FAQs about BronxWorks
Benefits & Other Assistance FAQs
Children & Youth Programs FAQs
Family Programs FAQs
Services for Seniors FAQs
Immigration Services FAQs
Eviction Prevention FAQs
Homeless Services FAQs
HIV/AIDS Services FAQs
Workforce Development FAQs
FAQs about BronxWorks
What is BronxWorks?
BronxWorks is a Bronx-based settlement house. BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well being. We feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger community. Our services include children, youth, family, and senior citizens’ programs; immigrant assistance; employment help; HIV/AIDS programs; homeless services; and homelessness prevention. BronxWorks makes a difference in the lives of 37,500 Bronx residents annually.
What is a settlement house?
A settlement house is a neighborhood-based organization that provides services to support individuals, families, and communities within a specific geographic area. (In the case with BronxWorks, that area is the South Bronx.) The services are designed to fit the needs of people in that neighborhood. The concept of the settlement house started in the late nineteenth century. Many social workers came to live in the same neighborhood as the people they served, thus inspiring the name “settlement.” As communities evolve, settlement houses also adapt to meet the changing needs of residents.
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Benefits & Other Assistance FAQs
Does BronxWorks help people apply for Citizenship or Residency?
Yes. If you qualify, we have paralegals and an immigration attorney at our 2070 Grand Concourse office ready to assist you with the application.
Children & Youth Programs FAQs
School-Age Programs
Are there fees for the school-aged programs?
Most of the programs are offered to parents at no cost. The school-age programs at the community center have a limited number of subsidized slots and also accept vouchers from HRA, ACD, and Local 1199. Private paying families can enroll in community center’s After School program for $245/month and the Summer Camp for $1,500/session (eight weeks).
Do the center-based programs have transportation?
Staff at the After School program at the community center escort children from PS 90 and Christ the King Elementary School. Staff from the Avenue St. John After School program pick up from PS 62 and staff from the E Concourse program pick up from PS 28.
What are the program hours?
The school-age programs operate Monday-Friday from 3:00-6:00 PM. The After School programs at the community center and PS 130 are also open from 8 AM-6 PM during school vacations and selected holidays as well as for eight weeks during the summer.
Teen Programs
What are the age requirements for the teen program?
The teen program age requirements are 13 through 19 years of age.
Who can I contact for information regarding teen programs?
What services do you provide for teens?
Do you provide GED classes?
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Family Programs FAQs
Early Childhood Learning Center
Does the Early Childhood Learning Center accept HRA/ACD Vouchers?
How much is the tuition?
Even Start Family Literacy
What is the Even Start Family Literacy Program?
Even Start Family Literacy Programs are school-community partnerships that help break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy by integrating early childhood education, adult literacy or adult basic education, and parenting education into a unified family literacy program. Even Start is implemented nationally through cooperative projects that build on high-quality existing community resources, creating a new range of services for children, families and adults. Programs help children and families achieve the academic standards set forth by the States and use instructional programs that are based on scientifically- based reading research to enrich language development, extend learning, and support high levels of educational success for children birth to age seven and their parents; provide literacy services of sufficient hours and duration to make sustainable changes in a family; provide integrated instructional services for families, where children and their parents learn together to develop habits of life-long learning; and support families committed to education and to economic independence.
Who is eligible for the Even Start Family Literacy Program?
Even Start Family Literacy Partnerships serve families meeting the following criteria: children of ages birth through seven years, families that are below the federal poverty line, and adults with low literacy scores as assessed by the BEST+ test.
Family Childcare Network
You must contact the Department of Health and request an application.
How long does the process take?
It takes approximately three to six months to become registered if all paperwork is submitted in a timely fashion.
Can you refer children to me once I am registered?
If you are accepted into our network we will begin to make referrals.
How many children can I take care of once I am registered?
It depends on the type of registration you have applied for. If you apply for a family day care registration you can take care of up to six children including any of your own if under 2 years. If you are applying for the group registration you can take care of approximately 12 to 14 children but you must have an assistant on staff.
HIPPY
Yes, as long as they are in the age range of 3 to 5.
Do I get a certificate of completion once I finish the program?
Yes, upon completion the Coordinator will issue a certificate
How long is the program cycle?
Thirty weeks.
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Services for Seniors FAQs
How old do I have to be to join the senior center?
You must be 60 years and older to join. However, you may join a center if you are younger than 60 years old, disabled, live in public housing, and the center is located in the same public housing building in which you live in. Moreover, if your spouse is under 60 years of age, they too can become members. If you have a mentally challenged adult child, they too can become members.
