2016 HOUSING SEASONALS'

THE RESIDENT ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN CONTACTED FOR A CANDIDATE FOR THE SEASONAL POSITION AT LAFAYETTE GARDENS! IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO SEASONAL PROGRAM THIS YEAR BUT THEY HAVE REVERSED THE DECISION AT THE LAST MINUTE.

THE RESIDENT ASSOCIATION HAS SELECTED AND SUBMITTED A CANDIDATE TO THE POSITION.

MORE CHANGES COME TO LAFAYETTE COMMUNITY CENTER

DYCD has announced more and new changes to the operation of the Lafayette Gardens Community Center effective July 1, 2016.

Sponsorship and Leadership of the Community Center has been awarded to Grand Street Settlement,
They are excited about coming to our community and feel they can make a difference.

Grand Street Settlement believes people and communities to be empowered, they need to be involved in decision-making. Deciding what opportunities, possibilities, or outcomes of we want to be a part, or make happen, is how we inspire agency, create shared ownership, generate advocacy, and how we launch action. Helping other people be a part of this process is at the center of why we give back: it feels good to help others. It’s also how we achieve social and political change!

Anyone interested in applying for positions should contact them directly. they are actively seeking activity specialists and a Program Director!

In July of 2016 Grand Street Settlement will run programs at Cornerstone centers and we are seeking qualified Program Directors. They are located at Community Centers in Brooklyn & Lower Manhattan:

TITLE: Cornerstone Program Director (9 SLOTS)

DEPARTMENT: Youth and Community Development Services

PROGRAM: DYCD Cornerstone Initiative

WORK SCHEDULE: School-Year: Monday-Friday, 2 p.m.- 10 p.m., alternating Saturdays
Summer: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; at least 3 days out of the summer program weeks PD must close program at 11pm; Saturdays (various); as an exempt employee, working hours will include non-standard hours

SALARY RANGE: $40,000-60,000/ year; Commensurate with credentials, work related experience, program contract work scope, and funding level.

REPORTS TO: Deputy Director

DATE: July 1, 2016

JOB SUMMARY: Grand Street Settlement Cornerstone Program Directors are responsible for the overall development, implementation, and supervision of the NYCHA Community Center. In addition, there is an expectation of high quality, innovative programming for our elementary, middle school, high school and adult participants.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent of 5+ years in youth services, at least 2 of those years are in a supervisorial role required; master's degree in a related field preferred
• Familiarity with the LES or respective BK communities, key stakeholders and resources
• Experienced in designing, planning, and implementing structured programs
• 2+ years in supervising more than 10 program staff
• 2+ years of budget, contract and grant management experience
• Ability to work independently, assesses priorities, and take initiative
• High level of proficiency in administrative work
• Capacity to thrive under pressure while working on multiple tasks and projects
• Knowledge of the public education system and positive youth development best practices
• Strong public speaking, writing and organizational skills
• A team player with demonstrated commitment to working with urban youth and young adults from an asset-based perspective
• Ability to set up and maintain work environment that challenges gender stereotypes and is LGBTQIA+-friendly
• A background in partnering with the Department of Education and local community based organizations to support programs
• Have skills in experiential learning and group facilitation with youth
• Must be an outstanding strategic thinker
• Must be flexible, cooperative and willing to work in a team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft office suite
• Proficiency in a variety of internet research and communication functions
• Experienced in DYCD programming regulations and DYCD online
• Must have NYS Food Handler's Certificate
• Must be CPR and Advanced First Aid Certified
• Bi-lingual (Spanish or Chinese preferred) a plus

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND REPSONSIBILITES:

Program & Community Development:

• Required to complete SACC Program Director's (30 hour) credentials
• Provide leadership and strategic direction to full-time and part-time program staff
• Recruit, hire, orient and evaluate program staff assigned to center-based after school program, evenings, Saturdays and summer day camp
• Provide direct/indirect supervision of all program staff and delivery of services on a day-to-day basis, in order to ensure that all goals, targets, and performance outcomes are met on a daily/weekly/monthly basis
• Responsible for participant recruitment and retention strategies by utilizing the DYCD online report
• Serves as the primary liaison for school administration, parents and other community entities and constituencies
• Prepare and evaluate mid-year performance reviews of program staff
• Work with program staff to improve job performance through ongoing mentoring and coaching, and monthly staff development
• Facilitate bi-monthly team meetings and ensure that all staff meetings are properly executed
• Set, communicate and enforce clear standards for quality youth development programming
• Actively engage community residents, local businesses, community leaders, tenant association, youth, and Resident Advisor to participant on monthly advisory board and youth council to support to community needs
• Must understand and navigate community culture and dynamic to ensure program quality
• Participate in ongoing efforts to advocate for program needs via community coalition building and via administering feedback surveys and program assessments
• Seek partnership opportunities and bring in at least 3 new partners a year to leverage resources to support programs
• Create quarterly community events, special events, and workshop series
• Assess program on quarterly to ensure that community needs are met

