’s of Social Work (MSW) program, which supports staff in earning their MSW by qualifying their work at BronxWorks as their Field Placement, allowing the staff to continue working while earning their degree.
Members of the BronxWorks Social Work Committee Leadership Team.
During the event, some staff shared their thoughts on the question – What does a social worker do? Here are some of their responses:
“Social workers support people to move their lives in a positive direction, in a way that is meaningful to them.” – Amy Greenbaum-Strauss, Department Director of Training & Professional Development
“We listen so people can be heard.” – Jose Grafals, Case Manager Supervisor, Safe Options Support
“As a social worker, we help individuals navigate challenges in their lives that they feel they can’t overcome. We show them that they can overcome them.” – Elizabeth Reyes, Director of Social Services, Stebbins
“We help people help themselves.” – Reyna Lora, Social Worker, Pyramid Safe Haven
Thank you to all social workers for your hard work and commitment to supporting your community and the BronxWorks mission.
BronxWorks is proud to celebrate National Social Work Month every March. Social work is rooted in decades of advocacy and dedication to the most vulnerable in our communities. The contributions of social workers have immeasurably shaped our society and led to the establishment of organizations, like BronxWorks, to assist those facing challenges in the community.
Social workers are a vital part of the BronxWorks infrastructure, supporting clients in almost every department across the agency. Each year, the BronxWorks Social Work Committee hosts an Empowerment and Appreciation Breakfast for all social workers on staff to attend. This year’s theme was Compassion in Action, and over 30 social workers were in attendance. Everyone enjoyed breakfast before coming together for a fun ice-breaker activity. Staff paired up to ask each other about their social work inspirations and aspirations, as well as get to know each other personally with other intriguing questions.
BronxWorks is incredibly grateful to all our social workers for the dedication and compassion they show their clients. This annual event is just one of the ways BronxWorks strives to uplift and show appreciation for our social work staff. The BronxWorks Social Work Committee works to provide various opportunities to support current or aspiring social workers across the agency, including scholarship applications, information about social work licenses, collaborative study sessions, continuing education credits, and more. BronxWorks also offers a One Year Residency (OYR) Master’s of Social Work (MSW) program, which supports staff in earning their MSW by qualifying their work at BronxWorks as their Field Placement, allowing the staff to continue working while earning their degree.
Members of the BronxWorks Social Work Committee Leadership Team.
During the event, some staff shared their thoughts on the question – What does a social worker do? Here are some of their responses:
“Social workers support people to move their lives in a positive direction, in a way that is meaningful to them.” – Amy Greenbaum-Strauss, Department Director of Training & Professional Development
“We listen so people can be heard.” – Jose Grafals, Case Manager Supervisor, Safe Options Support
“As a social worker, we help individuals navigate challenges in their lives that they feel they can’t overcome. We show them that they can overcome them.” – Elizabeth Reyes, Director of Social Services, Stebbins
“We help people help themselves.” – Reyna Lora, Social Worker, Pyramid Safe Haven
Thank you to all social workers for your hard work and commitment to supporting your community and the BronxWorks mission.
Jessica Reyna, LMSW, developed her passion for social work long before she knew about the career. Born in Connecticut to two immigrant parents, Jessica’s life experiences influenced her desire to support the community through her work. Now Jessica is a licensed social worker, working as a Clinical Coordinator at the BronxWorks Jerome Avenue Men’s Shelter (JAMS), where she leads direct client support for some of our most disadvantaged neighbors in the Bronx.
Jessica earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Barnard College in Psychology, originally pursuing a career as a psychologist. However, she realized that career would not fulfill her goal of working within the community. She decided to search for jobs in community-based organizations, which led her to BronxWorks. Jessica started with the organization in 2016 as a Case Manager in the BronxWorks EXCEL program, assisting young adults in earning their high school equivalency diploma.
“Getting to learn each student’s situation in EXCEL, I thought ‘Wow, these participants could really benefit from interacting with a social worker’. That got me thinking, ‘How can I bring that into this space?’ I began to think about going back to school for social work.”
As she continued her career with BronxWorks, Jessica developed an interest in becoming a social worker. She was encouraged by her supervisors to apply to the BronxWorks One Year Residency (OYR) Master’s in Social Work (MSW) program, which supports staff pursuing a MSW degree by qualifying their work at BronxWorks as their Field Placement. Participating in the OYR program allowed Jessica, and many other BronxWorks staff, to earn their Master’s Degree in Social Work while continuing their full-time job with the agency.
“Looking at my career, I think BronxWorks has been really supportive, really helped to grow my career. I like to praise the OYR program a lot because that really helped me be able to do my internship while working, so I didn’t have to do that outside working a full-time job too. I have a lot of appreciation for their support.”
During her time in the OYR/MSW program, Jessica changed roles to be a Case Manager at the BronxWorks Jerome Avenue Men’s Shelter (JAMS). She started at JAMS in August 2020 and earned her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University in May 2022. Shortly after earning her MSW, Jessica was promoted to Clinical Coordinator at JAMS, supervising case managers and providing direct client support to address their individual challenges.
“The role of a social worker is to really get to know the people they’re serving, to understand the person as a whole and all the factors that may be impacting their progress. It’s also to provide resources and empower the client to feel ready to accept those resources.”
