Volunteers of America-Greater New York

📣 VOA-GNY is thrilled to announce that we have been selected as a co-developer of Hillside Grove. This transformative project will replace a long-disputed sanitation depot in Staten Island with affordable housing and a vibrant hub of amenities for the local community. As a part of a broader initiative to revitalize Staten Island’s North Shore, Hillside Grove will feature: 🏠 232 units of affordable housing 🌳 Courtyard spaces for residents 🛍️ A public plaza and a grocery store, addressing a critical food desert in the area For decades, community advocates have fought for the depot’s closure. Now, this project will do just that while advancing housing, food, and environmental justice. We are grateful to our collaborators Spatial Equity Co., NEHEMIAH HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY INC, Purpose by Design Architects PLLC, Ametrine Group, NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development, and NYC Department of City Planning for making this vision a reality. Together, Hillside Grove is a powerful example of how collaborative efforts and community-driven planning can be achieved when a once-in-a-generation investment is made to realize the vision of community members. Read more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/eyJvfBSg #AffordableHousing #CommunityRevitalization

Happy New Year from all of us at VOA-GNY! In 2024, your incredible generosity brought life-changing services to 12,909 people! That's 12,909 smiles, sighs of relief, and lives that got a whole lot brighter, all because of you. This holiday season, you made an even greater impact by providing nearly 3,000 gifts to individuals and families in our programs. These thoughtful gestures brought smiles to children, a sense of normalcy during the holidays, and relieved parents of expenses they might not otherwise afford. As we step into 2025, know that the future looks so much merrier and brighter because of you. We are immensely grateful for your support. 💛 Make a donation today to continue bringing hope and joy to those we serve: https://lnkd.in/e5RvVRpD #HappyNewYear #VOAGNY

How do you spread holiday cheer during the season of giving? 🎁 Earlier this month, volunteers from SiriusXM assembled 500 holiday gift bags filled with cozy pajamas and books, bringing warmth and cheer to the children in VOA-GNY’s homeless and domestic violence shelters. Meanwhile, The Sophizticated Reader Book Club hosted a book distribution event at Legacy, one of our family shelters in Brooklyn, allowing kids and families the opportunity to choose new books to enjoy together. 📚✨ Thank you to SiriusXM and The Sophizticated Reader Book Club for making the holidays extra special for the families we serve. 💛 #HolidayGiving #VOAGNY #CommunitySupport

Last week, Governor Hochul met with private sector executives to assure them she will use New York State resources to help them feel safe. The same feeling of safety is exactly what we strive to provide to New York’s most vulnerable citizens: domestic violence survivors, trafficking victims and others fleeing violence. That is why we are troubled and disappointed to learn that Gov. Hochul has vetoed the SAFE Shelter Act, which would have given our domestic violence shelter providers the funding and flexibility they need to provide emergency shelter to more vulnerable New Yorkers. The Governor rejected this critical legislation without attempting to negotiate amendments with bill sponsors or stakeholders, leaving thousands of New Yorkers—many of whom are LGBTQ+, trafficking survivors, or older adults—to face major obstacles when seeking refuge from abuse. Vetoing the SAFE Shelter Act sends a chilling message: the safety and well-being of single survivors of domestic violence are not a priority in New York State. We invite Gov. Hochul to meet with us and our clients, to hear our stories and learn who this veto leaves behind: trafficking victims, LGBTQ+ survivors of violence and elderly victims with no children. #SAFEShelterNY New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) Urban Resource InstituteSafe Horizon Read the full statement here: https://lnkd.in/e7FcHaEg

Earlier this week, VOA-GNY, along with partner organizations Urban Resource Institute, Safe Horizon, New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV), and elected officials Assemblymember Hevesi, Assemblymember Simon, and Councilmember Rita Joseph, gathered at New York City Hall for a press conference urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the SAFE Shelter Act. This bill would ensure that single domestic violence survivors without children—including trafficking survivors, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and older adults—have access to safe shelter.    ➡️ Call Governor Kathy Hochul's office today at 1-518-474-8390 and send a message urging the Governor to sign the bill here: https://lnkd.in/d7Bibey. ➡️ Share this post with a friend or on social media to help raise awareness. Time is running out—survivors need #SAFEShelterNY now.

Congratulations to Jeffrey Ginsburg, VOA-GNY's President & CEO, for being recognized in City & State New York's Responsible 100 Award! This award celebrates outstanding leaders in business, nonprofits, and government committed to tackling New York’s biggest challenges and creating real, lasting change. At last week’s awards reception, Jeff joined an impressive group of honorees, including Councilmember Yusef Salaam (The Office of Council Member Yusef Salaam), New York City Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, and many others who exemplify what it means to be socially responsible. Read more about Jeff’s dedication to improving the lives of New Yorkers through his work at VOA-GNY: https://lnkd.in/e68a3DGZ

Trafficking survivors deserve access to safe shelter. The SAFE Shelter Act will provide critical support for survivors without children, including trafficking survivors, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and older adults. Time is running out—Governor Kathy Hochul, sign this bill today! #SAFEShelterNY

🌟 This holiday season, Healing Hands Incorporated hosted a holiday giveaway at Liberty House, one of our shelters for domestic violence survivors. Healing Hands generously donated an array of stylish fashion items, giving clients the chance to choose pieces that not only boost confidence but are also practical for everyday use. Thank you, Healing Hands for helping bring warmth, care, and confidence to our clients at Liberty House this holiday season. 💜 #HolidayCheer #HealingHands #VOAGNY #SupportSurvivors

We’re thrilled to share that Jeffrey Ginsburg, VOA-GNY’s President and CEO, has been named one of PoliticsNY & amNewYork’s Nonprofit Power Players! This list celebrates leaders who drive impactful programs and initiatives improving the lives of New Yorkers across the city. “My favorite thing about the nonprofit sector is those moments when, in their own words, clients articulate the impact your work has had on their lives...” says Jeff. “Nothing is more moving than hearing those stories firsthand.” Read more about Jeff’s commitment to the nonprofit sector here: https://lnkd.in/e_5bEm_8 #Leadership #NonprofitPowerPlayers #VOAGNY

This Thanksgiving season, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible people who make our work possible. To our dedicated program staff, who work tirelessly to support the individuals and families we serve, we are grateful for your hard work. 💛 We also want to extend heartfelt thanks to our supporters for their generosity and for helping to brighten the holidays—and every day—for our clients. Your support helps create meaningful moments of connection and joy. 🍂 Wishing everyone a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, community, and gratitude. Together, we’re making a difference for our neighbors in need. 🙏 #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #VOAGNY #CommunitySupport