What do I have to do to join the senior center?
You can visit any of our centers and participate in all activities as a senior guest. Once you have visited more than 4 times, you will be asked to register. You must bring in proof of age, doctor’s information, emergency contact information, a list of any medications you take, and a photo ID.
How much do I have to pay to eat at the senior center?
You do not have to pay to eat at the senior centers. We ask for a $1.00 donation per meal to enhance programs offered at the centers. No persons will be denied a meal if they do not have the $1.00 donation.
What kinds of activities are offered at the centers?
Most of our senior centers offer classes in exercise, computer, canvas, nutrition, drama, yoga, T’ai Ch’i, poetry, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), Spanish as a second language (SSOL), and self-defense. We also have workshops and lectures on health and mental health issues. We have monthly parties and celebration as well as local day trips and all-day out of state trips.
How much do the activities such as exercise class, computer offered at the centers cost?
All classes, workshops and parties are free of charge. The local day trips and out of town trips has a small fee.
Can I apply for benefits and or entitlements at the center?
Not all of our centers provide case assistances services. However, all our center staff persons can give you information on what kinds of benefits and or entitlements you qualify for and direct you to the center that does have case assistance services. Referrals can also be made to our Single Stop program, which helps individuals to resolve a host of matters, and the Food Card Access Program, which screens individuals or families for Food Stamps.
What kinds of benefits or entitlements could I qualify for?
You could qualify and apply for: Food Stamps, Medicaid, HEAP, SCRIE, DRIE, LIFELINE, SAFE LINK, Access-a-Ride, EPIC, and the Medicare Savings Program. We also have a free tax assistance program that operates during the tax preparation season (January through April of each year).
I need housing assistance. What kinds of housing assistance to you offer? Can you find me an apartment?
The BronxWorks’ Senior Housing Assistance Program case manager can assist you with filling out housing applications, provide tenant landlord advocacy, and assist you with applying for SCRIE or DRIE. The case manager can give you information on your housing rights and provide you with a listing of senior housing complexes. However, BronxWorks does not rent apartments.
I need my smoke detector battery changed and I cannot reach it. Can you help me with this?
Yes, we have a minor repair technician who can come to your home and change the battery on your smoke detector. The technician can also provide the following services: take down and/or put up drapes, curtains, blinds or shades; change light bulbs; change and/or install new locks, peep holes, and door chains; and replace washers.
My grandchild moved in with me and is stealing all my money. What can I do?
This is abuse. We have an elder abuse program. The case manager will make a home visit to discuss a plan of action with you. If you do not have money for food, the case manager will bring you a food bag from our pantry.
I recently loss a family member and I feel very depressed. How can the center help me?
The Heights and East Concourse Senior Centers can help you by providing a social worker who can screen for depression, provide one-on-one counseling, and enroll you in a bereavement group.
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Immigration Services FAQs
Does BronxWorks help people apply for Citizenship or Residency?
Yes. If you qualify, we have paralegals and an immigration attorney at our 2070 Grand Concourse office ready to assist you with the application.
How can I find out if I am entitled to benefits?
The BronxWorks Single Stop program can screen you to see what government benefits you are eligible for and help you apply.
Does CAB offer help in applying for health insurance?
The BronxWorks Facilitated Enrollers can help you and your family members apply for low or no cost insurance.
Can BronxWorks help me obtain food stamps?
We have food stamp enrollers that are stationed in various BronxWorks offices through out the Bronx and will gladly help you apply.
Can BronxWorks help me complete a housing application or recertification form?
Our Information and Referral offices can assist you with those applications.
Do you charge fees for your services?
All of BronxWorks services are generally free.
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Eviction Prevention FAQs
Where do I go to obtain assistance for back rent?
You may go to our Community Center Office (located at 1130 Grand Concourse), Monday-Thursday, from 9am to 1 pm. Upon arrival, you will be assessed to see if you qualify for one of our many eviction prevention programs.
Homeless Services FAQs
How can I refer a family to a shelter? Can I make a direct referral to a BronxWorks facility?
Unforutnately, no. Families who have no place to go must go to the PATH center and undergo an evaluation process. The New York City Department of HOmeless Services decide where people are placed.
How are the conditions of the family shelters?