Jessica hopes to one day work in one-on-one therapy and make community-based therapy more accessible to our neighbors. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with friends, baking, and taking walks in local parks.
Jessica Reyna, LMSW, developed her passion for social work long before she knew about the career. Born in Connecticut to two immigrant parents, Jessica’s life experiences influenced her desire to support the community through her work. Now Jessica is a licensed social worker, working as a Clinical Coordinator at the BronxWorks Jerome Avenue Men’s Shelter (JAMS), where she leads direct client support for some of our most disadvantaged neighbors in the Bronx.
Jessica earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Barnard College in Psychology, originally pursuing a career as a psychologist. However, she realized that career would not fulfill her goal of working within the community. She decided to search for jobs in community-based organizations, which led her to BronxWorks. Jessica started with the organization in 2016 as a Case Manager in the BronxWorks EXCEL program, assisting young adults in earning their high school equivalency diploma.
“Getting to learn each student’s situation in EXCEL, I thought ‘Wow, these participants could really benefit from interacting with a social worker’. That got me thinking, ‘How can I bring that into this space?’ I began to think about going back to school for social work.”
As she continued her career with BronxWorks, Jessica developed an interest in becoming a social worker. She was encouraged by her supervisors to apply to the BronxWorks One Year Residency (OYR) Master’s in Social Work (MSW) program, which supports staff pursuing a MSW degree by qualifying their work at BronxWorks as their Field Placement. Participating in the OYR program allowed Jessica, and many other BronxWorks staff, to earn their Master’s Degree in Social Work while continuing their full-time job with the agency.
“Looking at my career, I think BronxWorks has been really supportive, really helped to grow my career. I like to praise the OYR program a lot because that really helped me be able to do my internship while working, so I didn’t have to do that outside working a full-time job too. I have a lot of appreciation for their support.”
During her time in the OYR/MSW program, Jessica changed roles to be a Case Manager at the BronxWorks Jerome Avenue Men’s Shelter (JAMS). She started at JAMS in August 2020 and earned her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University in May 2022. Shortly after earning her MSW, Jessica was promoted to Clinical Coordinator at JAMS, supervising case managers and providing direct client support to address their individual challenges.
“The role of a social worker is to really get to know the people they’re serving, to understand the person as a whole and all the factors that may be impacting their progress. It’s also to provide resources and empower the client to feel ready to accept those resources.”
Jessica hopes to one day work in one-on-one therapy and make community-based therapy more accessible to our neighbors. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with friends, baking, and taking walks in local parks.
February is National Senior Independence Month, and BronxWorks is proud to support seniors in our community with a variety of programming that empowers them to sustain independent, fulfilling lives. As part of our many services for older adults, BronxWorks operates ten Older Adult Centers located throughout the borough, providing recreational activities, meals, celebrations, workshops, access to other BronxWorks resources, and most importantly, a sense of community for our seniors.
BronxWorks Older Adult Centers are open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, offering a full day of activities. Participants are served breakfast and lunch each day, and programs often include various physical activities, crafting and other hobbies, holiday parties, technology classes, and more. Seniors can also sign up for weekly local trips with transportation provided to places like the supermarket, Walmart, or the movies.
“Going to BronxWorks is very important to me. It’s better than staying home, doing nothing. You come here, you do exercise. It really helped me. I feel better… I’m really, really happy coming here.”
Alice, BronxWorks Older Adult Center Participant
Bronx older adults are encouraged to maintain independence and influence in their participation at our centers. They are welcome to be at the center all day during open hours, or they may attend at their preference based on the schedule of activities. Seniors also contribute to the decision-making process for trips and recreation ideas, and they often volunteer in the center’s operations, such as helping in the kitchen, conducting event registration, and decorating for holidays.
“Seniors in our community often face many of the same challenges as our other neighbors – food insecurity, housing instability, lack of educational opportunities – but they may not know how to address these issues. Our Older Adult Centers provide the seniors with a system of support and resources that empowers them to live their best life.”
Bibi Karim, Vice President, Services for Older Adults
This month, BronxWorks Older Adult Centers are celebrating Black History Month and National Senior Independence Month, among many other holidays. In celebration of Black History Month, a group of older adults visited the Harlem International Museum of Black History. Seniors also painted traditional African masks and portraits of loved ones to celebrate Black History. To emphasize National Senior Independence Month, representatives from NYPD and FDNY visited and led workshops focusing on safety and emergency preparedness within their homes and neighborhoods. Having access to these and many other resources empowers our older adults to maintain independence in their lives.
Along with daily recreation and socialization, the Older Adult Centers also provide case assistance and referral for all participants to support their specific needs that may be addressed through other BronxWorks programs. Some community services offered by BronxWorks are located at one or several Older Adult Center locations to increase ease of access for the seniors. For example, the Morris Older Adult Center acts as a location for free tax prep from January to April that is open to the public, but also often utilized by the Morris seniors. Several centers host a monthly food pantry to support our neighbors facing food insecurity. Seniors can also take advantage of classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) offered by BronxWorks at various locations. In addition, BronxWorks case management addresses other critical needs, such as elder abuse or housing instability.
