S:US' Dinner for a Better New York 2023 Event Program

OUR MISSION

We drive scalable solutions to transform the lives of people with disabilities, people in poverty and people facing homelessness: solutions that contribute to righting societal imbalances.

OUR VISION

We envision a city where everyone has a roof over their head, is healthy, productive and can enjoy the social connections that create a life of purpose. We’re a nonprofit with a staff of 1,800 that provides more than $260 million in services. Our efforts are supported by various local, state and federal government entities as well as foundations, corporations and individual donors. Most importantly, our vision allows us to deliver the same quality of services to one individual or to thousands. No challenge is beyond our scope.

OUR UNIQUENESS

Our uniqueness lies in our ability to take what we learn on the ground and use it to change systems and impact policy. By delivering high quality services that address the complex circumstances of each person, we help transform lives, improve neighborhoods and boost future generations.

WHY WE’RE HERE

At S:US, we don’t prescribe paths that define people but offer solutions that support each person’s definition of a life of purpose. When you look closely, the injustices facing our society are really a universe of highly individual obstacles. When an individual’s life is put on hold for circumstances unique to them, establishing a relationship with them is step one. It’s our guide to the services we provide. The results: Individuals and families no longer limited by their obstacles but propelled by opportunities for a richer experience with the world. A ripple effect that extends from individuals out into their communities.

This is how we beat back stigma.

This is how we build communities.

This is how we create Opportunity for All.

A MESSAGE FROM

John McKesson Chair, Board of Directors

Perry Perlmutter Interim President and CEO

Thank you for joining us this evening at our Dinner for a Better New York. We are thrilled to be honoring S:US Board Member, Marie Isabelle Palacios Hardy, and CEO and Founder of Lamb Insurance Services, Joshua Lamberg, for all they do to support our mission. Also, many thanks to our Board of Directors, including Andrew Zimmern, all of our participating chefs, donors and everyone that made this night possible.

For 45 years, S:US has been working diligently to ensure Opportunity For All -- access to needed supports, services, treatment, shelters and housing for some of New York City and Long Island’s most vulnerable individuals and families. S:US staff is on the frontlines 24/7 partnering with the people we serve to provide the skills they need to address their life challenges. Currently S:US serves and supports more than 37,000 vulnerable New Yorkers as they transform their lives, and we continue to grow and enhance our offerings each year.

S:US is an integral part of the communities where we have shelters, housing, programs and services, helping to shape a city where all New Yorkers, despite their life circumstances, can lead purposeful lives. The people we serve include women and children who have experienced domestic violence; people who have lost their homes; people living in poverty; veterans who are challenged by homelessness, behavioral health conditions, and unemployment; people with mental health and substance use challenges; people with autism and other developmental disabilities; and people living with HIV/AIDS. S:US is a partner in their journey to live their lives to the fullest potential.

Our successes to date have emboldened us to do even more. And so now, we call on all New Yorkers—the business community, civic groups, neighborhoods where we live and work, foundations, and generous individuals to work in partnership with us through New Yorkers Standing Together, S:US’ Social Justice Campaign. Being part of S:US, and supporting our work, offers all of us the opportunity to right societal injustices and to be agents for good.

New Yorkers Standing Together helps S:US fulfill its vision of a city where everyone has a roof over their head, is healthy, productive and socially engaged. New Yorkers Standing Together creates opportunity for ALL New Yorkers to live their best life. The stories that define us as New Yorkers are about New Yorkers who work together to overcome obstacles to succeed.

As New Yorkers, we believe that nothing is beyond our scope if we work together. Please accept our deep gratitude to all who so generously support S:US’ vital work.

TONIGHT’S FOOD OFFERINGS CURATED BY Andrew Zimmern

Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, writer and social justice advocate. As the creator, executive producer and host of the Bizarre Foods franchise, Andrew Zimmern’s Driven by Food, MSNBC’s What’s Eating America, Magnolia Network’s Family Dinner, and the Emmy-winning The Zimmern List, he has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food. You can also find him judging the epic culinary battle Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend on Netflix and teaching live fire cooking on Outdoor Channel’s Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen. He has written four books, including the Ippy Gold Medal award-winning AZ and the Lost City of Ophir. Andrew is the founder and chairman of Intuitive Content, named one of the top 100 production companies in the world by Realscreen, and Passport Hospitality, a restaurant and food service development company. He is passionate about his philanthropic endeavors and sits on the boards of Services for the UnderServed, EXPLR Media and Soigne Hospitality. He is on the advisory boards of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, serves on City Harvest’s Food Council, is the International Rescue Committee’s Voice for Nutrition, a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme as well as The Nature Conservancy. Andrew is a founding member of the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture and the Independent Restaurant Coalition. He resides in Minneapolis.