Administrative:

• Ensure attendance tracking and reporting meets contractual requirements regarding enrollment and attendance.
• Respond to all electronic and phone communication within 2 business days
• Ensure all DOH School-Aged Child Care and DOH Summer Day Camp regulations and procedures are complied with and conduct quarterly self-checklist inspection
• Coordinate and execute all major events and activities along with other GSS's Program Directors
• Responsible for the CACFP Food Program and all of its components, including reporting and maintaining appropriate documentation
• Communicate with NYCHA and DYCD key stakeholders, as well as participate in meetings
• Prepare monthly calendar of events, programs, meetings, and activities.
• Create a budget plan that supports program needs and ensure timely spending.
• Collaborate on cross-borough and agency/ department wide events and strategic planning efforts

Facility:

• Maintain and diligently follow up on facility logs to ensure timely response
• Ensure maintenance and cleanliness of facility and coordinate with agency (NYCHA & DYCD) to proactively and effectively address facility issues
• Bi-yearly beautification/upgrade projects for the center
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director/CPO

SUMMER: Manage MS Expansion program (open seven days a week) as required and be available during off hours to provide additional support, as needed to the Assistant Director and Evening Supervisors (including weekends).

THE COMMUNITY CENTER OF LAFAYETTE GARDENS

COMMUNITY CENTER OF 
LAFAYETTE GARDENS 
ADVISORY BOARD

The Community Center of Lafayette Gardens is under the direction and leadership of 
Denise Guess, Center Director
Shawanna Williams, Consultant
Carrie Walton, Food Servcie
Leron Obie, Caretaker

Consultants
The Bridge Program - Mayo Ito
The Write Girls Program - Madaffi Pierre
Young Leaders of Tomorrow - TYree Stanback

The month of April, traditionally the transitional month of winter to Spring is no exception this year. The arrival of warm weather and cheerful thoughts means the Community Center is in full swing with a host of Spring and warm weather events. most noticeably the election of our new Youth Association Officers who serve a term of 1 year from June until May. Congratulations to the newly elected
President - Kyi Kelly
Vice President - Kenya Bell
Secretary - Samaya Watkins
Treasurer - Ericka Bostick
Sergeant of Arms - Patrick Lawson
The new board will be sworn in at a celebration ceremony and reception in June. Please support and celebrate our young resident leaders.

The NYCHA Summer Camp Program again this year is $350.00 per child and slots go early, so if interested please any Community center staff for more information and an application packet. Those of us who are contemplating receiving or applying for assistance with the payment need to act quickly as all monies are required to be paid before enrollment is official.

The Lafayette Gardens After School Program is still in full effect for our young people ages 6 to 12 years of age. Each afternoon and early evening they enjoy reading, writing, fun, food, computers and The Bridge Program, The Write Girls and our Young Leaders of Tomorrow Mentoring Program. All programs are in cooperation with Brooklyn Community Operations, Our Community Partners and The Resident Association of Lafayette Gardens. The After School Program operates from September to June of each year. If you are interested in the program contact any Community Center staff.

The Youth Prom will be occurring again this June, it was a very popular and well attended event last Spring celebrating our young graduates and those moving on to the next grades. It is an affair for the young "Stars" to dress up and be recognized by their community.

The Youth Association will be adventuring to Washington, DC, our nations capital again this summer. There are limited seats and spaces available. We have requested tickets to tour the White House and as a result all attendees on the trip this year must provide certain information to the US Secret Service before entering the White House grounds. If you are interested in your child attending the tickets will be $25.00 per child, each child must be between the ages of  7 and 12 years of age, with a clean criminal record. To reserve a spot for your child, please see TYree in the Resident Association Office or Community Center.

The Community Center Teen Program and the Youth Association are currently assisting youth between the ages of 14 and 24 may apply for the various Summer Youth Employment Programs offered by NYCHA and DYCD. If you would like more information contact TYree or Mrs. Guess in the Community Center for more details.

Adult Nights offer an opportunity for the mature and sexy crowd of 21 and older to enjoy the center exclusively to themselves every Thursday evening for games, fun and food from 7:00 PM until 9:30 PM in the Community Center. Open to all adult members of the community.

Family Nights offer an opportunity for FAMILIES to enjoy the center exclusively to themselves the last Friday of each month for games, fun and food from 7:00 PM until 9:30 PM in the Community Center. Open to all families of the community.

