Social Services Department
SEBCO’s social services programs were first
established in 1979 to serve its growing residential population. SEBCO
firmly believes that strong social service programs not only improve our
resident’s quality of life but also help to stabilize the surrounding
community. Since 1990, this department has developed three major
divisions: Community Life Services, Senior Services and Homeless
Services.
In 1990, SEBCO hired its first Director of Social Services and initiated
a comprehensive program through out its multifamily apartment buildings
located in Hunts Point, Longwood and Mott Haven. The families who live
in these buildings represent a broad spectrum of Bronx residents,
including formerly homeless, low and moderate income, immigrants,
Latinos, and African Americans. Today, approximately 1,200 families in
forty-one buildings receive a full range of tenant and social services
including tenant organizing, counseling, life skills, computer classes,
job placement, after-school programs, support groups for women, youth
groups, weekend retreats, summer day camp, block parties, advocacy
services, arrearage and homelessness prevention and a community
newsletter. This Department has also successfully spearheaded larger
community events such as the New South Bronx Halloween Parade, the Hunts
Point Summer Festival and Fish Parade and the Annual Christmas Village
and Christmas Show as well as cosponsoring the Summer Play Street with
Unitas at Fr.Gigante Plaza.
Presently there are five major satellite offices situated in SEBCO
buildings that are accessible to tenants. The first is at the1220 Seneca
Avenue
which services the Hunt’s Point buildings. This year, the chief
accomplishments included the Family Support Group which provides a forum
for discussion and support and volunteering. Staff and tenants were very
active in their support of the Fish Parade and Summer Festival which,
this year, took place at the new Barretto Park. Other events during the
year included the annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner, Honoring School
Graduates, Goshen Weekend Retreat, bus trips for apple picking and a
family picnic at Welch Lake.
Two other satellite offices are located at 581 Timpson Pl. and 390
Jackson Ave. Their highlights included the Youth Video Production Class,
the Teen Group and Little Ones, Block parties, two Goshen Weekend
retreats, Christmas and Thanksgiving parties and the Easter Egg Hunt in
St. Mary’s Park.
Two additional satellite offices located at 949 Faile St, and 985
Intervale Ave. This year’s summer day camp at Faile St. hosted 25
children between the ages of 6 and 12 for 7 weeks of full day
educational and recreational programs. Other highlights included the
Woman’s Support Group, Girls Talk Youth Group, and two weekend retreats
at the Empowerment Center in Goshen. This fall, the department reopened
its After-School Program for 20 children at Cordova Houses. The program
this year will have an intergenerational focus as well as our steadfast
emphasis on homework help and enriched educational activities including
computer and internet training.