First Jamaica Community and Urban Development Corp Invites Community toCelebrate the Grand Opening of Tree of Life Center
by Ms. Kyshia Hamilton
(Jamaica, New York) – On Friday, December 9, 2022 at 12:00 Noon, the Tree of Life Center officially opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony at [address] 164th Street, Jamaica, NY.
"We went out and had 1,200 conversations in the local community about what’s important, what’s needed in this neighborhood," said Rev. Patrick O’Connor, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica (FPCJ) and board chair for the First Jamaica Community and Urban Development Corp (FJCUDC). "Health, nutrition, training and housing were what the community told us was most important, what’s needed in Jamaica. Those needs spurred the idea of the Tree of Life Center."
Located in the heart of downtown Jamaica, Queens, The Tree of Life Center is a visible symbol of FJCUDC's and FPCJ’s commitment to providing a safe, accessible residential and community space that will benefit residents for generations. The 15,000 sq. ft, mixed-use development will open its doors to accommodate 174 units of affordable housing; a food pantry, soup kitchen and clothing closet; a community health clinic run by Community Health Network; wellness, nutrition and social education offered by Cornell University Cooperative Extension; as well as literacy and financial enrichment programs and services provided by the Queens Public Library.
To bring this project to life, the development arm of the church, FJCUDC joined with Bluestone Organization, and sought out additional partnerships with businesses, banks, politicians, and non-profits in the area. The end result is a hub to address the holistic needs of the community, bolster downtown Jamaica's commercial district and foster economic growth in the community.
This grand opening is an important milestone representing a growing and prospering community where all people regardless of age, race, or ethnic origin have equal access to the services they need for social well-being. Existing services in the Jamaica area are struggling to meet the special needs of diverse populations such as youth and the elderly, poor and disadvantaged individuals and families, and culturally diverse audiences. The Tree of Life exists because Jamaica spoke and FJCUDC listened.
About
Since 1662 First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica (FCPJ) has founded and supported institutions that have helped Jamaica Queens thrive. In 1996 FPCJ created the First Jamaica Community and Urban Development Corp (FJCUDC), an independent 501(c)3 organization to enhance and extend efforts to help Jamaica and other Southeast Queens residents transform and thrive in all facets of their lives. Learn more at www.fjcudc.com/tree-of-life.
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