Each shelter unit has a cooking area and private bathrooms. The buildings have early childhood programs and activities for school age children. There is 24-7 security on site, and each facility has a sophisticated camera system. There are medical clinics at all shelters. Clients have to meet with casework staff and take steps towards self sufficiency. BronxWorks provides a safe and clean environment.
What should I do if I see a homeless person on the street?
Call 311. Within an hour in NYC someone will be at the site to talk to the homeless individual and access the situation. Do not give money to panhandlers, as it enables individuals to stay out on the street. If someone is serious about helping the homeless they should donate money or volunteer at a homeless services organization like BronxWorks. If someone sees a homeless person who is behaving erratically they should be advised to call 911.
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HIV/AIDS Services FAQs
May PLWH/A enroll in more than one Positive Living program at a time?
Yes. For example, clients may participate in the Nutrition program as well as the SRO Case Management program and the Harm Reduction program. However, PLWH/A may participate in only one case management program (SRO Case Management, COBRA, Ryan White Case Management) at a time.
Does BronxWorks conduct outreach to provide information about services that it offers to PLWH/A?
Yes. BronxWorks conducts outreach at a variety of community settings, including community-based organizations, health facilities, single-room occupancy (SRO) residences, substance abuse programs, and soup kitchens. To try to set up a presentation about BronxWorks services for PLWH/A, contact Miriam Rabban, Program Director at 718-716-5559, ext 214.
Does BronxWorks conduct presentations about HIV/AIDS and about how to avoid getting or spreading the virus?
Yes. BronxWorks offers HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention presentations at a variety of community settings, including community-based organizations, health facilities, and schools. To try to set up an HIV/AIDS education and prevention presentation, contact Miriam Rabban, Program Director at 718-716-5559, ext 214 or email her at
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.
May a PLWH/A stop by for lunch at the Community Center or 2054 Morris Avenue?
The BronxWorks Nutrition program for PLWH/A offers lunch at both sites, but a PLWH/A must plan to have lunch at least once a week, and participate in other nutrition services, such as nutrition education workshops and nutritional assessments.
To participate in the Harm Reduction program, does a PLWH/A have to be clean and sober?
No. The Harm Reduction program is open to PLWH/A who are using alcohol or drugs and wish to reduce the harm related to their use. The Harm Reduction program is also open to PLWH/A who have used alcohol or drugs in the past and are seeking assistance with preventing relapse. The program offers groups that help maintain health, reduce stress, and increase skills in dealing with daily life.
Do participants in the Harm Reduction program have to attend every day, and does the program require urinanalysis?
No. Although the program is open Monday through Friday, participants do not need to attend daily. They are expected to participate at least once a week. The program does not do urinalysis.
Does BronxWorks offer programming on Saturday to PLWH/A?
The Families Together Program offers a variety of groups and individualized attention to families who are infected by or affected by HIV. To find out more about the program, contact Assistant Program Director Gina Mattivi at (718) 716-5559, extension 208 or email her at
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.
Workforce Development FAQs
I need a job. Where do I start?
Please attend one of our information sessions that are held every week, Monday through Wednesday, at 10:00 am. You may also contact Sophie Mabiala at (718) 993-8880, ext. 244 or email
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for more information.
Do you have bilingual staff?
Yes, our staff speaks Spanish, French, Russian, and Farsi
How can you help me find a job?
We can help you:
- Develop a resume or update your old resume
- Improve your interviewing skills and learn new interviewing techniques
- Connect with employers directly by setting up job interviews
- Conduct a job search online in our computer lab
- Create an email account for communicating with employers and networking
- Obtain appropriate attire for job interviews
- Enhance your knowledge of the job market and various industries in our workshops
What other services do you provide?
- Financial literacy training on topics such as banking, budgeting, and credit repair
- Help determining eligibility for government and private benefits
- Help filling out and submitting benefits applications electronically
- Referrals to other organizations for needed services
What are some of the government benefits that I can access?
- Medicaid
- Food Stamps
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and free income tax preparation
- Banking and many other benefits
What are your educational and training programs?
- Security Guard training
- Personal Care Aide training (in Spanish)
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training at LaGuardia Community College, Lehman College, and CUNY on the Concourse
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes
- Internship program for young adults ages 16-24
- Referrals to GED classes and GED testing at BronxWorks
Many other training opportunities might also be available to you through an Individual Training Grant (ITG), depending on your career interests and goals.
What documents do I need to bring?
- Photo ID
- Social Security Card
- Proof of residency and address (such as a copy of your lease, ConEd bill, or telephone bill)