The Write Girls Program will host a Family Literacy Night on the evening of April 25th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM in the Community Center. All Community Families are invited to join us as we make reading and writing a Family Affair!

2013 SUMMER YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES 14 - 24 YEARS OF AGE

YOUTH  ASSOCIATION UPDATES

2013 SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

DYCD is committed to expanding opportunities for New York City's young people. Our youth employment programs help young people to gain workplace experience and further their education.

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
A seven-week summer employment initiative open to young people between the ages of 14 and 24. Participants work up to 25 hours a week while earning $7.25 per hour in assignments that include government agencies, hospitals, summer camps, nonprofits, small businesses, and retailers. The application process begins April.

NYC Ladders for Leaders
An innovative program that offers high school and college students the opportunity to participate in summer internships with some of the most dynamic corporations and businesses in New York City.

Young Adult Internship Program
As part of Mayor Bloomberg's Commission for Economic Opportunity, DYCD is providing the most job-ready disconnected youth with short-term paid internships, job placements, and follow-up services.

In-School Youth (ISY) Program
Provides occupational skills, employment services, and educational opportunities to low-income high school juniors and seniors.

Out-of-School Youth (OSY) Program
Provides extensive job training and employment services to 16-21 year-olds who are not enrolled in school.

Find a program

Additional Resources:

NY State Department of Labor
NYS Jobs
Careers with DYCD
Pathfinder
Pathfinder is an online resource where trainers, employers and people who work with kids connect to share job, training and career opportunities in New York City! Membership is free and offers current information on job openings, trainings and educational opportunities that will help you have the greatest possible positive impact on kids.

YOUTH ASSOCIATION

CARING AND SHARING

The Lafayette Gardens Girls Scouts, Brownies, Daisies and their leaders put their skills and talents together during the holiday season as they hosted a very special event for their fellow scouts and families who are the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Funded in part with a special Relief Grant by the Citizens Committee For New York City and donations the scouts collected, they were able to provide much needed gifts, clothing and all sorts of supplies such as detergent, sanitary items and food to very deserving  women and children at a very special party. scouts from Lafayette Gardens in Brooklyn were able to work side by side and hand in hand with Scouts from affected areas in coordinating this event after finding out exactly what and ehy the items were needed from personal visits. The 4 events taught our young women about the effects of disaster and emergencies and how to cope with the aftermath.

Our special thanks also go out to all the groups and funders that made this important and valuable learning experience possible for our Scouts and youth.

• Citizens Committee for New York City
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
• New York City Housing Authority
• Youth Association of Lafayette Gardens, Inc.
• Tenants Association of Tompkins Houses, Inc.
• Lee Church, Community Advocate
• Khari Edwards, Candidate for New York City Council
• Girl Scouts of America, Inc.
• US Marine Corps Toy's for Tots Program, Inc.
• Goods 360, Inc.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

"JANUARY IS MEMBERSHIP MONTH"

Don't forget to take time to stop by the Association Office and renew your memberships! All memberships expired on December 31, 2012 and beginning Tuesday January 8th  the new memberships are available for registration.

Any person residing in Lafayette Gardens or the Community may join and take advantage of the benefits BUT only residents legally on the lease may vote in elections and on Association Business.

Memberships are for the new legislative period of January 2013 until December 31, 2015. the terms of the membership are subject to change without notice. Adult memberships are $6.00 and Youth Association Memberships are $3.00.

• Membership benefits include but are not limited to:
• Free Trips, Events and Sporting events
• Adult Nights, Family Days Events and Holiday Gifts, Toys and Food Assistance
• Legal Referrals, Management Advocacy and Social Services
• Pantry Services
• Medical Assistance and Referrals
• Repair Assistance and Advocacy
• Free telephone Calls in our office
• Free use of Computers, Faxing and Printing
• Job Searches and Resume Service

Membership has it's privileges and so much more, come by and get more information!

YOUTH ASSOCIATION

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY BROOKLYN BASKETBALL

You are cordially invited to come out and join us for all the action, excitement and passion that is LIU Men's Basket ball on Thursday Night January 10th. We will depart the Community Center at 6:00PM for a 7:00 Tip Off. We are providing free bus fare and admission to the game! If interested, please sign up with TYree in the Association Office or see Coach Jerry.

HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE

MARK YOUR CALENDERS AND GET YOUR COMFORTABLE OUTFIT READY!

"PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING POTLUCK"

Come out , join us and bring your favorite dish as we celebrate our many blessings and give thanks for 2012!

