BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE
APRIL 26, 2017
Attendance:
P. Bellenbaum P T. Jackson P F. Brown A F. Jean A E. Felder A J. Li P R. Freeman P B. Solotaire E K. Gurl P S. Turet P L. Hill A R. Underwood P
P = present, E = excused, A = absent
Guests: D. Scaravella, Executive Director of CHIPS
***MINUTES***
Presentation and discussion with representatives for CHiPS, (Christian Help in Park Slope) which operates a daily soup kitchen and food distribution operation, and Frances Residency program which provides transitional housing for nine prenatal and postpartum homeless women and their infants at 200 4th Avenue (between Sackett and Degraw Streets) in Gowanus.
Denise Scaravella, Executive Director of CHiPS, began the presentation by explaining the origins and 46 year history of CHiPS, including its founding by members of St. Francis Xavier Church to its current incarnation as a residence and soup kitchen. CHiPS serves meals to over 200-250 people daily (including breakfast and lunch) and their residence shelters up to nine young, homeless women and their infants and toddlers. They also provide referrals to other social services as needed.
Ms. Scaravella described CHiPS’ programming and funding – primarily through private donations. They have a large volunteer program and rely on volunteers for everything from serving meals to graphic design and fundraising efforts. They do a few annual events with support from the community: Mother’s Day Brunch and CHiPS Night Out with participation from area restaurants. They send a newsletter twice a year, and could always use help with photography, writing, and graphic design for that.
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She emphasized that one way CB6 could help support their work is to continue sharing information about the agency throughout the district. They have an ongoing need for the following donated items: Cleaning supplies Paper goods Toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.) Feminine products Linens Socks Underwear Pots & Pans and dishes Shoes: sneakers and work boots for men Canes and walkers Cookies Target Gift cards for the young mothers
They only accept donated clothing that is clean and seasonally appropriate, for women, men and children.
The committee talked about whether we can include their events in the Sixth Sense and perhaps assist with some kind of event or fundraising drive in the future. We’ll ask if the Park Slope Center for Successful Aging’s knitting group would like to knit baby clothes or blankets for the mothers and children.
Other business: Committee briefly discussed the agenda for May’s meeting and approved minutes from the March 22, 2017 meeting.
Meeting was adjourned.
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