TONIGHT’S HONOREE

Joshua Lamberg

CEO and Founder, Lamb Insurance Services

Joshua Lamberg is the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Signers National, a tech-enabled insurance distribution platform that has grown from inception to a top 100 privately held insurance broker in 15 years. Signer’s flagship brand, Lamb Insurance Services, is the nation’s largest retail broker specializing exclusively in non-profit and social service organizations and insurers more than 2,000 non-profits in greater New York area as well as throughout the U.S. Lamb’s companies have ben featured in INC 5000, Best Places to Work, Insurance Journal Top 100 P/C Agency and many more.

TONIGHT’S HONOREE

Marie Isabelle Palacios Hardy

General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Firmament Member, S:US Board of Directors

MARIE ISABELLE PALACIOS HARDY is the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Firmament. Prior to joining Firmament in 2023, Marie Isabelle was a Managing Director and Co-Deputy General Counsel of York Capital Management. From 2008 to 2014, Marie Isabelle was an associate with the law firm Clifford Chance LLP in its Structured Finance department in New York and a senior associate in its Structured Debt, Capital Markets department in London, United Kingdom. From 2006-2008, Marie Isabelle was an associate with the law firm Stikeman Elliott LLP in Toronto, Canada. Marie Isabelle received a B.A. from McGill University, an M.A. from the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University, and an LL.B. from the University of Ottawa. She was appointed to the S:US Board of Directors in January 2019.

PROGRAM WELCOME

ANDREW ZIMMERN

TV Personality and Chef Member, Board of Directors, S:US

LIVE AUCTION

PERRY PERLMUTTER

Interim President & CEO, S:US

JOSHUA LAMBERG Honoree CEO and Founder, Lamb Insurance Services

JOHN MCKESSON Chair, Board of Directors, S:US

HEIDI WAITHE

2023 Andrew Zimmern Award Winner

ANDREW ZIMMERN

GARETH OLD Member, S:US Board of Directors

MARIE ISABELLE PALACIOS HARDY Honoree

General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Firmament Member, S:US Board of Directors

A Very Special Thank You for Making This Evening Truly Memorable

CO-CHAIRS

Josh Bider

Erin Felker Bond

Linda Nguyen

Jen Press Marden

Gail McCallion

Deborah Wolfe

MeMbers, board of directors, s:Us

THE CHEFS

Daniel Boulud

Daniel

Ester Choi Mokbar

Leah Cohen Pig & Khao

Josh Capon & Conor Hanlon Flyfish Club

Marc Forgione Forgione

Alex Guarnaschelli and Michael Jenkins

Butter

Nobu Matsuhisa

Nobu

Stefano Secchi Rezdora

David Shim Cote

Michael Solomonov K’Far Brooklyn

Jonathan Waxman Barbuto

WINE AND SPIRITS PURVEYOR

AUCTIONEER

THANK YOU TO THIS EVENING’S BENEFACTORS PRINCIPAL

PATRONS

Erin and Peter Friedland

Jen and James Marden

Marie Isabelle Palacios Hardy

Sandra Stark and Jim Mersfelder

SUPPORTERS

Teresa and Larry Hamdan

John McKesson

Janine Tramontana and Gareth Old

THANK YOU TO THIS EVENING’S BENEFACTORS

FRIENDS AND DONORS

Agape Plumbing, Heating & AC

Ahtram Services

AKRF

Bradley Alperin

Apex Building Group

AscendHire

BankUnited

Berlin Rosen

BlueHub Capital

Erin Felker Bond & William Bond

Bond Schoeneck and King

BrightPower

Briscoe Protective

C&S Pharmacy Consultants LLC

Joan & Robert Catell

CB Emmanuel

Arlo Chase

Jane & Oscar Chase

Chicago Title Insruance

Donna Colonna

Community Development Banking, Chase

Curtis + Ginsberg Architects LLP

Cushman & Wakefield

Dattner Architects

Lisa David

Madonna Davidson

Edelman Sultan Knox Wood/Architects LLP

Art Edwards

Empire Office

Enterprise Community Partners

Executive Pest Management, Inc.

