Social workers have enhanced the well-being of our nation for decades. They’ve advocated for better rights and benefits that have shaped our society today, including the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Rights Movement, workers’ rights, better mental health care, unemployment benefits, social security, and more.
Members of the BronxWorks Social Work Committee.
This March, the BronxWorks Social Work Committee hosted their annual Social Workers Appreciation event at the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center, and this year’s theme was “Social Workers are Superheroes”! Almost 40 social workers, social work interns, and those working to obtain their social work degree were in attendance, all from a variety of BronxWorks programs. Attendees enjoyed a hot breakfast, a fun ice-breaker game, and time to network with their peers.
BronxWorks holds this event every year during Social Work Appreciation Month to show gratitude toward our social workers and the incredible dedication they bring to their work. We truly appreciate social workers for working to uplift the lives of those in need.
We spoke to a few social workers in attendance and asked them what a social worker’s job is:
James Franklin, Director of Social Services at the Pyramid
“I think a social worker’s job is to help people get to where they want to be. That’s important to me, especially working in adult homeless services, just because a lot of the people we work with haven’t had the opportunities most people have, so it’s nice to help them get to where they want to be.”
Jamal White, Social Worker at The Brook
“Social work is important because what we do is to help impact the community, and what we do is to help bring balance, help bring a semblance of peace and forwardness with every single group that we work with. It doesn’t matter what community it is, we are here to support and help build up the community, help bring up people who are in situations that may not be the most advantageous, but still want to be able to help work and bring them up so we can have solidarity with one another.“
Brian McCullough, Program Director at Bronx Point
“To me, being a social worker means we get to radically change the trajectory of our neighbors’ lives. And that is an amazing privilege for us.”
Shauna Barry, Director of Clinical Learning and Development
“I think it’s important to have social workers at BronxWorks because our goal is to hold and create space for people. When they show up in any situation, any position, any feelings, our goal and our skillset is to hold space for people to be themselves. I think that’s the most important thing, so I really appreciate that about the social workers at the agency.”
Wendy Weil, Director of Clinical Supervision – Family Residences
The job of a social worker is to empower somebody to be their best self, taking into account all their mental health, physical health, socio-economic status, any challenges that they face…so we work with them to bring out the best in them, by helping them to bring out the best in themselves.
March is National Social Work Month!
Social workers have enhanced the well-being of our nation for decades. They’ve advocated for better rights and benefits that have shaped our society today, including the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Rights Movement, workers’ rights, better mental health care, unemployment benefits, social security, and more.
Members of the BronxWorks Social Work Committee.
This March, the BronxWorks Social Work Committee hosted their annual Social Workers Appreciation event at the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center, and this year’s theme was “Social Workers are Superheroes”! Almost 40 social workers, social work interns, and those working to obtain their social work degree were in attendance, all from a variety of BronxWorks programs. Attendees enjoyed a hot breakfast, a fun ice-breaker game, and time to network with their peers.
BronxWorks holds this event every year during Social Work Appreciation Month to show gratitude toward our social workers and the incredible dedication they bring to their work. We truly appreciate social workers for working to uplift the lives of those in need.
We spoke to a few social workers in attendance and asked them what a social worker’s job is:
James Franklin, Director of Social Services at the Pyramid
“I think a social worker’s job is to help people get to where they want to be. That’s important to me, especially working in adult homeless services, just because a lot of the people we work with haven’t had the opportunities most people have, so it’s nice to help them get to where they want to be.”
Jamal White, Social Worker at The Brook
“Social work is important because what we do is to help impact the community, and what we do is to help bring balance, help bring a semblance of peace and forwardness with every single group that we work with. It doesn’t matter what community it is, we are here to support and help build up the community, help bring up people who are in situations that may not be the most advantageous, but still want to be able to help work and bring them up so we can have solidarity with one another.“
Brian McCullough, Program Director at Bronx Point
“To me, being a social worker means we get to radically change the trajectory of our neighbors’ lives. And that is an amazing privilege for us.”
Shauna Barry, Director of Clinical Learning and Development
“I think it’s important to have social workers at BronxWorks because our goal is to hold and create space for people. When they show up in any situation, any position, any feelings, our goal and our skillset is to hold space for people to be themselves. I think that’s the most important thing, so I really appreciate that about the social workers at the agency.”
Wendy Weil, Director of Clinical Supervision – Family Residences
The job of a social worker is to empower somebody to be their best self, taking into account all their mental health, physical health, socio-economic status, any challenges that they face…so we work with them to bring out the best in them, by helping them to bring out the best in themselves.