The Hospitality Committee and members of the the Thursday Night Crew are going to throw down and have a good time as we throw down with home cooked dinner, games, fun and music! We are also celebrating the return of Mrs. Guess in good health and spirits.

The event is open to any resident 21 and older. You must donate a dish or if you like buy a ticket for $6.00 or $5.00 in advance! For more information contact Mrs. Minnie, Sharon or TY  in the Resident Association Office!

EXECUTIVE COMMIT

A JOYFUL NOISE IN BROOKLYN

The Congressman Elect "Hakeem Jeffries" has graciously invited the Seniors of Lafayette Gardens to a "Celebration of Praise and Thanksgiving" Festival on next Sunday evening, November 18th. If you are interested in attending, please reserve your spot by seeing Sandra, Minnie or Sharon as soon as possible to add your name to the RSVP List. The list is limited and it is recommended you reserve a spot early.

MAINTENANCE AND MODERNIZATION COMMITTEE

WHERE IS THE HEAT?

NO HEAT IN THE DEVELOPMENT

Attention, we are aware that there is and has not been any heat in the development THIS WEEK. I am working on it as of this posting. In a letter to the general manager of NYCHA:
Sir,

I am contacting you to express my concern and anger at the ongoing heating issue and it is only in the first month of the heating season; specifically
the authority CCC staff continues to argue with residents when th

ey call to report lack of heat, the staff is stating "well, its only 50 or 51 degrees out." This is not acceptable as the city heat regulations require heat to be provided if the temperature is below 55 that's BELOW 55 meaning 54 degrees or less. 

This morning at 6:00 AM the temperature was 45 degrees and is still below 55 degrees and there is no heat and has not been any heat.
There are new HPT staff here in the development every few hours and none of them are familiar with Lafayette Gardens or heating operations it would appear, judging by the consistent lack of service.

 A suggestion would be to abolish the jobs of those ESD employees who are sitting outside idling in the NYCHA vans all night doing nothing and replace them with full time permanent HPT staff at developments.

Our Association suggested earlier in the summer that the system be tested and worked on to avoid these types of issues now that the weather has changed. Is our equipment functioning properly; why are we not seeing better results after the installation and implementation of this new centralized and automated heating system; why didn't someone sitting at the control panel in LIC see that there is and has been no heat in our development?

Many senior and older residents are using there ovens and stove tops as heating devices; this is extremely dangerous and not safe for any residents living in the apartment, on the floor or in that building.
There has been no response to the reports or tickets and it is predicted to be colder for the remainder of the week.

The frustrations are wide spread. The residents do not have heat, the development staff is catching the brunt of the anger, development and borough management are caught in the middle and the administration is mute and absent. This is not acceptable and will not be tolerated by the residents and families of Lafayette Gardens.
Essentially, there are major issues and flaws within the NYCHA Heating services and they cannot be blamed on Sandy as they existed well before the storm and most likely will prevail long after.I would appreciate and feel the residents are entitled to an explanation because if our rent were this inconsistent and flawed we would be facing eviction and and sanctions; why shouldn't the authority face the same?

Concerned,
TYree Stanback,President

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICIAL PUBLIC NOTICE

EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTIONS FOR THE RESIDENT ASSOCIATION OF LAFAYETTE GARDENS, INC

YOU MUST VOTE!!

EYE ON THE COMMUNITY

FREE THANKSGIVING DINNERS 

FOR EVERYONE

THANKSGIVING DAY IN BROOKLYN

HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE

FREE PAT BENATAR CONCERT TICKETS

TUESDAY NIGHT OCTOBER 30 AT 7:00 PM

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TICKETS SEE TYREE IN THE RESIDENT ASSOCIATION OFFICE!

NOW IS THE TIME! 

HOLIDAY TRAVEL PLANS

EYE ON THE COMMUNITY

THIS INFORMATION HAS JUST BEEN ANNOUNCED

"OPERATION SAFE SURRENDER"

MARK YOUR CALENDERS, ITS BACK
 BROOKLYN SAFE SURRENDER
Safe Surrender Fall 2012 will be held on
Friday, November 9th and Saturday November 10th
 at the Mount Sion Baptist Church, 365 Ralph Ave, 9am - 3pm

It's that time of year again, when the courts and defense attorneys will be available to resolve any outstanding summonses and warrants including:
- Unlawful possession of marijuana
- Unlawful possession of Alcohol under the age of 21
- Unlawful possession of handcuffs
- Littering
- Riding a Bicycle on the Sidewalk
- Making Unreasonable Noise
- Animal Nuisance
- Failure to have a Dog license
- Unleashed Dog
- Spitting
- Trespassing
- Disorderly Conduct
- Loitering
- In a Park after Closing
- Failure to Comply with a Posted Sign in a Park
SPONSORS: Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes, New York State Unified Court System, The Legal Aid Society, N.Y.P.D., Brownsville Community Justice Center,
Brooklyn Congregations Together. For more information call (718)250-3888.