Maggie Fernandez

Mirta Fieffe

Firsthand

FKKS

Megan Force

GKV Architects DPC

Hirschen Singer & Epstein LLP

Shimmie Horn

Ed & Fernanda Hubbard

Andrew Hurwitz

Kiwi Partners

L+M Development Partners

Peter Lattanzio

Erin Leider-Pariser

Robyn Leland

Lemle & Wolff

Rebecca Linn-Walton

Marvel Architects

McGuireWoods LLP

Gail K. McCallion, Esq.

MDG Design & Construction

Mega Contracting

Millin Associates

Montrose Surveying Co. LLP

Courtney Morgan

Mutual of America

Nadjete Natchaba

New York Security Solutions

Linda Nguyen

Novick Edelstein Pomerantz P.C.

Ostroff Associates, Inc.

Perry Perlmutter

Carolyn Powell

Nina Rabinovitch Blecker

Ride Health

Monica Santos

Raymond & Jean Schrag

Sedgwick Pharmacy

Jan Shaw

Skyline Engineering

Slate Property Group

Soloh Partners

TD Bank

The Workshop Theater

Total Care Rx, Inc

UKG

Vincent J. DiCalogero, CPAs LLC

Doug Walterstein

Weeks Lerman

Stacey Weston & Jean-Patrick Guilbert

Deborah Wolfe

Amelia Wright Brewer

2023 ANDREW ZIMMERN AWARD WINNER

Heidi Waithe was born on August 15th, 1976 in Trinidad. She was raised by amazing parents -- her biological mother‘s only child and her father’s 9th and final child. In 1978, Heidi moved from Trinidad to Brooklyn with her father and other mother, traveling back and forth until 1990, and then settling in New York.

As a child, Heidi endured sexual trauma, telling no one because she was afraid she would not be believed. She held this secret for years, its impact playing out through various forms of self-harm. 1992 proved to be an incredibly difficult year: Heidi lost her father and her family separated again, exacerbating unresolved trauma that resulted in destabilization, including the eviction and homelessness that followed. She survived multiple suicide attempts by overdose.

Heidi worked through managing her fear and mistrust of the mental health systems that were in place at the time. As a single mother with limited supports, she overcame homelessness in 1997 and sought treatment for depression. Through her own recovery, Heidi felt a pull to help others by utilizing her lived experiences. She is now a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist at S:US’ Wellness Works Clinic in Brooklyn where she provides a unique perspective, helping others overcome hardships. With her personalized lens, Heidi counsels those in recovery and guides individuals navigating complicated systems, stimulating their own survival strengths.

In addition to being a mother of four, Heidi is the Corresponding Secretary of the 75th Precinct Council Board in East New York, Brooklyn; is Chaplain and Evangelist in her community; and she is pursuing her certificate as a Family Peer Advocate. She is a proud member of S:US’ Brooklyn Clubhouse, where she participates in member-driven comprehensive recovery and treatment services while developing a community with fellow members in recovery. Heidi presents at S:US’ New Hire Orientation on a regular basis where she imparts her knowledge to future peer specialists.

Heidi is a mentor and guide, and her authentic approach creates pathways for healing. She is now learning to see herself as positively and fully as people in her many communities see and experience her.

PAST ANDREW ZIMMERN AWARD WINNERS

We are excited to have three of the past five Andrew Zimmern Award winners with us this evening and to be able to share with you brief background and an update on how well each of them are doing now.

KRISTIN STREZNETCKY won last year’s award for her perseverance to overcome multiple life traumas, dedication to turning her life around, and for her strength shown when giving back to her community. After surviving a horrific past, a severe substance abuse issue, and an untreated mental health diagnosis, Kristin ended up in the New York City Homeless Shelter program with her newborn son for 4 years, and had just enrolled in college before coming to S:US’ supportive housing program. By utilizing the services S:US offers, and with the continuous support of S:US’ staff, she was able to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle, while staying on track to accomplish her goals.

