NYC Councilmembers give support to Queens Community House
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Queens Community House, a multi-service settlement house serving more than 20,000 children, youth, adults and older adults every year, has received immense support from the New York City Council and its members, especially Karen Koslowitz, Rory Lancman and Daniel Dromm. The three members have given a combined $143,000 in budget discretionary funds to the borough-wide nonprofit.
Established as a community center in Forest Hills, Queens in 1975, QCH has expanded into a broad network of programs operating out of 25 sites in 11 different neighborhoods in Queens – and the New York City Council has noticed.
“We offer Queens residents a much-needed support system at every stage of life, helping them to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to become active participants in their larger community,” Executive Director Ben Thomases said. “This money will go a long way in helping us change the lives of our neighbors for the better.”
Council Member Koslowitz represents the neighborhoods of Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill. Moreover, as Chair of the Queens Delegation, Koslowitz was determined to fund non-for-profit organizations that have a significant positive impact on the entire borough, including QCH.
“I was delighted to provide $56,500 to Queens Community House, which will go towards programs for both our senior citizens and our youth,” declared Koslowitz. “Each year, Queens Community House helps thousands of Queens residents from our youth to our elders with programs designed to educate, engage and improve quality of life. This funding will go towards the enhancement of senior programming, which includes educational and recreational activities such as art, exercise, dance, nutrition and computer classes. This support also provides activities such as health screenings and healthy aging programs. Additionally, I was pleased to provide funding for Queens Community House’s outstanding Evening Teen Center.”
The Teen Center provides recreational activities, college counseling and access to employment opportunities to more than 300 young adults in the community.
Council Member Lancman, who oversees Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Electchester, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills and Jamaica, arranged for $59,000 to be given to the Pomonok Senior Center and Pomonok After School Program, both run out of the Pomonok Community Center.
“The funding I allocated will help Queens Community House serve thousands of Queens residents through educational and recreational activities,” Lancman said. “By working with Queens Community House, we are able to keep after school programs open later and support summer camps to help working parents. Queens Community House serves so many of my constituents, and I am happy to support them.”
