News & Views – Fall/Winter 2025

We enrich lives and strengthen communities through services and engagement for individuals of all ages, beginning with those most in need.

NEWS AND VIEWS

Fall/Winter

2025

Sunnyside Community Services (SCS) has been serving communities since 1974

Warm Meals, Full Hearts: SCS Food Programs ment shutdown, SCS provided emergency cash assistance and grocery store gift cards to those affected. Seniors participating in our programs were also able to take home prepared meals.

Food is a basic human need, yet according to the USDA, 18 million U.S. households experienced food insecurity at some point in 2023. Going without reliable access to adequate food can impact a person’s health, growth, development, and even their ability to learn.

“America is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and still, millions of people go hungry each day,” said Judy Zangwill, Executive Director of SCS. “At SCS, we do our part by connecting our neighbors to the resources that help put warm meals on their tables. We also partner with wonderful organizations to bring special pop-up food events to those in need.”

supports older adults by connecting eligible participants to home-delivered meals. We serve hot meals to members in our Older Adult Center, with 44,276 meals served in FY2025. We also help individuals apply for SNAP benefits and recertification.

Throughout the year, SCS

During the recent federal govern-

Hunger in the U.S.

Above: Unloading food at Woodside Houses.

47M

Americans face food insecurity.

Leading up to Thanksgiving, SCS hosted several food-related events to support local families. More than 250 turkeys were distributed, thanks to the generosity of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. The Hispanic Federation provided us with 200 bags of non-perishable food items along with 200 bags of fresh produce that we distributed to households in need.

To help us continue this vital work, please consider making a donation. And if you or someone you know needs help, please email us at info@scsny.org.

48%

of New Yorkers who use older adult centers or home-delivered meal programs experienced food insecurity.

Sources: FeedingAmerica.org; Citymeals on Wheels Aging Without Hunger, 2024

Letter From Our Executive Director stand – our supporters find many ways to help those in need and create a community where individuals feel valued.

As the year comes to a close and we celebrate the holidays, I hope that you’ll consider supporting our work with a year-end gift so we can continue serving those who depend on us.

Dear Friends, Lately, I’ve been reflecting a lot about our community and what it means to lift each other up during these unsettled times.

I continue to draw inspiration and fortitude from you and all our supporters. Whether it’s a monetary gift, a food donation, volunteer hours, or even the proceeds from a young donor’s lemonade

Thank you for being a constant source of strength for the individuals and families we serve. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a joyous start to the new year!

Sincerely, Judy Zangwill Photo above, left: Bennett and his siblings present SCS Executive Director Judy Zangwill with funds collected from his lemonade stand.

Photo on the top of the previous page: SCS students show their support for afterschool programs during the annual Lights On Afterschool event.

Flood Solutions Fair

Above: Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez speaks at the Flood Solutions Fair.

Earlier this fall, Queens residents learned about flood risks and tips to prepare for future flood threats at the Flood Solutions Fair held at SCS. The event was hosted by U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez and the flood resource site The City Sponge. Speakers included Congresswoman Velázquez, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, NYC Council Member Julie Won, Assemblymember Claire Valdez, as well as leaders from city agencies and nonprofits, and experts in plumbing, insurance, masonry, and other fields.

SCS November turkeys distributed to older adults, 252 caregivers, adults in our ESOL classes, Food Distribution and families at Woodside Houses.

Veteran of the Game

Saving for College

Above: SCS transportation driver Dennis Spencer on the jumbotron at Citi Field.

As part of the NYC Kids Rise Save for College Program, SCS will help families in Community School District 30 save for college. Through the program, every student enrolled in a participating NYC public elementary school, starting in kindergarten, automatically receives a 529 plan with a $100 initial deposit and up to $200 in early rewards. For more information, call us at 929-335-7930 (English and Spanish) or 929-335-7781 (English and Bangla).

SCS transportation driver Dennis Spencer was honored as the Veteran of the Game at a New York Mets game last August. Thanks to the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, several SCS staff members and their families were there to cheer him on. We are grateful to Dennis and all veterans for their service.

Community, Music, and Fun!

Left and above: Members of our Older Adult Center and students from our Pre-K program celebrated Halloween with costumes and fun activities. of canned goods 200 bags and other nonperishable foods handed out.

In early November, the Mark Wade Trio jazz band and classical composer and conductor Alicia Lieu treated a room full of music lovers to an afternoon of live music. Mark Wade will join us again on December 6, this time with classical violinist Laura Giannini.

of fresh produce 200 bags distributed to individuals and families.

43-31 39th Street Sunnyside, New York 11104

Board of Directors Lisa Deller, President Steve Leamer, Vice President Javier Divorato, Treasurer Hector Baez, Secretary Nikita Airen Joseph Conley Leslie Heredia Amit Kalra Roy Kleinert Diane Kolack Ronak Lathia Gerald Lederman David Levin Dina Marenstein Sharmeela Mediratta Leo Mensah Ned Steele

Executive Director Judy Zangwill

Give a Gift of Hope Your gift this holiday season will support individuals and families with programs such as elder abuse prevention, caregiver support, home health aide training, immigration legal assistance, after-school programs, activities for older adults, and more.

To donate, visit www.scsny.org/donate, call 929-335-7849, or mail a check to: Sunnyside Community Services Attn: Development Department 43-31 39th Street Sunnyside, NY 11104

Contact Info PHONE: 718-784-6173 TDD/TTY: 800-662-1220 FAX: 718-784-7266 EMAIL: info@scsny.org WEBSITE: www.scsny.org

Social Media Facebook.com/ SCS4NY SCS4NY SCS4NY

Sunnyside Community Services (SCS) is a community-based nonprofit centered on the belief that every person deserves meaningful support to achieve their aspirations — especially struggling families and individuals of all ages. SCS serves a diverse community of over 16,000 people of all ethnicities and income levels throughout Queens.