A Message from Our CEO, Scott Short
Welcome to our first newsletter of 2022! As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, I After months of advocating for #JustPay for human services workers alongside our partners on the Human Services Council, I am excited to share that Mayor Eric Adams and Speaker Adrienne Adams agreed to include a 4% cost of living adjustment for human services workers in the new budget. While this is an important step forward, I am disappointed that we fell short of our 5.4% goal–especially during a time when rents are skyrocketing and inflation is at 8%. For more on what the city must do to better support our human services workers, read this opinion piece I co-wrote for NYN Media.
Are you interested in joining our team at RiseBoro? We’re hiring for positions across the organization in areas like case management, operations, human resources, education, and real estate development. For a full list of open roles and information on how to apply, check out our careers page.
Remember, we unleash the potential of communities to thrive, no matter the odds. Our work today may Whether you’re an employee, volunteer, supporter, or friend, there are several ways to connect with the RB community this summer. Our RB Farmer’s Markets are now open every Saturday at Maria Hernandez Park and every Wednesday at Hope Ballfield. Some of our senior centers are raising funds for group outings and events, and our incredible volunteers are working hard to beautify outdoor spaces at our senior centers, community gardens, and residential buildings. We are so grateful for their dedication and hard work!
And finally, congratulations to the 44 recent graduates of RB Education’s High School Equivalency course! I wish you all success and look forward to seeing what you do next.
In partnership,
— Scott Short, CEO
RiseBoro is partnering with Hot Bread Kitchen to provide a FREE culinary training program! Eligibility is solely for women and nonbinary people who are 18 years of age and older and fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible. Gain the skills and confidence to thrive in the culinary field!
Crocheted Critters for a Cause
Crochet artists from the Brevoort Senior Center are selling crocheted animals, called critters, to raise money for their travel and outings fund.
Click Here to find out how YOU can help support them! All proceeds will be used to create a vibrant summer ’22 for older adults in Bed-Stuy. 😎💙☀️
Do you know about TRIO?
Funded by the New York City Department for the Aging, TRIO places licensed mental health clinicians in senior centers across the city to provide our older adults with free individual and group counseling sessions and destigmatize mental health care. Five RB senior centers currently have a TRIO clinician on-site for two days each week. Rena Harrison, a longtime member of the Diana H. Jones Innovative Senior Center, recommends the service to everyone.
This is a good program that gives you someone to talk to about the problems you’re having
-Rena Harrison
Click Here to learn more about the TRIO program or make an appointment with the TRIO clinician near you.
Volunteer Opportunities
Connect with our community of supporters by becoming a volunteer. Below is a list of our current needs. If you don’t see something that interests you, reach out to us for additional opportunities.
PPE Packing: Assemble personal protective equipment
Mask Delivery: Deliver non-surgical gowns to local schools.
Greeting: Welcome the older adults at one of our senior centers.
Caretaking: Help beautify our senior centers.
Get additional information here!
Or contact Jasmine Montalvo, Service & Volunteer Manager: [email protected].
My Voice Theatre Turns 25
Our youth theatre program, My Voice Theatre, just celebrated its 25th anniversary! Meet some of the original members and hear about how this fantastic program has made an impact throughout the years.
Click Here to read more about My Voice Theatre!
Gardening Classes for Local Seniors
Saratoga Senior Center member Mamie Cooper attends Saratoga Grows/Cooks classes twice a week for hands-on gardening lessons and cooking demonstrations that feature ingredients grown in the on-site greenhouse and garden.
Click Here to read more about Mamie Cooper and Saratoga Grows!
Around Town
RiseBoro, along with city officials and other community-based organizations, rallied together on the steps of City Hall to end government-sanctioned poverty wages for human services workers for #JustPay.
Click Here to find out how you can support social workers across the city!
We’re Hiring!
RiseBoro is now hiring! We’re looking for energetic, passionate individuals to join our team. If you or someone you know might be interested, we’d love to hear from you.
Click Here to learn more about the opportunities we have!