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

WAKE UP OR PACK UP

Public Housing Residents better wake up, stand up and demand a seat at the table, Public Housing is disappearing and being deconstructed right from under our sleeping families! Two recent articles are very concerning and only the tip of the iceberg!

New York City Housing Authority Chairman John Rhea announced a plan Monday to rake in hundreds of millions of dollars by leasing out unused space owned by NYCHA to private developers, says the New York Times.

The plan, which would take several years, would begin with the leasing of two dozen sites in Manhattan to developers for commercial, residential and retail space. At least 1,000 of the apartments – or 20 percent of all the units, according to housing advocates – would be set aside for low- and moderate-income families, says the paper.

Rhea said “this is not a plan to privatize Nycha,” and added that no buildings would be demolished, nor residents displaced.

“It wouldn’t require a single penny of housing subsidies,” Rhea said during a breakfast speech to the Association for a Better New York, a civic group.

Judith Goldiner, an attorney in charge of civil law reform at the Legal Aid Society, voiced critisim of the plan to the Times.

“We are concerned that the development proposed will not be affordable to Nycha residents, that Nycha is not consulting with the community as a whole and that losing open space in dense high-rise communities will have a negative impact on the public-housing community,” she told the paper.

Since a series of scathing reports about the NYCHA have surfaced, Rhea has admitted that the agency is mired with problems, and planned to overhaul its executive board. In August, Rhea appointed Cecil House, a former utilities corporate executive, to the position of general manager, in an effort to speed up repairs at hundreds of NYCHA buildings.

and in a second article:

For residents of Whitman, Ingersoll and Farragut Houses, news last week of New York City Housing Authority's plan to lease some of its real estate holdings to private developers brought back old anxieties over the future of the nation's largest public housing system.

"Everything around us is falling apart," said Jose Rivas, a resident of Farragut Houses, who said he's still waiting for repairs to his leaky kitchen ceiling. "It feels like nobody really knows or cares what's going on."

Representatives of Nycha, as the landlord for an estimated 400,000 public housing residents across the city is known, said the plan to bring in private investment would be first unrolled in Manhattan.

"This is not a plan to privatize Nycha," chairman John Rhea told the New York Times last week.

But those assurances did little to assuage the fears of residents and public housing advocates over what they termed the lack of investment in public housing—especially in rapidly gentrifying areas in Brooklyn.

"We're worried Nycha is trying to pull another fast one. It's hard to trust them when they sat on $1 billion while my neighbors wait years for needed repairs," said Beverly Corbin, a resident of Wykoff Gardens and a board member for Families United For Racial and Economic Equality. "Without more tenant control and oversight, mismanagement issues will continue, and no long term preservation plan will be found."

For many, concerns about the future of public housing have been compounded by a huge backlog of unfinished repairs and fears that developers are eying places like Whitman and Ingersoll as the site of the city's newest big-time condo project.

On Myrtle Avenue, Rivas pointed to a large sign announcing the impending arrival of Red Apple Group's newest luxury residential development across the street from Ingersoll Houses.

"That's the future," he said

YOUTH ASSOCIATION ATHLETICS

"EVERY ONE'S A WINNER"

Saturday was a seasonably pleasant Fall Day and a great day for the many young Housing Authority and Community Athletes from Lafayette Gardens, Marcy, Sumner and Tompkins Houses.

The Kings County Tennis League, under the leadership of Michael McCasland, a local resident who founded the organization and invited the housing developments to participate, hosted and organized the more than 100 youth players, spectators, volunteers and press. 

The event was the culmination of a summer long (June - October) Tennis and Leadership program that offered young people the opportunity to play and enjoy a sport not traditionally offered in our communities. Players also learned the fundamentals of individuality & achievement. Residents from all over Brooklyn volunteered as coaches, teachers and mentors for more than 100 coeds between the ages of 5 -15 years old each weekend. The program was made possible by generous grants from such organizations as The Citizens Committee for New York City, The Resident and Youth Organizations of Sumner Houses, Tompkins Houses and Lafayette Gardens and the residents of Marcy Houses.>Activities included a Fall Barbecue, a clown and face painting, games and tennis for everyone. Community leaders such as District Leader Robert Cornegey, Jr., Fedelis Healthcare and NYCHA Family Services all joined in the event providing free information and give-aways. A great and impressive touch was each participant went home with medals and the top jamboree winners received trophies!