Kristin is currently employed with S:US as the Advocacy & Research Associate in Supportive Services, and hopes to stay connected to S:US in perpetuity. On June 2nd, she graduated cum laude from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, with a bachelors in criminology, a minor in dispute resolution, and will continue there to earn her doctorate. Kristin is looking forward to enjoying the summer with her 2 sons and is saving to buy a home outside NYC, to secure a better way of life.

DAVID ARNOLD was the 2019 Andrew Zimmern Award winner for having strength in overcoming adversities, his sense of optimism, his outgoing personality and for the willingness to support others in his community. David, who is diagnosed with developmental disabilities and was abandoned at a New York City hospital by his mother after giving birth, was raised by a supportive foster mom before coming to S:US in 2006 with a passion for life and the desire to become more independent. At S:US, David received consistent attention and assistance from staff, and has since moved into an Individualized Supportive Services (ISS) apartment with a roommate, maintaining a clean apartment, managing his necessary appointments, and navigating NYC transportation alone.

For nine years, David has been working at ‘Cleaning with Meaning,’ and after learning the tricks of his trade, wants to start his own cleaning service in the future. David likes to cook, hang with friends, and he connects with his very supportive family. David is looking forward to starting school to obtain his NY State Realtors License. He also believes that everyone needs to be in their own setting so they can be themselves and can make their own rules to live by.

TINA MILLER won the award in 2018 for her determination, resilience, and hard work to improve the lives of her children and herself. Having gone through the traumas of domestic violence and challenges of substance use, Tina moved into S:US supportive housing from the NYC Homeless Shelter System in 2009. With guidance from her S:US Case Manager and Vocational Counselor, she was able to enroll in college, and gained viable employment as a medical assistant.

After winning the award, Tina has remained employed, but throughout the pandemic, finished her medical assistant certification remotely, and started a small online ‘scrubs’ shop, to subsidize her lost income. Tina has two children: a 7-year-old son who loves youth football, and a 16-year-old daughter who soon will be touring colleges. Today, with determination and devotion to succeed, Tina works as an LPN at White Plains Hospital and will be graduating Hunter College School of Nursing in December.

a

ability to seize new opportunities that improve

overall

will have demonstrated resilience, perseverance, optimism,

The Andrew Zimmern is presented annually to an individual served by S:US, The Andrew Zimmern Award honors

person’s

the

quality of their life. The recipient of this award

an adventurous spirit, and a loving heart, as exemplified by S:US Board member and Dinner for a Better New York curator, Andrew Zimmern. SERVICES FOR THE UNDERSERVED

S:US BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS

John A. McKesson Chair

Gail K. McCallion, Esq. Vice Chair

Jacquie Holmes Secretary

Edward Hubbard Treasurer

MEMBERS

Josh Bider

Erin Felker Bond, Esq.

Amelia Wright Brewer

Earl D. Brown

Chris Cheney

Art Edwards

Peter Friedland

Lawrence Hamdan

Joshua D. Liston, Esq.

Linda Nguyen

Maria Isabelle Palacios Hardy

Jen Press Marden

Gareth Old, Esq.

Carolyn P. Powell

JoAnn Y. Sacks, Ph.D.

Deborah Wolfe, Esq.

Andrew Zimmern

AFFILIATE MEMBERS

Michelle Ballan, Ph.D.

Peter Lattanzio

Phillip A. Saperia

COUNCIL OF ADVISORS

George C. Biddle

Robert B. Catell

Andrew Hurwitz, Esq.