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.
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.
Mireya’s story encapsulates so much of what makes BronxWorks important – passionate staff who seek opportunities to grow professionally and make a bigger impact through human services. In her nine years at BronxWorks, Mireya has worked as a Case Manager in eviction prevention and supportive housing programs, completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work and licensure (LMSW), served as Clinical Coordinator in the Westchester Avenue Safe Haven, and is now the Director of Social Services with the BronxWorks Homeless Outreach Team.
“What we do here is a very challenging task, because the homeless population is oftentimes an ignored population. People tend not to see them, or they try not to, and homeless individuals carry that with them. But we don’t ignore them, we actually go and look for them. That’s what is meaningful to me.”
Mireya grew up in New York City and has lived in the Bronx since she was 15 years old. She is the first person in her family to have graduated from college and to have attained a Master’s Degree. Mireya completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Baruch College and her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Hunter College.
In 2015, Mireya started at BronxWorks as a Homebase Case manager. After two years, she moved to the Supportive Housing Department as the first Case Manager for the newly-opened HUD Scattered-Site Supportive Housing Program. “I was excited to join supportive housing,” Mireya says, “because we work with clients for a longer period of time, we’re able to build a relationship with our clients and help them achieve long-term goals.” In 2019, Mireya decided to pursue her MSW. After completing the BronxWorks One Year Residency (OYR) program at the Cooper Gardens Supportive Housing Program, Mireya joined the Westchester Avenue Safe Haven as a Clinical Coordinator in 2021.
“I don’t think I would have been able to juggle having a family, working full-time, and going to school for my MSW without the OYR program. Through OYR, I was able to complete my internship at my workplace, at BronxWorks, which made it doable. I also received a lot of support from BronxWorks staff – Shauna Barry and Amy Greenbaum-Strauss. That made it a crucial experience for me.”
Since August 2023, Mireya has been the Director of Social Services with the BronxWorks Homeless Outreach Team. She oversees and supports the team’s Case Managers and social services staff, including a hospital Coordinator and Housing Specialist.
Outside of work, Mireya loves to travel with her sister, and recently visited the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Jamaica. She goes to the gym to stay healthy, and loves spending her rare moments of down time with her children, playing music, and catching up on sleep.
Mireya’s story encapsulates so much of what makes BronxWorks important – passionate staff who seek opportunities to grow professionally and make a bigger impact through human services. In her nine years at BronxWorks, Mireya has worked as a Case Manager in eviction prevention and supportive housing programs, completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work and licensure (LMSW), served as Clinical Coordinator in the Westchester Avenue Safe Haven, and is now the Director of Social Services with the BronxWorks Homeless Outreach Team.
“What we do here is a very challenging task, because the homeless population is oftentimes an ignored population. People tend not to see them, or they try not to, and homeless individuals carry that with them. But we don’t ignore them, we actually go and look for them. That’s what is meaningful to me.”
Mireya grew up in New York City and has lived in the Bronx since she was 15 years old. She is the first person in her family to have graduated from college and to have attained a Master’s Degree. Mireya completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Baruch College and her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Hunter College.
In 2015, Mireya started at BronxWorks as a Homebase Case manager. After two years, she moved to the Supportive Housing Department as the first Case Manager for the newly-opened HUD Scattered-Site Supportive Housing Program. “I was excited to join supportive housing,” Mireya says, “because we work with clients for a longer period of time, we’re able to build a relationship with our clients and help them achieve long-term goals.” In 2019, Mireya decided to pursue her MSW. After completing the BronxWorks One Year Residency (OYR) program at the Cooper Gardens Supportive Housing Program, Mireya joined the Westchester Avenue Safe Haven as a Clinical Coordinator in 2021.
“I don’t think I would have been able to juggle having a family, working full-time, and going to school for my MSW without the OYR program. Through OYR, I was able to complete my internship at my workplace, at BronxWorks, which made it doable. I also received a lot of support from BronxWorks staff – Shauna Barry and Amy Greenbaum-Strauss. That made it a crucial experience for me.”
Since August 2023, Mireya has been the Director of Social Services with the BronxWorks Homeless Outreach Team. She oversees and supports the team’s Case Managers and social services staff, including a hospital Coordinator and Housing Specialist.
Outside of work, Mireya loves to travel with her sister, and recently visited the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Jamaica. She goes to the gym to stay healthy, and loves spending her rare moments of down time with her children, playing music, and catching up on sleep.
