Phipps CDC
Phipps CDC Spring Update
May 2009
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JusticeCorpsGrad - group


It's time to "Spring Ahead" and Phipps CDC programs have done just that, meeting new milestones and surpassing previous goals, such as graduating the first NYC Justice Corps members and assisting a record number of clients with tax preparation services.

Despite a challenging economy, Phipps CDC is still working hard to connect people with skills and opportunities to help them improve their life chances. Phipps CDC services are free of charge to benefit those who need them most. Whether you participate in our programs, live in the community, or are one of our valued funding partners, we hope you'll continue to support our efforts and help us communicate the importance of our programs. We are proud to serve in the community and to continuously share our progress with you.

Review our top accomplishments of 2008 and for current Phipps CDC news, read on:

JusticeCorpsGrad - JRivera
The first cohort of the Bronx NYC Justice Corps officially completed the 6-month community reintegration program, celebrating with a graduation ceremony at the Claremont Neighborhood Center on March 20th. The group of 23 young men and women were commended for their hard work and commitment to community service, work readiness, and educational achievement and will now move on to education programs, vocational training, or employment.

As part of their program work, the graduating Corps members identified and initiated 4 community benefit projects in several Bronx neighborhoods, which included improvements and repair work at Crotona Park, HELP USA Shelters, and Hodson Senior Center. Members also gained important job skills and prepared for future employment by participating in 6-week paid internships, resulting in two permanent placements at B&F Architectural Support in Manhattan, and two at Phipps CDC program sites. In addition, one Justice Corps graduate has enrolled at Bronx Community College and another will be attending Apex Technical School for vocational training.

The lively graduation event featured community project hosts and advisory board members, and program staff awarded individuals in areas of special achievement. The Honorable Joel Rivera (pictured with Corps graduate Tina Sims) was also on hand to present official Bronx citations to each member, acknowledging their success and positive impact on the community. Congratulations to the first class of NYC Justice Corps members; we look forward to the second graduating class this month!

Learn about NYC Justice Corps, and other programs, on the Phipps CDC web site. To get involved, contact Phipps Turning Point at (347) 329-4004.
FEC flyer image
Each year, Phipps CDC provides free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at the Phipps West Farms Technology & Career Center. Service begins as early as January with the help of four volunteer experts, who helped to file a total of 1,352 returns last year. For the 2008 tax year, Phipps CDC assisted the filing of 1,500 standard returns and 600 EITC returns, with client tax refunds totaling more than $3.5 million. Clients were also assisted in establishing direct deposit bank accounts, to receive their refunds securely and conveniently.

Tax season may be over but the Phipps Financial Empowerment Center provides financial counseling all year long.

Clients learn how to manage their personal finances, resolve credit and debt issues, and access benefits and affordable financial services. Contact a Financial Empowerment Center counselor at
the Phipps Opportunity Center, (347) 329-3929.
NORC volunteer 09
The staff and members of the Phipps Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) at the Phipps Plazas in Manhattan honored Victoria Martin as Volunteer of the Year at its annual luncheon on April 23rd.

(From left to right: Phipps Director of Senior Services Jose Albino, honoree Victoria Martin, Phipps Executive Director/CEO Stephen Tosh, Councilwoman Rosie Mendez, Manhattan District 2.)

Ms. Martin is a 27-year veteran
of the New York City Human Resources Administration and
was invited by NORC staff to co-facilitate an intensive six-week training program for seniors:
"Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions." The NYC Department for the Aging provided training to Ms. Martin and NORC staff on teaching seniors to manage their health and cope with chronic illnesses through nutrition awareness, stress management, and relaxation techniques.

Ms. Martin also makes weekly phone calls to 34 program participants who are otherwise isolated, providing reassurance and human contact to keep them engaged. She regularly participates in the knitting and crochet club where she spends time talking and socializing with seniors who are lonely. Ms. Martin has had a genuine impact on the NORC members and staff as a valuable resource,
a familiar face, and most importantly, a good friend.
Catch Up On Phipps CDC News
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Do you know someone who may benefit from our programs or who wants to get involved? Learn more about Phipps CDC and how to support our activities.

Contact us today!

phone: (212) 243-9090
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