At our Older Adult Centers, seniors have innumerable opportunities and immeasurable impact upon the services offered, allowing them to shape their retirement years to be fulfilling and vibrant. BronxWorks welcomes any New York City resident over the age of 60 at any of our centers.
“So many people plan to retire, but they don’t know how they will fill their days. An Older Adult Center is a wonderful opportunity to maintain your vitality, your joy, to fulfill dreams and visions that you thought maybe you thought you could not fulfill, and to explore new avenues in your life.”
Solomon Smart, Program Director, East Concourse Older Adult Center
Solomon Smart, Program Director of the BronxWorks East Concourse Older Adult Center, recently appeared on BronxNet Open to spread the word about our Older Adult Centers. Click here to watch the full segment.
February is National Senior Independence Month, and BronxWorks is proud to support seniors in our community with a variety of programming that empowers them to sustain independent, fulfilling lives. As part of our many services for older adults, BronxWorks operates ten Older Adult Centers located throughout the borough, providing recreational activities, meals, celebrations, workshops, access to other BronxWorks resources, and most importantly, a sense of community for our seniors.
BronxWorks Older Adult Centers are open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, offering a full day of activities. Participants are served breakfast and lunch each day, and programs often include various physical activities, crafting and other hobbies, holiday parties, technology classes, and more. Seniors can also sign up for weekly local trips with transportation provided to places like the supermarket, Walmart, or the movies.
“Going to BronxWorks is very important to me. It’s better than staying home, doing nothing. You come here, you do exercise. It really helped me. I feel better… I’m really, really happy coming here.”
Alice, BronxWorks Older Adult Center Participant
Bronx older adults are encouraged to maintain independence and influence in their participation at our centers. They are welcome to be at the center all day during open hours, or they may attend at their preference based on the schedule of activities. Seniors also contribute to the decision-making process for trips and recreation ideas, and they often volunteer in the center’s operations, such as helping in the kitchen, conducting event registration, and decorating for holidays.
“Seniors in our community often face many of the same challenges as our other neighbors – food insecurity, housing instability, lack of educational opportunities – but they may not know how to address these issues. Our Older Adult Centers provide the seniors with a system of support and resources that empowers them to live their best life.”
Bibi Karim, Vice President, Services for Older Adults
This month, BronxWorks Older Adult Centers are celebrating Black History Month and National Senior Independence Month, among many other holidays. In celebration of Black History Month, a group of older adults visited the Harlem International Museum of Black History. Seniors also painted traditional African masks and portraits of loved ones to celebrate Black History. To emphasize National Senior Independence Month, representatives from NYPD and FDNY visited and led workshops focusing on safety and emergency preparedness within their homes and neighborhoods. Having access to these and many other resources empowers our older adults to maintain independence in their lives.
Along with daily recreation and socialization, the Older Adult Centers also provide case assistance and referral for all participants to support their specific needs that may be addressed through other BronxWorks programs. Some community services offered by BronxWorks are located at one or several Older Adult Center locations to increase ease of access for the seniors. For example, the Morris Older Adult Center acts as a location for free tax prep from January to April that is open to the public, but also often utilized by the Morris seniors. Several centers host a monthly food pantry to support our neighbors facing food insecurity. Seniors can also take advantage of classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) offered by BronxWorks at various locations. In addition, BronxWorks case management addresses other critical needs, such as elder abuse or housing instability.
At our Older Adult Centers, seniors have innumerable opportunities and immeasurable impact upon the services offered, allowing them to shape their retirement years to be fulfilling and vibrant. BronxWorks welcomes any New York City resident over the age of 60 at any of our centers.
“So many people plan to retire, but they don’t know how they will fill their days. An Older Adult Center is a wonderful opportunity to maintain your vitality, your joy, to fulfill dreams and visions that you thought maybe you thought you could not fulfill, and to explore new avenues in your life.”
Solomon Smart, Program Director, East Concourse Older Adult Center
Solomon Smart, Program Director of the BronxWorks East Concourse Older Adult Center, recently appeared on BronxNet Open to spread the word about our Older Adult Centers. Click here to watch the full segment.
BronxWorks Older Adult Centers love to celebrate any and every holiday, and this month has been no exception! Along with celebrating Black History Month, National Senior Independence Month, and Valentine’s Day this February, seniors at the BronxWorks East Concourse Older Adult Center celebrated Galentine’s Day! Participants of all genders were welcome to a tea party and tote bag decorating activity at the center. The seniors were encouraged to dress in their best teatime attire!
Everyone in attendance was gifted a tote bag for them to decorate with paint and other crafts. They were all very excited to show each other their finished product and fill their bags. Once the seniors completed the decorating, they were gifted hats, gloves, toiletries, and massagers. These items, along with the tote bags, were generously donated by Robin Hood and Blackstone. The older adults were incredibly appreciative of these items and some immediately began to use them. Thank you to Robin Hood and Blackstone for supporting our older adults!
Those who dressed for the occasion participated in a parade throughout the center to show off their outfits and compete for best dressed. Staff participated as well and shared accessories so anyone could get involved. After the winners were declared, everyone enjoyed teatime treats, including pastries, fruit, and, of course, tea!