In December, SNIPES USA selected BronxWorks as a finalist for their Holiday Dream Maker Program. The BronxWorksCarolyn McLaughlin Community Center After-School Program was awarded its wish to create a media center at the site that will give our program participants a space to express themselves through design and creativity, and to enjoy different aspects of digital media with their friends.
SNIPES donated tablets, furniture, a television and gaming devices. To commemorate the award, BronxWorks and SNIPES organized a digital media event where after-school participants learned to use programs like Procreate to design their own sneakers and jerseys.
“This has been a longtime dream of ours to build a creative and welcoming space for our participants. SNIPES came through to help make this dream a reality. Our participants really appreciated the workshops and learning how to use Procreate. We are thrilled that our participants will be able to use this space for many years to come.” – Dina Brown, Assistant Department Director, Children and Youth Department
Thank you to SNIPES for helping to fulfill a longtime BronxWorks dream!
In December, SNIPES USA selected BronxWorks as a finalist for their Holiday Dream Maker Program. The BronxWorksCarolyn McLaughlin Community Center After-School Program was awarded its wish to create a media center at the site that will give our program participants a space to express themselves through design and creativity, and to enjoy different aspects of digital media with their friends.
SNIPES donated tablets, furniture, a television and gaming devices. To commemorate the award, BronxWorks and SNIPES organized a digital media event where after-school participants learned to use programs like Procreate to design their own sneakers and jerseys.
“This has been a longtime dream of ours to build a creative and welcoming space for our participants. SNIPES came through to help make this dream a reality. Our participants really appreciated the workshops and learning how to use Procreate. We are thrilled that our participants will be able to use this space for many years to come.” – Dina Brown, Assistant Department Director, Children and Youth Department
Thank you to SNIPES for helping to fulfill a longtime BronxWorks dream!
This holiday season, the BronxWorks Family Enrichment Program (FEP) celebrated the holidays with a Winter Wonderland Party at the BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center gymnasium. Families enrolled in FEP celebrated with food, holiday music from a DJ, and presents generously donated by Nixon Peabody, a global law firm based out of New York City.
BronxWorks staff dressed as Santa’s helpers and turned the gym into a winter wonderland with Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa decorations to be inclusive of the many winter holidays our participants celebrate. The children were thrilled when Santa arrived to hand out presents and take photos in the Frozen-themed photobooth.
“Events such as the Winter Wonderland Holiday celebration allow families and staff o spend quality time together. Children get to play together while parents can touch base. During these festivities, our goal is for children and parents to have fun and emphasize the FAMILY in the Enrichment Program.” – Loretta Edwards, Program Director – Family Enrichment Program
BronxWorks FEP helps to prevent the placement or re-placement of children into the foster care system. FEP serves residents in Bronx Community District 4. Through this program, case managers provide case management and casework counseling through the broad and diverse spectrum of services that BronxWorks offers to address families’ needs.
Thank you to Nixon Peabody for supporting our Family Enrichment Program!
This holiday season, the BronxWorks Family Enrichment Program (FEP) celebrated the holidays with a Winter Wonderland Party at the BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center gymnasium. Families enrolled in FEP celebrated with food, holiday music from a DJ, and presents generously donated by Nixon Peabody, a global law firm based out of New York City.
BronxWorks staff dressed as Santa’s helpers and turned the gym into a winter wonderland with Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa decorations to be inclusive of the many winter holidays our participants celebrate. The children were thrilled when Santa arrived to hand out presents and take photos in the Frozen-themed photobooth.
“Events such as the Winter Wonderland Holiday celebration allow families and staff o spend quality time together. Children get to play together while parents can touch base. During these festivities, our goal is for children and parents to have fun and emphasize the FAMILY in the Enrichment Program.” – Loretta Edwards, Program Director – Family Enrichment Program
BronxWorks FEP helps to prevent the placement or re-placement of children into the foster care system. FEP serves residents in Bronx Community District 4. Through this program, case managers provide case management and casework counseling through the broad and diverse spectrum of services that BronxWorks offers to address families’ needs.
Thank you to Nixon Peabody for supporting our Family Enrichment Program!
The motivation to contribute to the BronxWorks mission is a theme you will find throughout many of our staff profiles. You find it in the core beliefs of staff in every corner of BronxWorks. Even in non-direct service departments, staff work day in and day out to support the organization’s operational needs, knowing how important our programs are for our communities.
One of the most unsung heroes of operations is the BronxWorks IT Department, a small team of problem-solvers tasked with maintaining the technology infrastructure of over 60 offices. A central figure of the IT team is Osayi Ikhinmwin. You will reliably find Osayi at the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center tackling the many tech challenges of the nearly century-old building.
