SCS News

  • Funding has lapsed for some ESOL programs, including courses offered by SCS. CBS News New York’s Ellie McLogan spoke to Judy Zangwill, Executive Director of SCS, and an ESOL student about this issue.

    Click here to watch the CBS News New York story.

       
  • As New York City funding lapses for long-time ESOL providers like SCS, thousands of students are struggling to find new places to continue their English studies. Queens reporter Haidee Chu, THE CITY, spoke to Johan Lopez, SCS’ Director of Adult and Immigrant Services, and Lena Cohen, senior policy analyst at United Neighborhood Houses, about New York City’s new funding approach to ESOL classes and how that is impacting students. Read THE CITY article online here.

    Photo above by Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY.

     
     

  • In this two-part miniseries podcast, Scientific American’s Science Quickly explores the challenges caregivers face and the ways they can find support. SCS’s Caregiver Support Program features prominently in part 2, which includes audio and interviews with SCS staff members and family caregivers who participate in our programs.

    Click the following links to listen to the podcast or to read a transcript:

    Part 1: Navigating the Struggles and Joys of Caring for Aging Loved Ones

    Part 2: Balancing Long-Term Caregiving with Personal Well-Being

    If you or someone you know is a family caregiver, contact us at 877-577-9337 or carenyc@scsny.org to learn how we can help. Click here for more information about our Caregiver Support Program. Browse our caregiver events here.

     
  • Sunnyside Post Mile Returns

    The Sunnyside Post Mile returns Saturday, October 26!

    The Halloween-themed run/walk event takes place in Sunnyside, Queens. The event begins with a ceremony at 9:30 am, with the Sunnyside Post Mile beginning at 10 am, and the children’s dash events at 10:45 am. Although not required, participants are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes. The mile-long race route begins near Lou Lodati Park on 43rd Street and continues along Barnett Avenue, 48th Street, and Skillman Avenue, ending on Skillman Avenue near Lou Lodati Park.

    The Sunnyside Post Mile is presented by Schneps Media and Queens Post, and organized by the Woodside-Sunnyside Runners. Funds raised support Sunnyside Community Services.

    Tickets are on sale now for $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for children, plus processing fees. Buy your tickets here.

    Read more about the Sunnyside Post Mile in the Sunnyside Post.

    Photo by John Marino. Follow him on Instagram at twocansam4.

     
     
     

  • Backpacks Distributed to Woodside Students

    On August 23, students from Woodside Houses and the nearby community were given free backpacks to help them prepare for the upcoming school year. The event was organized by Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas and was supported by staff from New York State Senator Michael Gianaris’ office, Elmhurst Hospital, and SCS, all working together to ensure the event’s success.

       
  • SCS was among six organizations that have seen their funding for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs cut due to changes in how New York City awards funding. In fiscal year 2024 (which ended in June), SCS offered 39 classes. This fiscal year, unless additional sources of funding can be secured, SCS will only be able to offer three classes. Daniel Parra, a reporter from City Limits, an independent, investigative news source, explores this important issue in a recent article. Read the article in English here. Lea la versión en español aquí.

    Photo above: An ESOL class at St. Nicks Alliance in Brooklyn. Photo by Adi Talwar, City Limits.

     
     

  • Save the Date: SCS Turns 50

    This year, Sunnyside Community Services celebrates 50 years of lighting up lives with our programs. We hope you can join us for our 50th anniversary celebration. To become a sponsor or learn more, call 929-335-7849 or email mguzman@scsny.org.

  • Representative Nydia Velázquez provided $450,000 in federal funding to renovate SCS’ building in Sunnyside. Building improvements will include upgrades to several bathrooms to make them ADA compliant, modernizing the HVAC system, and minor renovations to improve acoustics in six classrooms. Construction is expected to start in 2025. Read more in the Sunnyside Post article here.

  • SCS is part of a city-wide activation of air-conditioned facilities that residents can visit to cool down. New York City opens cooling centers throughout the five boroughs to help prevent heat-related illnesses or deaths. NY1 Noticias stopped by SCS on June 20 and spoke with residents using our cooling center and with Shyvonne Noboa, the Associate Executive Director for Older Adult Services at SCS. See the full story online here.

  • NY1 Noticias talks to SCS Elder Justice Worker Carol Hernandez; Commissioner of the NYC Department for the Aging, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez; and Nancy Mejía, a New Yorker who has experienced elder abuse firsthand. Watch the full video clip online here.

    SCS’ Elder Justice program helps individuals living in Western Queens (Community Districts 1-7 and 11), including Long Island City, Sunnyside, Astoria, Jackson Heights, Corona, Flushing, Rego Park, and many other neighborhoods. Read more about our program here.