The older adult centers offer an abundance of parties and celebrations throughout the year, and many of the participants play active roles in the planning, decorating, and operating of the event. During this event, seniors assisted with signing in attendees, setting up art supplies, and passing out the donations. Participating at the centers provides seniors many opportunities to remain active and, if they so choose, to be a leader among their peers.
BronxWorks Older Adult Centers love to celebrate any and every holiday, and this month has been no exception! Along with celebrating Black History Month, National Senior Independence Month, and Valentine’s Day this February, seniors at the BronxWorks East Concourse Older Adult Center celebrated Galentine’s Day! Participants of all genders were welcome to a tea party and tote bag decorating activity at the center. The seniors were encouraged to dress in their best teatime attire!
Everyone in attendance was gifted a tote bag for them to decorate with paint and other crafts. They were all very excited to show each other their finished product and fill their bags. Once the seniors completed the decorating, they were gifted hats, gloves, toiletries, and massagers. These items, along with the tote bags, were generously donated by Robin Hood and Blackstone. The older adults were incredibly appreciative of these items and some immediately began to use them. Thank you to Robin Hood and Blackstone for supporting our older adults!
Those who dressed for the occasion participated in a parade throughout the center to show off their outfits and compete for best dressed. Staff participated as well and shared accessories so anyone could get involved. After the winners were declared, everyone enjoyed teatime treats, including pastries, fruit, and, of course, tea!
The older adult centers offer an abundance of parties and celebrations throughout the year, and many of the participants play active roles in the planning, decorating, and operating of the event. During this event, seniors assisted with signing in attendees, setting up art supplies, and passing out the donations. Participating at the centers provides seniors many opportunities to remain active and, if they so choose, to be a leader among their peers.
Rosalina Luongo, known by many as Rosie, has been a leader in the BronxWorks Older Adult Services department for over two decades. Rosie is the Assistant Department Director of Services for Older Adults at BronxWorks, and she has been with the organization for over 30 years. In this position, Rosie oversees several BronxWorks Older Adult Centers throughout the borough.
Rosie was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and moved with her family to New York City before she started fifth grade. Once she had completed her education, Rosie was in search of employment and hoping to make a positive impact through her work. A friend who worked in social services in the Bronx suggested that Rosie consider BronxWorks. After looking into the organization, Rosie was eager to apply for any open positions.
I researched the agency and I loved the mission. I really believed in BronxWorks, and I still do. I love the social services we provide to the community in all areas, from children to seniors, and I am proud to be part of this organization.
In 1992, Rosie joined BronxWorks as a receptionist for the Eviction Prevention program. Shortly after she started, Rosie was promoted to Case Manager and continued to progress upward within the program, eventually becoming a Supervisor. In 2000, Rosie was offered to become the Program Director for the E. Roberts Moore Older Adult Center, and then later transferred to be the Program Director of the Heights Older Adult Center. In 2014, Rosie was promoted to Assistant Department Director of Services for Older Adults at BronxWorks. During her time at BronxWorks, Rosie also attended Lehman College in the Bronx and in 2007, she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work. As Assistant Department Director, she now leads the Morris Older Adult Center and oversees two NORCs, or Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, where BronxWorks operates older adult centers within buildings that have a significant retired population. Rosie is proud to be part of the immense growth of senior services provided by BronxWorks. Before the pandemic in 2020, the organization offered four Older Adult Centers; today, BronxWorks operates ten centers, including two NORCs.
Through her work at BronxWorks Older Adult Centers, Rosie has left a positive impact upon hundreds of seniors in our community. She is a strong proponent for health and wellness for seniors, including physical and mental health. At the centers, participants engage in various programs to keep them active and educated on healthy living. By participating in these and other activities at the centers, seniors also find a sense of community that is essential to mental wellbeing as we age.
I am a stronger believer that we all as humans need to interact with others. I have found that a lot of people that retire are used to a lifestyle of working and socializing with people every day. When they retire, they find themselves a little lost. So our goal here at BronxWorks Senior Services is to make sure that they find a second home with us at the centers.
Outside of work, Rosie enjoys many of the same activities the participants do at the centers, such as dancing, listening to music, and hosting events. Her family is most important to her, and she loves to host her mother, children, and grandchildren all together for family gatherings.
Rosalina Luongo, known by many as Rosie, has been a leader in the BronxWorks Older Adult Services department for over two decades. Rosie is the Assistant Department Director of Services for Older Adults at BronxWorks, and she has been with the organization for over 30 years. In this position, Rosie oversees several BronxWorks Older Adult Centers throughout the borough.
Rosie was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and moved with her family to New York City before she started fifth grade. Once she had completed her education, Rosie was in search of employment and hoping to make a positive impact through her work. A friend who worked in social services in the Bronx suggested that Rosie consider BronxWorks. After looking into the organization, Rosie was eager to apply for any open positions.
I researched the agency and I loved the mission. I really believed in BronxWorks, and I still do. I love the social services we provide to the community in all areas, from children to seniors, and I am proud to be part of this organization.
