BCS 3rd Annual Golf Invitational
Please join us for BCS's 3rd Annual Golf Invitational at Rockville Links Club on Long Island on August 5, 2013. For additional information and to purchase sponsorship and tournament entries, click HERE.
Recent Events
Human Spirit Awards
Brooklyn Community Services celebrated 147 years of uplifting the lives of the people in Brooklyn at the Human Spirit Awards on Tuesday June 4th. BCS honored 4 individuals and one group who have made lasting contributions to youth mentoring, creative expression and rebuilding communities after Hurricane Sandy.
Thanks also to the volunteers, staff and board members who helped make the awards a success. Lastly we would like to give a special thanks to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who honored BCS with a congratulatory proclamation marking June 4th, 'Brooklyn Community Services Day,' in the Borough of Brooklyn.
Other notable attendees included NYC Deputy Mayor Cas Holloway, R&B recording artist Maiysha Kai, pop culture writer Patrick L. Riley and playwright and radio host Esther Armah. This year we had a record number of corporate sponsors, and our online auction, BID 4 BKLYN, raised over $35,000 to support our Coney Island storm relief.
To view all of the event photos, click HERE.
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BID 4 BKLYN: Hurricane Sandy Relief Auction Launch Party
BCS kicked off its Online Auction for Sandy Relief with a party at Spike Hill in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on May 27th. Over 100 people came out to bid on their smartphones for auction items including Broadway tickets, lessons and classes, sports memorabilia, get-a-ways, handmade goods and more. Guests were able to walk home with something that night by participating in our raffle which included items from local businesses. Members of the BCS Junior Board and others began the evening by sharing personal stories of both inspiration and loss after the storm.
A huge thank you to Lindsey Luff, Mariko, Natural Stranger and DJ Nick Louis who entertained the crowd and Doc D Southern Desserts for providing delicious, free cupcakes. All proceeds from the auction and raffle, which raised over $35,000, will support Hurricane Sandy Victims in Coney Island. To view additional event photos, click HERE.
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Spring into Action: Volunteer. Mobilize. Make a Difference in Brooklyn.
On the first day of Spring, BCS kicked off a series of volunteer projects that encouraged volunteers to Spring into Action and make a difference in Brooklyn. Volunteers answered our call to action--over 100 people showed up to mentor, garden, refurbish, lead physical fitness activities for kids, and distribute supplies to victims of Hurricane Sandy.
BCS is thankful to our community and business partners who helped recruit volunteers for this event. We appreciate the support of the following partners: Con Edison, BuildOn, NYC Service, TimeBanks NYC, Congregation Beth Elohim, Emmanuel Baptist Church, The Urban Assembly School for Law & Justice, Forefront Church, Build it Green! NYC, and College Summit. Read more.
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Transitional Living Community (TLC) Graduation
BCS's Transitional Living Community otherwise known as TLC, holds an annual graduation ceremony for those women who have advanced through our program and are moving into permanent housing. The ceremony is made possible by volunteers from the New Visions Christian Workshop, who generously give their time to plan and execute this event. The women of the TLC shelter have overcome great obstacles such as drug dependencies and mental illness and have learned how to become successful and self-sufficient through the aid of our dedicated staff.
On Saturday, March 16th the volunteers hosted a graduation for thirteen women who are ready to live independently and leave the shelter system. The event started with some Zumba to warm up the graduates and foster positive energy. Afterwards, BCS Board Member Mildred Clarke, a huge supporter of the program, gave a short commencement speech. Several clients shared their stories and thanked TLC staff for all of their support. Flowers and certificates were presented to the graduates and the event ended with a buffet and socializing for all of the women.
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Notes from Brooklyn: An Afternoon of Beautiful Music, Delicious Food and Wine
On March 3rd, Brooklyn Community Services presented Notes from Brooklyn, a wonderful afternoon of food and entertainment at Scopello restaurant in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. This special event brought together long-time donors of BCS and new friends for delicious food, wine and to hear the beautiful singing of Luigi Boccia (tenor) and Stephanie Melzi (mezzo-soprano). It was a delightful afternoon and such a treat for everyone.