Alice Korngold

Saundra Thomas

HOST COMMITTEE

Michelle Ballan, Ph.D.*

Josh Bider*

Erin Felker Bond, Esq.*

Amelia Wright Brewer*

Earl D. Brown*

Robert B. Catell

Oliver Chase

Chris Cheney*

Dana Cowin

Sherrie Dulworth*

Art Edwards*

Neil Falcone

Erin Friedland

Peter Friedland*

Joe Gallitto

Rafael Gutierrez

Lawrence Hamdan*

Jacquie Holmes*

Edward Hubbard*

Andrew Hurwitz, Esq.*

Peter Lattanzio, Esq.*

Josh Lamberg

Barbara Lehrer

Joshua D. Liston, Esq.*

Jen Press Marden*

Gail K. McCallion, Esq.*

John A. McKesson*

Beth McLeod

Linda Nguyen*

Gareth Old, Esq.*

Marie Isabelle Palacios Hardy*

Perry Perlmutter**

Carolyn P. Powell*

JoAnn Sacks, Ph.D.*

Phillip A. Saperia*

Deborah Wolfe, Esq.*

Andrew Zimmern*

EVENT TASK FORCE

Jen Press Marden, Chair*

Josh Bider*

Earl D. Brown*

Erin Felker Bond, Esq.*

Susan Gendal

Lois Krasilovsky

Peter Lattanzio*

Linda P. Nguyen*

Marie Isabelle Palacios Hardy*

Carolyn P. Powell*

JoAnn Y. Sacks, Ph.D.*

Drew Train

Barbara Warren

Deborah Wolfe, Esq.*

Andrew Zimmern*

CAMPAIGN CABINET

Jen Press Marden, Chair*

Chris Cheney*

Sherrie Dulworth*

Peter Friedland*

Lawrence Hamdan*

Jacquie Holmes*

Edward Hubbard*

Joshua D. Liston, Esq.*

John A. McKesson*

Gareth Old, Esq.*

* S:US BOARD MEMBER

** S:US Interim President and CEO

TONIGHT’S ENTERTAINMENT

INTI AND THE MOON is a Latin/Spanish guitar trio & percussion blending the sounds of Spanish guitar & Latin, South American & Middle Eastern grooves. The trio plays often at the main venues in the city such as Shire, Silvana, Drom NYC, Marriott Hotel, Le Solei Hotel among others. With the whole Band which includes a violinist, bass player and singer, the band has toured Central Asia (Sharq Taronalari Festival - Samarkand Uzbekistan 2015). NPR Tiny Desk contest 2017 (Selected 10 best entries by NPR Alt Latino between more than 3000 entries). NPR Tiny Desk Contest 2017 (One more time selected as the 10 best entries by NPR Alt Latino between more than 5000 participants).

TONIGHT’S AUCTIONEER

LUCAS HUNT is the president of HUNT Philanthropy and a celebrated American poet, who just published a new book entitled NEW YORK. He graduated from World Wide College of Auctioneering, is a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS), and has helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars for non profit organizations, institutions and foundations.

NEW YORKERS STANDING TOGETHER CAMPAIGN

S:US is grateful to our generous lead donors for our New Yorkers Standing Together Campaign listed to the right. This multi-year campaign celebrates S:US’ 45 years of fighting for social justice for our most vulnerable individuals and families, working to make real, sustainable, and enduring change in communities.

New Yorkers Standing Together funds programs and services that help people overcome obstacles to leading a productive life.

New Yorkers Standing Together is an investment in our shared future as New Yorkers and an acknowledgment that assisting people in the hard work toward recovery and well-being makes sense for all of us.

At S:US, we understand that for there to be long-term social change, we must invest in people and communities. Our roots run deep in the communities where we serve, and we provide the tools that people need to empower themselves and to improve their life circumstances. No New Yorker should struggle alone when we can all stand together.

To learn more about our New Yorkers Standing Together Campaign, please visit sus.org/ new-yorkers-standing-together/. For more information about supporting New Yorkers Standing Together, please contact Stacey Weston, Chief Development and External Affairs Officer, at 917-408-1632 or sweston@sus.org.

CAMPAIGN DONORS

Bradley Alperin

Josh Bider

Erin Felker Bond, Esq.

Tailin Brecher

Amelia Wright Brewer

Earl Brown

Julio Castaing

Arlo Chase

Donna Colonna

Don Crocker

Didi Doman

Sherrie Dulworth

Art Edwards

Peter Friedland

Larry Hamdan

Jacquie Holmes

Ed Hubbard

Judith Jackson

Peter Lattanzio

Josh Liston

Jen Press Marden

Trish Marsik

Gail K. McCallion, Esq.

John McKesson

Courtney Morgan

Nadjete Natchaba

Linda Nguyen

Gareth Old, Esq.

Marie Isabelle

Palacios Hardy

Perry Perlmutter

Jorge R. Petit, MD

Carolyn P. Powell

JoAnn Y. Sacks, Ph.D.