In 1992, Rosie joined BronxWorks as a receptionist for the Eviction Prevention program. Shortly after she started, Rosie was promoted to Case Manager and continued to progress upward within the program, eventually becoming a Supervisor. In 2000, Rosie was offered to become the Program Director for the E. Roberts Moore Older Adult Center, and then later transferred to be the Program Director of the Heights Older Adult Center. In 2014, Rosie was promoted to Assistant Department Director of Services for Older Adults at BronxWorks. During her time at BronxWorks, Rosie also attended Lehman College in the Bronx and in 2007, she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work. As Assistant Department Director, she now leads the Morris Older Adult Center and oversees two NORCs, or Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, where BronxWorks operates older adult centers within buildings that have a significant retired population. Rosie is proud to be part of the immense growth of senior services provided by BronxWorks. Before the pandemic in 2020, the organization offered four Older Adult Centers; today, BronxWorks operates ten centers, including two NORCs.
Through her work at BronxWorks Older Adult Centers, Rosie has left a positive impact upon hundreds of seniors in our community. She is a strong proponent for health and wellness for seniors, including physical and mental health. At the centers, participants engage in various programs to keep them active and educated on healthy living. By participating in these and other activities at the centers, seniors also find a sense of community that is essential to mental wellbeing as we age.
I am a stronger believer that we all as humans need to interact with others. I have found that a lot of people that retire are used to a lifestyle of working and socializing with people every day. When they retire, they find themselves a little lost. So our goal here at BronxWorks Senior Services is to make sure that they find a second home with us at the centers.
Outside of work, Rosie enjoys many of the same activities the participants do at the centers, such as dancing, listening to music, and hosting events. Her family is most important to her, and she loves to host her mother, children, and grandchildren all together for family gatherings.
Jerome Frierson, Esq., joined BronxWorks as the inaugural Vice President of Legal Services, as part of a vital programmatic expansion of the department. In this position, Jerome oversees the new Tenant Defense Program as well as other critical legal services offered by the organization. He comes to BronxWorks with over a decade of experience as a litigator fighting for New Yorkers struggling with housing stability and he is passionate about serving the Bronx community with these pivotal legal services.
Jerome is a proud native of the South Bronx, where many of his family and friends still reside. Growing up in the Bronx, he has seen firsthand the impacts of the longstanding housing crisis throughout New York City. Jerome developed a passion for public interest law as he pursued higher education after high school. He earned his J.D. at Tulane University Law School, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of The Southern Journal of Policy and Justice, an affiliate of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). Before attending Tulane, he earned a double bachelor’s degree in Political Science and African & Afro-American Studies from Brandeis University.
Growing up in the Bronx, I saw the housing crisis up close—families struggling to stay in their homes, rising rents, and gentrification reshaping neighborhoods. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a difference.”
After earning his degrees, a desire to serve his community brought Jerome back to New York City. He first joined JPMorgan Chase as a Compliance Officer, but quickly transitioned to the public interest and joined Legal Services NYC as the Deputy Director and Supervising Attorney. In this role, he supervised teams that prevented forcible evictions, advocated for tenants in gentrifying neighborhoods, and won vital legal protections for families facing housing instability. At Legal Services NYC, Jerome was part of the first cohort of attorneys fulfilling the Right to Counsel law in New York City, providing low-income New Yorkers facing eviction with free legal representation. Jerome later transitioned to The Bronx Defenders as the Inaugural Director of the Right to Counsel Housing Team, once again working directly in tenant defense. During his time at The Bronx Defenders, Jerome led a team of attorneys with a 95% success rate in avoiding or delaying evictions.
Jerome came to BronxWorks motivated to leverage his experience and lead the development of the Tenant Defense Program. Alongside his passion for tenant defense, Jerome is enthusiastic about working with the staff to expand the organization’s overall legal services offered and connecting clients with existing eviction prevention services at BronxWorks.
Our clients who are facing housing instability oftentimes are also facing other challenges… BronxWorks has programs and resources in many areas, so my goal is to make the department work holistically so clients can come to BronxWorks andfeel supported in every aspect of their lives.”
Outside of work, Jerome enjoys working out and loves to sing. He has spent many years of his life involved with gospel choirs, and he also often does karaoke with friends and family.
Jerome Frierson, Esq., joined BronxWorks as the inaugural Vice President of Legal Services, as part of a vital programmatic expansion of the department. In this position, Jerome oversees the new Tenant Defense Program as well as other critical legal services offered by the organization. He comes to BronxWorks with over a decade of experience as a litigator fighting for New Yorkers struggling with housing stability and he is passionate about serving the Bronx community with these pivotal legal services.
Jerome is a proud native of the South Bronx, where many of his family and friends still reside. Growing up in the Bronx, he has seen firsthand the impacts of the longstanding housing crisis throughout New York City. Jerome developed a passion for public interest law as he pursued higher education after high school. He earned his J.D. at Tulane University Law School, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of The Southern Journal of Policy and Justice, an affiliate of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). Before attending Tulane, he earned a double bachelor’s degree in Political Science and African & Afro-American Studies from Brandeis University.
Growing up in the Bronx, I saw the housing crisis up close—families struggling to stay in their homes, rising rents, and gentrification reshaping neighborhoods. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a difference.”
After earning his degrees, a desire to serve his community brought Jerome back to New York City. He first joined JPMorgan Chase as a Compliance Officer, but quickly transitioned to the public interest and joined Legal Services NYC as the Deputy Director and Supervising Attorney. In this role, he supervised teams that prevented forcible evictions, advocated for tenants in gentrifying neighborhoods, and won vital legal protections for families facing housing instability. At Legal Services NYC, Jerome was part of the first cohort of attorneys fulfilling the Right to Counsel law in New York City, providing low-income New Yorkers facing eviction with free legal representation. Jerome later transitioned to The Bronx Defenders as the Inaugural Director of the Right to Counsel Housing Team, once again working directly in tenant defense. During his time at The Bronx Defenders, Jerome led a team of attorneys with a 95% success rate in avoiding or delaying evictions.
Jerome came to BronxWorks motivated to leverage his experience and lead the development of the Tenant Defense Program. Alongside his passion for tenant defense, Jerome is enthusiastic about working with the staff to expand the organization’s overall legal services offered and connecting clients with existing eviction prevention services at BronxWorks.
Our clients who are facing housing instability oftentimes are also facing other challenges… BronxWorks has programs and resources in many areas, so my goal is to make the department work holistically so clients can come to BronxWorks andfeel supported in every aspect of their lives.”
Outside of work, Jerome enjoys working out and loves to sing. He has spent many years of his life involved with gospel choirs, and he also often does karaoke with friends and family.
BronxWorks is proud to announce the expansion of our Legal Services department! Over the years, BronxWorks has provided an array of services addressing some of the most critical issues facing our Bronx neighbors, such as eviction prevention, among many others. Building on that legacy, in the fall of 2024, BronxWorksdeveloped a full-service legal departmentunder the leadership of Jerome Frierson, Esq., Vice President of Legal Services.As part of this departmental expansion, BronxWorks now joins other organizations and offers Right to Counsel services through our new Tenant Defense Program. Universal Access to Counsel is a New York City initiative introduced in 2017 that ensures the right to free legal representation for low-income New Yorkers facing eviction in housing court.While BronxWorks is one of the newest contractors to be part of this citywide initiative, the organization has always strived to keep our neighbors stably housed.
Jerome Frierson, Esq., leads a meeting with department staff.
“Housing insecurity is one of the most enduring and pressing challenges faced by low-income New Yorkers. The Right to Counsel initiative has been revolutionary in providing assistance to residents fighting to remain stably housed. This initiative is about much more than just legal representation—it’s about ensuring lasting stability for the communities that make the Bronx strong.” – Jerome Frierson, Esq., Vice President of Legal Services
The Tenant Defense Program is spearheaded by Jerome, who joined BronxWorks in September of 2024 and possesses over a decade of experience as a litigator for tenant advocacy in New York. In addition, the department has recently welcomed several new staff members and will eventually comprise approximately 42 professionals, including supervising attorneys, staff attorneys, paralegals, case managers, administrative staff, and practitioners with various specializations. The program is expected to handle over 1,300 housing matters annually, and supports clients with representation in eviction proceedings, administrative hearings, and appellate courts. Since its introduction in October 2024, the program has already served almost 400 individuals with critical legal assistance to safeguard their housing and economic stability. Alongside representing clients in Bronx Housing Civil Court, located directly next to the BronxWorks flagship community center at 1130 Grand Concourse, the Legal Services department is also engaging in impact litigation to strengthen tenant protections and address systemic housing issues.
“Our team’s ability to grow so quickly and take on this work is a testament to their passion and expertise. We are meeting tenants in moments of crisis and making a real difference—not just for individuals, but for the Bronx as a whole. Every tenant we assist is a victory for housing stability and justice.” – Jerome Frierson, Esq.
BronxWorks staff from the Tenant Defense Program.
While tenant defense is the current area of growth in the department, BronxWorks continues to offer other legal services, including crime victims law, domestic violence law, and immigration law services. The Crime Victims Law unit ensures that victims are supported at every stage of the legal process, from reporting crimes to pursuing justice and recovery. The Domestic Violence Law unit emphasizes empowering survivors, ensuring their safety, and helping them regain control over their lives through holistic and compassionate legal advocacy. The Immigration Law unit is part of the NYC Neighborhood Development Areas (NDA) program, which focuses on providing immigration assistance to low-income communities, ensuring accessibility and legal representation. These services are led by Arturo Lopez, Esq., Associate Vice President of Legal Services. Arturo joined the organization in 2012 as an Immigration Attorney. During his tenure at BronxWorks, Arturo has guided the evolution of our legal services, including the additions of crime victims law services, domestic violence law services, and housing law services.
Under Jerome and Arturo’s leadership, the department is encouraged to serve clients with a holistic approach by connecting them to additional services offered by the agency, such as other prevention services, access to benefits, workforce development, and more. For example, clients served by the Legal Services department for eviction prevention are also connected with our Benefit Access and Assistance program for rental assistance and other support. Oftentimes, those experiencing housing instability are also facing instability in other aspects of their lives, and BronxWorks can support them through our breadth of programs to meet their various needs.
The BronxWorks Tenant Defense program will provide legal services to referrals received from the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) meeting specific criteria. Other legal services at BronxWorks, including immigration law, crime victims law, and domestic violence law services, welcome walk-in clients.
BronxWorks is proud to announce the expansion of our Legal Services department! Over the years, BronxWorks has provided an array of services addressing some of the most critical issues facing our Bronx neighbors, such as eviction prevention, among many others. Building on that legacy, in the fall of 2024, BronxWorksdeveloped a full-service legal departmentunder the leadership of Jerome Frierson, Esq., Vice President of Legal Services.As part of this departmental expansion, BronxWorks now joins other organizations and offers Right to Counsel services through our new Tenant Defense Program. Universal Access to Counsel is a New York City initiative introduced in 2017 that ensures the right to free legal representation for low-income New Yorkers facing eviction in housing court.While BronxWorks is one of the newest contractors to be part of this citywide initiative, the organization has always strived to keep our neighbors stably housed.
Jerome Frierson, Esq., leads a meeting with department staff.
“Housing insecurity is one of the most enduring and pressing challenges faced by low-income New Yorkers. The Right to Counsel initiative has been revolutionary in providing assistance to residents fighting to remain stably housed. This initiative is about much more than just legal representation—it’s about ensuring lasting stability for the communities that make the Bronx strong.” – Jerome Frierson, Esq., Vice President of Legal Services
The Tenant Defense Program is spearheaded by Jerome, who joined BronxWorks in September of 2024 and possesses over a decade of experience as a litigator for tenant advocacy in New York. In addition, the department has recently welcomed several new staff members and will eventually comprise approximately 42 professionals, including supervising attorneys, staff attorneys, paralegals, case managers, administrative staff, and practitioners with various specializations. The program is expected to handle over 1,300 housing matters annually, and supports clients with representation in eviction proceedings, administrative hearings, and appellate courts. Since its introduction in October 2024, the program has already served almost 400 individuals with critical legal assistance to safeguard their housing and economic stability. Alongside representing clients in Bronx Housing Civil Court, located directly next to the BronxWorks flagship community center at 1130 Grand Concourse, the Legal Services department is also engaging in impact litigation to strengthen tenant protections and address systemic housing issues.
“Our team’s ability to grow so quickly and take on this work is a testament to their passion and expertise. We are meeting tenants in moments of crisis and making a real difference—not just for individuals, but for the Bronx as a whole. Every tenant we assist is a victory for housing stability and justice.” – Jerome Frierson, Esq.
BronxWorks staff from the Tenant Defense Program.
While tenant defense is the current area of growth in the department, BronxWorks continues to offer other legal services, including crime victims law, domestic violence law, and immigration law services. The Crime Victims Law unit ensures that victims are supported at every stage of the legal process, from reporting crimes to pursuing justice and recovery. The Domestic Violence Law unit emphasizes empowering survivors, ensuring their safety, and helping them regain control over their lives through holistic and compassionate legal advocacy. The Immigration Law unit is part of the NYC Neighborhood Development Areas (NDA) program, which focuses on providing immigration assistance to low-income communities, ensuring accessibility and legal representation. These services are led by Arturo Lopez, Esq., Associate Vice President of Legal Services. Arturo joined the organization in 2012 as an Immigration Attorney. During his tenure at BronxWorks, Arturo has guided the evolution of our legal services, including the additions of crime victims law services, domestic violence law services, and housing law services.
Under Jerome and Arturo’s leadership, the department is encouraged to serve clients with a holistic approach by connecting them to additional services offered by the agency, such as other prevention services, access to benefits, workforce development, and more. For example, clients served by the Legal Services department for eviction prevention are also connected with our Benefit Access and Assistance program for rental assistance and other support. Oftentimes, those experiencing housing instability are also facing instability in other aspects of their lives, and BronxWorks can support them through our breadth of programs to meet their various needs.
The BronxWorks Tenant Defense program will provide legal services to referrals received from the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) meeting specific criteria. Other legal services at BronxWorks, including immigration law, crime victims law, and domestic violence law services, welcome walk-in clients.
BronxWorks has welcomed several new leadership staff in recent months, as we continue to evolve the organization’s internal structure to adapt to the needs of our community. Read on to learn more about Najma Ali, General Counsel; Jennifer Anderson, Controller; and Christopher Francis, Ph.D., Chief of Staff & Strategy.
Najma Ali
General Counsel
Najma Ali joined BronxWorks in July 2024 as General Counsel. In this position, Najma oversees legal and compliance matters for the organization. Najma comes to BronxWorks with several years of experience working as legal counsel for the City of New York in various capacities, often working to support social services similar to those at BronxWorks. Najma started her career as a civil litigation attorney at the NYC Human Resources Administration, litigating guardianship proceedings on behalf of Adult Protective Services, before moving on to be Data Privacy Counsel at the Human Resources Administration. She eventually progressed to be Senior Counsel at the NYC Department of Homeless Services, where she advised on shelter siting, procurement, and zoning issues. Najma has also worked in the NYC Mayor’s Office of Operations to advise on data privacy and integration matters, and more recently the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, holding various positions including Director of Programs, General Counsel, and Interim Executive Director. Najma grew up in New Jersey and received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University. She subsequently earned her law degree from Fordham University School of Law and remained in New York to pursue public interest law.
Jennifer Anderson
Controller
Jennifer Anderson joined BronxWorks in September 2024 as the new Controller. In this position, Jennifer leads a team to monitor and maintain the financial health of the organization, overseeing the budget, payroll, and other finances. Before working at BronxWorks, she earned substantial experience in financial leadership positions within the nonprofit sector. Jennifer grew up just outside of the Bronx in Yonkers, NY, and remained in the area to earn a B.S. in Accounting from Mercy College and an M.B.A. from Fordham University. Jennifer knew from an early age that she wanted to work exclusively within the nonprofit sector, as she saw the necessity for the resources they provide within her community. With a desire to be a part of the solution for people to uplift their lives, Jennifer began her career working with nonprofits in Westchester County as an accounting consultant. She has since earned over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector working as Controller, CFO, and Director of Finance for various service providers in the New York area. Her most recent experience was as an independent executive financial and accounting consultant working with a wide array of nonprofit clients.
Christopher Francis, Ph.D.
Chief of Staff & Strategy
Christopher Francis, Ph.D., joined BronxWorks in September 2024 as the organization’s first Chief of Staff & Strategy. In this role, Chris works closely with the CEO and other senior leadership to drive government relations, strategic planning, special projects, and program evaluation. Chris was born and raised in the Bronx. A graduate of the NYC public school system, Chris’ experiences growing up spurred his interest in social policy. He left the city to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Materials Science & Engineering and Political Science in 2012. He earned a M.S. in 2014 and Ph.D. in 2017 in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley before transitioning into public service, citing a strong desire to support underserved communities. He joined the California State Senate’s Budget and Fiscal Review Committee as a fellow and then quickly became a Principal Budget and Policy Advisor for the committee. He oversaw $20 billion annual budgets for California’s public safety, corrections, and judicial branch from 2018-2021 and higher education, labor, and workforce development from 2022 to August 2024. His work created numerous new policies and over $1 billion in new initiatives to uplift and stabilize under-resourced communities.
BronxWorks has welcomed several new leadership staff in recent months, as we continue to evolve the organization’s internal structure to adapt to the needs of our community. Read on to learn more about Najma Ali, General Counsel; Jennifer Anderson, Controller; and Christopher Francis, Ph.D., Chief of Staff & Strategy.
Najma Ali
General Counsel
Najma Ali joined BronxWorks in July 2024 as General Counsel. In this position, Najma oversees legal and compliance matters for the organization. Najma comes to BronxWorks with several years of experience working as legal counsel for the City of New York in various capacities, often working to support social services similar to those at BronxWorks. Najma started her career as a civil litigation attorney at the NYC Human Resources Administration, litigating guardianship proceedings on behalf of Adult Protective Services, before moving on to be Data Privacy Counsel at the Human Resources Administration. She eventually progressed to be Senior Counsel at the NYC Department of Homeless Services, where she advised on shelter siting, procurement, and zoning issues. Najma has also worked in the NYC Mayor’s Office of Operations to advise on data privacy and integration matters, and more recently the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, holding various positions including Director of Programs, General Counsel, and Interim Executive Director. Najma grew up in New Jersey and received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University. She subsequently earned her law degree from Fordham University School of Law and remained in New York to pursue public interest law.
Jennifer Anderson
Controller
Jennifer Anderson joined BronxWorks in September 2024 as the new Controller. In this position, Jennifer leads a team to monitor and maintain the financial health of the organization, overseeing the budget, payroll, and other finances. Before working at BronxWorks, she earned substantial experience in financial leadership positions within the nonprofit sector. Jennifer grew up just outside of the Bronx in Yonkers, NY, and remained in the area to earn a B.S. in Accounting from Mercy College and an M.B.A. from Fordham University. Jennifer knew from an early age that she wanted to work exclusively within the nonprofit sector, as she saw the necessity for the resources they provide within her community. With a desire to be a part of the solution for people to uplift their lives, Jennifer began her career working with nonprofits in Westchester County as an accounting consultant. She has since earned over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector working as Controller, CFO, and Director of Finance for various service providers in the New York area. Her most recent experience was as an independent executive financial and accounting consultant working with a wide array of nonprofit clients.
Christopher Francis, Ph.D.
Chief of Staff & Strategy
Christopher Francis, Ph.D., joined BronxWorks in September 2024 as the organization’s first Chief of Staff & Strategy. In this role, Chris works closely with the CEO and other senior leadership to drive government relations, strategic planning, special projects, and program evaluation. Chris was born and raised in the Bronx. A graduate of the NYC public school system, Chris’ experiences growing up spurred his interest in social policy. He left the city to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Materials Science & Engineering and Political Science in 2012. He earned a M.S. in 2014 and Ph.D. in 2017 in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley before transitioning into public service, citing a strong desire to support underserved communities. He joined the California State Senate’s Budget and Fiscal Review Committee as a fellow and then quickly became a Principal Budget and Policy Advisor for the committee. He oversaw $20 billion annual budgets for California’s public safety, corrections, and judicial branch from 2018-2021 and higher education, labor, and workforce development from 2022 to August 2024. His work created numerous new policies and over $1 billion in new initiatives to uplift and stabilize under-resourced communities.