BCS is deeply grateful to Board Member, Marty Jeiven, who helped to make the afternoon possible. Notes from Brooklyn was not only a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, it was a great opportunity for BCS staff to connect with our generous donors and to meet new people. We want to thank everyone who joined us for such a lovely event. And we want to especially thank the very talented Luigi Boccia and Stephanie Melzi for such jaw-dropping performances.
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Valentine's Day Toiletry Drive and Party for the BCS Transitional Living Community (TLC)
Donors, Volunteers and other friends of BCS came together during the season of love and giving, to provide toiletries for the women living at our Transitional Living Community (TLC) in East New York. Many of them come to the shelter with little more than the clothes on their back. Providing them with toiletries (shampoo, soap, lotions, etc) helps to restore their sense of dignity while they work through their struggles and towards their goal of living independently.
Volunteers sorted the toiletries, decorated gift bags and wrote cards to the ladies. Afterwards, all enjoyed a party with music, food and even bingo!
Photos from the event can be seen HERE.
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FREE fitness classes sponsored by Shape Up NYC!
Shaping Up has never been this easy!
Cardio Sculpt
Wednesday at 3:30pm
February 6th, 2013
Brooklyn Community Services
285 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn NY
Free. All are welcome, no registration is required.
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National Day of Service
January 19, 2013
BCS was proud to be a partner site of President Obama's Inaugural Committee for the 2013 National Day of Service on January 19th. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the President called on Americans to come together for a day of volunteering and to pledge a commitment to service for 2013.
Our
MetroClub PROS program welcomed volunteers -- all new to BCS -- who cleaned, painted and brightened up the space for our clients. MetroClub PROS assists individuals who have struggled with mental illness in reaching their goals--employment, reconnecting with family, financial management, continuing education and more. The staff at MetroClub believe that socialization with volunteers plays an important role for our clients: fostering a lasting connection with a caring community of New Yorkers. Click
HERE for more information about the National Day of Service.
Holiday Gift Wrapping at Barnes & Noble
BCS Volunteers wrapped gifts for the holidays at the Barnes & Noble on Court Street. Every year during the holiday season, B&N generously donates space and supplies for BCS volunteers to wrap books and other gifts for customers at Barnes & Noble. This is a fun, group activity that gets the word out about BCS, raises fund for our programs and spreads holiday cheer!
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New York Jets Wrap Up Play 60 Challenge at Generation Jets Academy
The New York Jets Play 60 Challenge Wrap Up event, powered by NRG Energy, was held Tuesday, October 16 at Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) Generation Jets Academy at PS 306 in East New York, Brooklyn. The Play 60 Challenge encourages students to participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day for four weeks. This program asked students to track their exercise and progress in fun and engaging ways. The Jets Play 60 Challenge is sponsored by NRG, an energy company at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy.
Jets players Demario Davis and Vladimir Ducasse engaged in fitness activities with students from BCS's Generation Jets Academy. The Jets and NRG recognized 20 students who completed 60 minutes of activity each day and provided them with incentives such as tickets to the Jets home game on December 2 against the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, each of the 20 students will receive a $200 shopping spree at Toys 'R Us with the Jets.
In 2002, the New York Jets adopted one of BCS's Gary Klinsky Children's Center (GKCC) afterschool programs at PS 306 in East New York, as the "Generation Jets Academy." An education initiative, the primary goal of Generation Jets Academy is to provide elementary school students with enjoyable learning experiences that enhance their literacy, math skills, creativity, community awareness and self-esteem. The program at PS 306, which is also funded by the NYC City Council and Department of Youth and Community Development, provides students with personalized attention from caring and creative teachers, and a 50% increase in learning time each day.
Check out the rest of the photos on Facebook!
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BCS 2nd Annual Golf Invitational
Thursday, October 11th, 2012
Over 70 people gathered in foursomes to play the green at Dyker Beach Golf Course in South Brooklyn to raise funds for BCS programs and services. The golfers enjoyed lunch, a full day of golf and an intimate dinner and silent auction. Thank you to all of our players and supporters!
Check out the rest of the photos on Facebook!
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FunWalk: Take a Step to Build a Better Brooklyn
Sunday, September 23, 2012
BCS held its 7th Annual FunWalk in Prospect Park raising over $23,000 for our programs and services! It was a beautiful day for a walk in the park with your family, friends and dogs alike, and our event was a real success, in every way. We couldn't have done it without the help of our generous and enthusiastic supporters! Check out the photos on facebook and on our website.