Monica Santos

Stacey Weston

Rebecca Linn-Walton

Deborah Wolfe

Andrew Zimmern

List as of May 23, 2023

Jen Press Marden, Campaign Chair

I SALUTE

FOR MORE THAN FOUR DECADES OF PROVIDING SERVICES AND SUPPORTS THAT ADVANCE SOCIAL JUSTICE, BEAT BACK STIGMA, BUILD COMMUNITIES, AND CREATE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL

MARIE ISABELLE PALACIOS HARDY

Glassybaby centerpieces instead of flower arrangements means that your contributions tonight will go even farther toward supporting S:US’ vital programs.

NO NEW YORKER SHOULD SLEEP HERE

S:US addresses the challenges that prevent individuals and families from leading independent lives in safe, secure homes of their own. We offer emergency, transitional, and permanent housing for people who have lost their homes and may be facing a variety of challenges—from mental illness to histories of incarceration, unemployment or poverty, from substance use disorders to HIV/AIDS. The stability of a home, in our experience, makes recovery, employment, and health possible. Homelessness is an injustice. Housing is a right.

We have a cure for homelessness. It’s called housing.

“I feel very lucky where I live! I can open my window at night and hear people laughing. The fact that I live somewhere where people actually talk to each other and laugh makes me feel good.”

- Samuel

On any given night:

S:US provides housing and shelter to more than 4,500 individuals.

In 2022:

S:US prevented the eviction of 656 people, issued vouchers to relocate 1,197 families to prevent homelessness, provided aftercare to 337 individuals.

S:US helped coordinate volunteer opportunities for people supported with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at more than 20 community organizations.

S:US hosted 21 community, collegiate, and corporate volunteer projects, from site cleanups, to garden renovations, to food security research for our programs.

NO NEW YORKER SHOULD BE DEFINED BY LIMITATIONS

The services we tailor for individuals with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities focus on helping each person live to their fullest potential: building social connections while participating in the community and deepening relationships with friends and family while living and receiving services in the community of their choice.

Our community residences and day habilitation programs offer opportunities for volunteering, obtaining competitive employment, and gaining skills for independent living.

“I would like to thank S:US individuals for helping to clean our theater for every performance. Your work means that I have one less thing to worry about.”

We help people see their strengths. And build on them.

-

Regina Opera House

NO NEW YORKER SHOULD FACE CHALLENGES ALONE

At S:US, we offer services to people whose mental health and substance use challenges or other life circumstances have led to homelessness or have prevented them from maintaining a stable and productive life.

Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and their children. For families that have survived abuse, S:US operates shelters offering safety, security, and the opportunity to heal and rebuild lives. In addition to providing housing, we offer help with public assistance, planning and achieving long-term goals, and referrals to therapy and childcare.

Our comprehensive treatment and recovery supports work with people at any stage of their life. S:US’ mobile teams, community clinics, and residential treatment and crisis centers offer compassionate support in even the most difficult circumstances.

“Everyone I met at S:US was there for me every step of the way, helping to guide me as I reinvented myself.” - Marina

People can overcome the biggest obstacles, with the right supports.

Last year:

398 individuals moved from our shelters, residential treatment, and transitional housing into permanent homes of their own.

Each year: S:US serves over 3,000 veterans and their families.

NO NYC VETERAN SHOULD BE IN A BATTLE WITHOUT BACKUP

We serve Vets in what can be a tough fight – coming home.

As one of New York City’s largest veteran services providers, S:US serves vets as they struggle to reintegrate to civilian life, coping with post-traumatic stress, depression, unemployment and homelessness.

We help vets find and maintain permanent housing, connect to mental health services and offer job training, placement, and on-the-job support.

“They are here to make a better future for you… this is a new beginning. Some suffering other people just can’t hear or want to take on. But S:US did.” - Karen

NO NEW YORKER SHOULD LIVE IN A FOOD DESERT

S:US has created and maintains more than 70 urban farms and gardens throughout New York City, most in neighborhoods where produce is scarce and the number of people with diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure is disproportionately high. Farms and gardens are located in the backyards and on the rooftops of our residences, shelters, and other programs.

Our urban farms make it possible for individuals with disabilities to find steady employment. The farmers receive ongoing training and job coaching that build employable skills in urban agriculture, landscape maintenance, and basic carpentry. Participants also receive the healing benefits of therapeutic horticulture and can enjoy the healthy products of their labor: fresh, organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

We find fertile ground in the city where new possibilities flourish.

“Every time I come here, I feel good.” - Marc

Each year: