We are excited to announce development of The Tree Of Life Center, a new mixed-use, 174 unit residential apartment building in Jamaica, Queens. The highlight of this building is over 15,000 sq. ft. (divisible) of leasable commercial office and retail space available in the coveted downtown Jamaica area.
Our goal is to provide educational and special support services that will give needy and disadvantaged individuals and families in our area the knowledge and skills they need to become self-supporting and productive members of society.
With the creation of the Tree of Life Center, we are able to expand the education, training and social services programs we offer currently, such as the food pantry, a weekly community dinner, clothing closet, basic educational programs and coaching in daily living activities such as how to open and maintain checking and savings accounts. By serving as a clearinghouse for existing social-service providers in the community in addition to providing our own programs, the Tree of Life Center offers new complementary services and expands their availability to more people in the community.
Services
offered in partnership with First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica
FOOD PANTRY: SERVING 20,706 INDIVIDUALS Annually*
The Food Pantry is an important community resource that aims to reduce the severe hunger that exists in our community. When it began in 1993, we served almost one hundred families. Today, the need has grown and so has our service, which is now helping to feed over 300 families a month. The patrons of our food pantry represent the many different faces of hunger in America—from the families of the working poor, to senior citizens who are raising grandchildren, and from immigrants who do not qualify for government benefits to the recently unemployed, and many who live in transitional housing.
Impact statistics
20,706 persons served in one year*
10,939 adults, 6,275 children and 3,492 seniors
*Updated for the year ending 2020.
SOUP KITCHEN: SERVING HOT MEALs to 4,194 INDIVIDUALS Annually*
Each week a team of dedicated volunteers prepare and serve a healthy and tasty 3-course meal for all who come hungry. Many of our patrons are giving back by serving as volunteers in our food pantry. This is an exciting aspect of our program to see people receive and also willing and able to give back to help others. Volunteers are essential to keeping the Food Pantry well-stocked, the Soup Kitchen running efficiently and decreasing the wait time for dinner patrons.
Partnerships with St. John’s University students have helped us meet the growing need for food in the Queens community.
Impact statistics:
4,194 persons served in one year*
3,280 adults, 156 children and 758 seniors
*Updated for the year ending 2020.
HEALTH SCREENINGS + BLOOD DRIVES
Annually, free health screenings include blood pressure checks, diabetes testing, vision testing prostate cancer screening, and informational sessions to help educate people to make healthy eating and lifestyle choices.
This program is a partnership between First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, FJCUDC, The SASS Foundation, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell Medical Center and the Brady Urological Health Center.
EDUCATIONAL AND SKILL Training
Computer Literacy, GED, ESL SAT Preparation, Tutoring. Preparation classes for city entry-level tests e.g. NYPD, Transit, Corrections, FDNY, LPN training.
THE PROVISION OF FINANCIAL LITERACY AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES:
The program seeks to help low-income and immigrant families access the economic supports necessary to establish credit, resolve past credit problems, reduce debts, learn more about financial budgeting and increase their financial security by saving and investing.
THE PROMOTION OF HEALTH AND POSITIVE IMAGES
We will build on the screenings for cancer and diabetes which are currently run at the church. In partnerships with Community Health Network and Cornell University Cooperative Extension (CUCE) health services will be expanded. We will also provide basic make-overs for someone preparing for job interviews e.g. clothing, haircut, manicuring.