Clink for a Cause: 100 Young Professionals
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Sponsored by the Brooklyn Community Foundation, 100 Young Professionals is a movement to galvanize a new generation of supporters to BCS. The event brought together a group of young professionals to support the movement. People gathered at Sheep Station in Park Slope for an evening of networking and socializing, raising funds to help build a better Brooklyn. For more information on our 100 Young Professionals campaign, click here.
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New York Jets Kickoff Play 60 Challenge Powered by NRG at Brooklyn Community Services
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The New York Jets kicked off the Play 60 Challenge powered by NRG Energy with 82 children from BCS Generation Jets Academy at PS 306 in East New York, Brooklyn. The Challenge is a 6-week program that encourages students to participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity ever day. This program allows students to track their exercise and progress in fun and engaging ways.
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Celebrating the Healing Power of Creativity: 9th Annual BCS Art Show
Friday, May 4th, 2012
original artwork by Wanda Ramirez
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BCS Wellness Fair in Partnership with Long Island University and NETS Basketball
Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
BCS is committed to fostering wellness and healthy living for everyone who attends our 17 programs. Learn about all the Wellness Resources offered by BCS, including yoga for kids, sober living, BC PROS, and more.
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Basketball Clinic and Career Forum with the NETS
Monday, February 13th, 2012
Click here to watch the video!
Read all about it on Bed-Stuy Patch!
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Valentine's Party at TLC
Saturday, February 11th, 2012
13 wonderful volunteers made Valentine's Day special for the ladies at our BCS Transitional Living Community, a shelter for women in East New York. Our volunteers made Valentine's cards, organized toiletries from our toiletry drive, served pizza and snacks, and gave out gifts. To see photos from this event, please visit us on Facebook.
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I Heart Brooklyn: A mixer for BCS hosted by the Junior Board
Thursday, February 9th, 2012
Thank you to our Junior Board of Directors and everyone who attended our Brooklyn-themed fundraiser at FIND Home Furnishings. It was a great evening of networking, mingling and learning about how BCS is building a better Brooklyn. A special thank you to Union Beer for the generous donation of beers and to all the local businesses who contributed to our raffle.
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New Vision Christian Workshop (NVCW) "Moving on Up" event
Saturday, February 4th, 2012
On Saturday, February 4th, 2011 the New Vision Christian Workshop (NVCW) sponsored a "Moving on Up" event for former residents of the BCS Transitional Living Community. The NVCW was introduced to BCS by Dr. Mildred Clarke, a member of the BCS Board of Directors. Dr. Clarke had a vision to reach out to the women who have moved on from TLC and let them know that even though are no longer with the program that they are still a part of the BCS family.
The day was filled with words of inspiration, motivating performances, an art display, group movement (dance), a factual question and answer session regarding black history and a nutritious lunch.
The NVCW provided the ladies with a fun filled day. At the end of the program NVCW presented each lady with a $25.00 Target Gift Certificate to purchase a small housewarming gift for their new living space. At the end of the day, all left with a light heart, a mind filled with great information, and a gift.
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Bed-Stuy Family Center Holiday Party with the Brooklyn NETS
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
On Tuesday, December 20th, the families at the BCS Bed-Stuy Family Center were joined by National Grid and The Brooklyn NETS for a Festive Holiday Celebration!
The team's point guard, Deron Williams along with Jordan Farmar, Johan Petro, and Jordan Williams, served hearty holiday meals and handed out wrapped gifts to the children.
The Nets joined sponsor National Grid and more than 200 families from the Bed Stuy Family Center. The party was complete with face painting, origami making and other festivities, and food provided by Miss Lily's.
The team's point guard, Deron Williams along with Jordan Farmar, Johan Petro, and Jordan Williams, served hearty holiday meals and handed out wrapped gifts to the children. The Nets joined sponsor National Grid and more than 200 families from the Bed- Stuy Family Center. The party was complete with face painting, origami making and other festivities, and food provided by Miss Lily's.
Click Here to See Deron Williams speak about BCS and Christmas in Brooklyn!
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