I value my work because it ensures business continuity. We are behind the scenes maintaining the smooth operation of the agency by connecting and securing our IT infrastructure. It is essential work for me because we are helping BronxWorks achieve its mission.”
Osayi earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from Ambrose Alli University. He started his career as an IT Administrator and managed the IT systems for local small businesses. In 2012, Osayi joined BronxWorks as a Safety Monitor. When a job in the IT Department opened up in 2014, he applied and joined as an IT Helpdesk Specialist. Osayi has now worked in the IT Department for over 9 years. In 2021, Osayi completed his Master’s Degree in IT Management from Western Governors University. Now, Osayi is a Systems Administrator and a key team member of the BronxWorks IT Department.
People buy into things for which they can see the impact. I can see that what I’m doing is not just for me. The work I do is allowing our programs to do their work, helping our communities receive the support they need.”
Outside of work, Osayi loves to swim and read books. Some of his favorite authors are Malcom Gladwell and John Maxwell. Osayi is a father of three – two daughters and a son. Along with his wife, as a family, they enjoy going on vacations, playing games at home, and listening to good music.
The motivation to contribute to the BronxWorks mission is a theme you will find throughout many of our staff profiles. You find it in the core beliefs of staff in every corner of BronxWorks. Even in non-direct service departments, staff work day in and day out to support the organization’s operational needs, knowing how important our programs are for our communities.
One of the most unsung heroes of operations is the BronxWorks IT Department, a small team of problem-solvers tasked with maintaining the technology infrastructure of over 60 offices. A central figure of the IT team is Osayi Ikhinmwin. You will reliably find Osayi at the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center tackling the many tech challenges of the nearly century-old building.
I value my work because it ensures business continuity. We are behind the scenes maintaining the smooth operation of the agency by connecting and securing our IT infrastructure. It is essential work for me because we are helping BronxWorks achieve its mission.”
Osayi earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from Ambrose Alli University. He started his career as an IT Administrator and managed the IT systems for local small businesses. In 2012, Osayi joined BronxWorks as a Safety Monitor. When a job in the IT Department opened up in 2014, he applied and joined as an IT Helpdesk Specialist. Osayi has now worked in the IT Department for over 9 years. In 2021, Osayi completed his Master’s Degree in IT Management from Western Governors University. Now, Osayi is a Systems Administrator and a key team member of the BronxWorks IT Department.
People buy into things for which they can see the impact. I can see that what I’m doing is not just for me. The work I do is allowing our programs to do their work, helping our communities receive the support they need.”
Outside of work, Osayi loves to swim and read books. Some of his favorite authors are Malcom Gladwell and John Maxwell. Osayi is a father of three – two daughters and a son. Along with his wife, as a family, they enjoy going on vacations, playing games at home, and listening to good music.
It is busy season at BronxWorks! But then again, when is it not? We have some exciting programming and partnerships that started in October and are continuing into the new year. We wanted to share with you our excitement for three amazing partnerships that are bringing swim and dance lessons to the children and families of our communities.
The Misty Copeland Foundation BE BOLD Program
BronxWorks has partnered with the Misty Copeland Foundation BE BOLD Program to bring ballet and dance classes to four of our after-school programs. BE BOLD is a framework of after-school education developed by the Misty Copeland Foundation in collaboration with the National Dance Institute designed to teach basic ballet concepts to students ages 5-12 years old, especially to children of color. The framework connects positive youth development, social emotional learning, movement, music, and culture to make ballet and dance inclusive and accessible to students of different backgrounds.
Starting in October and running for the next twelve weeks, BE BOLD teaching artists will visit four BronxWorks after-school programs at the Betances and Classic Cornerstone Community Centers, the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center, and South Bronx Prep Academy. Activity space has been outfitted with ballet bars and mirrors, and students receive dancewear and a copy of Misty Copeland’s Black Ballerinas. Classes are held twice a week and will culminate in an Open Class at the end of the semester. BE BOLD teaching artists and musicians are trained performers that are selected by the Misty Copeland Foundation for their devotion to child development through dance and music.
Ursula Cooper-Hunter, Department Director for Children & Youth said of the program:
“I am super excited for the BE BOLD Program. I was a dancer growing up, and I understand how empowering it can be, for our overall wellness, for understanding your body, what it can do, and having the confidence to try things as a young person.”
Aquatics and Swimming
As you may know, BronxWorks recently cut the ribbon on our newly-renovated Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center (CMCC) pool. We could not be more eager to bring back swim lesson and aquatics programs to our communities, so we’ve partnered with Asphalt Green and Physique Swimming to help us get people back in our pool.
Asphalt Green is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds in achieving a healthy lifestyle through a lifetime of sports and fitness. Physique Swimming has a diverse group of instructors that are deeply dedicated to helping our students achieve their goals as swimmers. Asphalt Green will utilize the CMCC pool on school days between 9am to 1pm. They will work with area elementary and middle schools to provide swim classes as a part of their physical education programming. Physique Swimming will provide swim lessons to BronxWorks programs and open-to-the-public swim classes at the BronxWorks CMCC pool. Classes will be held during the afternoons and evenings on weekdays, and mornings and afternoons on Saturdays. Open registration will start in November. Schedule and more information will be found on our website and at the CMCC front desk.
John Weed, Assistant Executive Director said of the partnerships:
“We’re extremely happy to have the pool open again. It’s great to see kids in the pool. By working with Asphalt Green and Physique Swimming, we are succeeding with our commitment to utilize the pool to its full potential and create opportunities for healthy activities in the Bronx.”
To learn about the CMCC Pool schedule, please visit our Aquatics page.
It is busy season at BronxWorks! But then again, when is it not? We have some exciting programming and partnerships that started in October and are continuing into the new year. We wanted to share with you our excitement for three amazing partnerships that are bringing swim and dance lessons to the children and families of our communities.
The Misty Copeland Foundation BE BOLD Program
BronxWorks has partnered with the Misty Copeland Foundation BE BOLD Program to bring ballet and dance classes to four of our after-school programs. BE BOLD is a framework of after-school education developed by the Misty Copeland Foundation in collaboration with the National Dance Institute designed to teach basic ballet concepts to students ages 5-12 years old, especially to children of color. The framework connects positive youth development, social emotional learning, movement, music, and culture to make ballet and dance inclusive and accessible to students of different backgrounds.
Starting in October and running for the next twelve weeks, BE BOLD teaching artists will visit four BronxWorks after-school programs at the Betances and Classic Cornerstone Community Centers, the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center, and South Bronx Prep Academy. Activity space has been outfitted with ballet bars and mirrors, and students receive dancewear and a copy of Misty Copeland’s Black Ballerinas. Classes are held twice a week and will culminate in an Open Class at the end of the semester. BE BOLD teaching artists and musicians are trained performers that are selected by the Misty Copeland Foundation for their devotion to child development through dance and music.
Ursula Cooper-Hunter, Department Director for Children & Youth said of the program:
“I am super excited for the BE BOLD Program. I was a dancer growing up, and I understand how empowering it can be, for our overall wellness, for understanding your body, what it can do, and having the confidence to try things as a young person.”
Aquatics and Swimming
As you may know, BronxWorks recently cut the ribbon on our newly-renovated Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center (CMCC) pool. We could not be more eager to bring back swim lesson and aquatics programs to our communities, so we’ve partnered with Asphalt Green and Physique Swimming to help us get people back in our pool.
Asphalt Green is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds in achieving a healthy lifestyle through a lifetime of sports and fitness. Physique Swimming has a diverse group of instructors that are deeply dedicated to helping our students achieve their goals as swimmers. Asphalt Green will utilize the CMCC pool on school days between 9am to 1pm. They will work with area elementary and middle schools to provide swim classes as a part of their physical education programming. Physique Swimming will provide swim lessons to BronxWorks programs and open-to-the-public swim classes at the BronxWorks CMCC pool. Classes will be held during the afternoons and evenings on weekdays, and mornings and afternoons on Saturdays. Open registration will start in November. Schedule and more information will be found on our website and at the CMCC front desk.
John Weed, Assistant Executive Director said of the partnerships:
“We’re extremely happy to have the pool open again. It’s great to see kids in the pool. By working with Asphalt Green and Physique Swimming, we are succeeding with our commitment to utilize the pool to its full potential and create opportunities for healthy activities in the Bronx.”
To learn about the CMCC Pool schedule, please visit our Aquatics page.
As a settlement house dedicated to uplifting the communities of the Bronx, a central tenet of our strategy is to hire from within our communities and then help our staff grow into leaders providing the critical services that our communities deserve and need. Case in point: Lisbenny Salcedo, Program Director, Park Haven Supportive Housing.
After graduating high school, Lisbenny came to New York to pursue higher education, with a desire to work within the community. Since moving to the city, Lisbenny has earned three degrees: her Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the Borough of Manhattan Community College; her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management from John Jay College; and her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from John Jay College.
Lisbenny joined BronxWorks after completing her B.A. in 2019. She started as a Housing Specialist at the Pyramid Safe Haven, helping prepare chronically street homeless clients for the housing application process and, ultimately, permanent or supportive housing.
My favorite part of the job is being there when clients first see their apartments. That moment after all the work we’ve put in together through housing applications and interviews, seeing that work come to fruition, that’s what I loved most.”
In 2021, when the Park Haven Supportive Housing Program opened, Lisbenny joined the team as the Assistant Program Director. She helped with the start of the new program, moving 50 clients, including 10 families, into permanent supportive housing, while helping to guide the program through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Lisbenny was promoted to the Program Director of Park Haven. She brings to the role her experience and perspective working with homeless clients on the shelter side and in permanent supportive housing.
The goals are very different. In the shelter, there is an ultimate outcome – housing placement. But in supportive housing, we work with clients for their lives and with their own goals, and they could be anything from education to employment to behavioral health, even relationships with their families. We get to see people grow into their lives after shelter, and it’s amazing.”
Outside of work, Lisbenny spends a lot of time reading. She also loves going to the gym and considers it her daily therapy. She loves to find all kinds of occasions to meet up with her family and friends.
As a settlement house dedicated to uplifting the communities of the Bronx, a central tenet of our strategy is to hire from within our communities and then help our staff grow into leaders providing the critical services that our communities deserve and need. Case in point: Lisbenny Salcedo, Program Director, Park Haven Supportive Housing.
After graduating high school, Lisbenny came to New York to pursue higher education, with a desire to work within the community. Since moving to the city, Lisbenny has earned three degrees: her Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the Borough of Manhattan Community College; her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management from John Jay College; and her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from John Jay College.
Lisbenny joined BronxWorks after completing her B.A. in 2019. She started as a Housing Specialist at the Pyramid Safe Haven, helping prepare chronically street homeless clients for the housing application process and, ultimately, permanent or supportive housing.
My favorite part of the job is being there when clients first see their apartments. That moment after all the work we’ve put in together through housing applications and interviews, seeing that work come to fruition, that’s what I loved most.”
In 2021, when the Park Haven Supportive Housing Program opened, Lisbenny joined the team as the Assistant Program Director. She helped with the start of the new program, moving 50 clients, including 10 families, into permanent supportive housing, while helping to guide the program through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Lisbenny was promoted to the Program Director of Park Haven. She brings to the role her experience and perspective working with homeless clients on the shelter side and in permanent supportive housing.
The goals are very different. In the shelter, there is an ultimate outcome – housing placement. But in supportive housing, we work with clients for their lives and with their own goals, and they could be anything from education to employment to behavioral health, even relationships with their families. We get to see people grow into their lives after shelter, and it’s amazing.”
Outside of work, Lisbenny spends a lot of time reading. She also loves going to the gym and considers it her daily therapy. She loves to find all kinds of occasions to meet up with her family and friends.
BronxWorks is grateful for the outpouring of support for our first ever BronxWorks Day celebration. Long-term partners, stakeholders, and friends gathered for the three-part event that included the long-awaited ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center (CMCC) Pool, a tour of select BronxWorks offices and locations, and an evening cocktail reception in the CMCC gymnasium. Special thanks to our guests, New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez, who spoke about the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) that helped fund part of the pool renovations, and NYS Assembly Member Latoya Joyner, who also helped secure funding for the recent pool renovations. Thanks as well to Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet A. Peguero and New York City Council Member Althea Stevens for helping us commemorate the re-opening of this wonderful and important community resource. Finally, thanks to all of our guests who came out to experience the many facets of BronxWorks for a day and helped make it such an illuminating event.
BronxWorks Day kicked off in the morning with the ribbon cutting of the CMCC Pool. Popular for its aquatics programming, and as one of the few community swimming resources for the surrounding neighborhoods, the CMCC Pool was closed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unsure of how long the pandemic would require the pool’s closure, BronxWorks took the opportunity to complete renovations thanks to funding secured through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and NYS Assembly Member Latoya Joyner. We were joined by NYS Secretary of State Rodriguez; NYS Assembly Member Joyner; Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet A Peguero; NYC Council Member Althea Stevens; and Bronx Regional Representative, Fidel Malena from Governor Kathy Hocul’s office who helped us cut the ribbon.
Following the ribbon cutting, two buses picked up our guests for a tour of selected BronxWorks sites, including our Morris and East Concourse Older Adult Centers, Park Haven Supportive Housing and Workforce Development offices, Jackson Avenue Family Residence, Westchester Avenue Safe Haven, and Bronx Point. Our guests met with program leadership and staff, participated in activities, and experienced a glimpse of some of the services BronxWorks provides every single day. Tours of BronxWorks programs are always important opportunities to show our partners and stakeholders the community impact that results from their support.
BronxWorks Day culminated with a cocktail reception in the gymnasium at the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center. Supporters mingled with BronxWorks board members and staff, helping us closeout the busy day with much needed food, refreshments, and heartfelt discussion. As big and complex as BronxWorks is, we always make sure to come together at every opportunity, to celebrate our work, each other, staff, friends, and supporters, and to connect over our mutual goals to support the communities of the Bronx.
BronxWorks is grateful for the outpouring of support for our first ever BronxWorks Day celebration. Long-term partners, stakeholders, and friends gathered for the three-part event that included the long-awaited ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center (CMCC) Pool, a tour of select BronxWorks offices and locations, and an evening cocktail reception in the CMCC gymnasium. Special thanks to our guests, New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez, who spoke about the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) that helped fund part of the pool renovations, and NYS Assembly Member Latoya Joyner, who also helped secure funding for the recent pool renovations. Thanks as well to Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet A. Peguero and New York City Council Member Althea Stevens for helping us commemorate the re-opening of this wonderful and important community resource. Finally, thanks to all of our guests who came out to experience the many facets of BronxWorks for a day and helped make it such an illuminating event.
BronxWorks Day kicked off in the morning with the ribbon cutting of the CMCC Pool. Popular for its aquatics programming, and as one of the few community swimming resources for the surrounding neighborhoods, the CMCC Pool was closed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unsure of how long the pandemic would require the pool’s closure, BronxWorks took the opportunity to complete renovations thanks to funding secured through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and NYS Assembly Member Latoya Joyner. We were joined by NYS Secretary of State Rodriguez; NYS Assembly Member Joyner; Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet A Peguero; NYC Council Member Althea Stevens; and Bronx Regional Representative, Fidel Malena from Governor Kathy Hocul’s office who helped us cut the ribbon.
Following the ribbon cutting, two buses picked up our guests for a tour of selected BronxWorks sites, including our Morris and East Concourse Older Adult Centers, Park Haven Supportive Housing and Workforce Development offices, Jackson Avenue Family Residence, Westchester Avenue Safe Haven, and Bronx Point. Our guests met with program leadership and staff, participated in activities, and experienced a glimpse of some of the services BronxWorks provides every single day. Tours of BronxWorks programs are always important opportunities to show our partners and stakeholders the community impact that results from their support.
BronxWorks Day culminated with a cocktail reception in the gymnasium at the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center. Supporters mingled with BronxWorks board members and staff, helping us closeout the busy day with much needed food, refreshments, and heartfelt discussion. As big and complex as BronxWorks is, we always make sure to come together at every opportunity, to celebrate our work, each other, staff, friends, and supporters, and to connect over our mutual goals to support the communities of the Bronx.
In the New York City social services landscape, the end of summer is foretold by the graduating Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) cohorts, tens of thousands of the city’s youth now equipped with new work experiences and skills.
This summer, BronxWorks SYEP enrolled 1,347 youth participants, from ages 14 to 24, across three initiatives. The first initiative was school-based, where BronxWorks partnered with four Bronx high schools (Frederick Douglas Academy, Careers in Sports High School, Academy for Language and Technology, and Bronx Leadership Academy II) to recruit SYEP participants. The second initiative recruited participants specifically from Bronx River New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents, and the third initiative was the open lottery for public applicants. This summer, BronxWorks SYEP received over three thousand applications to the open lottery.
A community group works with SYEP participants at BronxWorks.
ShaQuanna Cody-McGrew, Program Director, started to oversee the department’s youth workforce programs last year. “We inherited a great blueprint and team from previous years,” said Shaquanna. “My experience and community partnerships from Jobs Plus allowed us to expand programming, particularly with recruitment for the special initiative group from the Bronx River Houses.” As a result, BronxWorks SYEP exceeded their NYCHA participant targets from last year. To manage the over 1,300 participants, the SYEP team added 25 seasonal staff, including Program Assistants, Site Monitors, and Activity Specialists.
Some of the BronxWorks Summer staff and older youth participants who assisted with project-based learning groups.
Student participants were divided into two groups. The younger youth, ages 14 to 15, were separated into project-based learning groups, supervised by activity specialists. The groups developed different projects and activities and worked with community partners, such as Family Cook Productions and Arcturus Community Endeavors, to tackle a range of topics, like food preparation, nutrition, technology training, and more. Groups also organized and took trips to locations relevant to their projects. For their project-based work for the summer, youth participants received a stipend.
SYEP participants work together on learning more about technology and its application in the working world.
The older youth, ages 16 to 24, were assigned to a worksite to gain valuable job experience. The SYEP team works hard year-round to develop relationships with community partners to secure worksite placements for the summer. Worksites include large retailers like Kid City, CVS, and Burlington Coat Factory; local businesses and organizations like ASPCA, Association for Energy Affordability, Kraus Management Inc., New York Urban League, Rosa’s at Park, Sankofa Haus; as well as many BronxWorks sites, including Children & Youth Summer Camp Programs, Farm Stands, Shelters, and operations. Older youth participants were paid for their work. SYEP Site Monitors checked in with each participant and worksite supervisor to ensure compliance with program standards, mitigate any potential issues, and provide feedback to facilitate growth for the participants.
Nasir, an SYEP intern from the BronxWorks Administrative Building, who learned about maintenance and building operations.
When asked why SYEP is such an important and celebrated annual program for New York City, ShaQuanna said, “Having been in workforce development since 2015, our department is always concerned about how prepared our participants are with job readiness skills. SYEP imparts those skills and experiences on youth at a very early age, and when they are adults looking for jobs, they already have an understanding of what it takes.”
In the New York City social services landscape, the end of summer is foretold by the graduating Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) cohorts, tens of thousands of the city’s youth now equipped with new work experiences and skills.
This summer, BronxWorks SYEP enrolled 1,347 youth participants, from ages 14 to 24, across three initiatives. The first initiative was school-based, where BronxWorks partnered with four Bronx high schools (Frederick Douglas Academy, Careers in Sports High School, Academy for Language and Technology, and Bronx Leadership Academy II) to recruit SYEP participants. The second initiative recruited participants specifically from Bronx River New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents, and the third initiative was the open lottery for public applicants. This summer, BronxWorks SYEP received over three thousand applications to the open lottery.
A community group works with SYEP participants at BronxWorks.
ShaQuanna Cody-McGrew, Program Director, started to oversee the department’s youth workforce programs last year. “We inherited a great blueprint and team from previous years,” said Shaquanna. “My experience and community partnerships from Jobs Plus allowed us to expand programming, particularly with recruitment for the special initiative group from the Bronx River Houses.” As a result, BronxWorks SYEP exceeded their NYCHA participant targets from last year. To manage the over 1,300 participants, the SYEP team added 25 seasonal staff, including Program Assistants, Site Monitors, and Activity Specialists.
Some of the BronxWorks Summer staff and older youth participants who assisted with project-based learning groups.
Student participants were divided into two groups. The younger youth, ages 14 to 15, were separated into project-based learning groups, supervised by activity specialists. The groups developed different projects and activities and worked with community partners, such as Family Cook Productions and Arcturus Community Endeavors, to tackle a range of topics, like food preparation, nutrition, technology training, and more. Groups also organized and took trips to locations relevant to their projects. For their project-based work for the summer, youth participants received a stipend.
SYEP participants work together on learning more about technology and its application in the working world.
The older youth, ages 16 to 24, were assigned to a worksite to gain valuable job experience. The SYEP team works hard year-round to develop relationships with community partners to secure worksite placements for the summer. Worksites include large retailers like Kid City, CVS, and Burlington Coat Factory; local businesses and organizations like ASPCA, Association for Energy Affordability, Kraus Management Inc., New York Urban League, Rosa’s at Park, Sankofa Haus; as well as many BronxWorks sites, including Children & Youth Summer Camp Programs, Farm Stands, Shelters, and operations. Older youth participants were paid for their work. SYEP Site Monitors checked in with each participant and worksite supervisor to ensure compliance with program standards, mitigate any potential issues, and provide feedback to facilitate growth for the participants.
Nasir, an SYEP intern from the BronxWorks Administrative Building, who learned about maintenance and building operations.
When asked why SYEP is such an important and celebrated annual program for New York City, ShaQuanna said, “Having been in workforce development since 2015, our department is always concerned about how prepared our participants are with job readiness skills. SYEP imparts those skills and experiences on youth at a very early age, and when they are adults looking for jobs, they already have an understanding of what it takes.”
