Where We’ve Been, What We’ve Built
One Community’s past programs shaped our approach and continue to drive change in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.
Bike Path
Bike Path was a partnership between One Community and Bike New York, offering justice-involved individuals and those facing employment barriers the chance to train as Citi Bike mechanics. Participants gained technical skills for well-paying, union jobs while building confidence and a sense of direction in a supportive community.
Though Bike Path has concluded, its impact lives on through graduates who left with valuable job skills, renewed hope, and stronger connections. This program demonstrates the lasting difference that donor and partner support can make in transforming lives.
Liftoffs
Liftoffs was a summer program for youth ages 14–24, created with the Mayor’s Office and Kings County District Attorney to support violence reduction.
It offered positive alternatives through modules like theater improv, cycling and bike repair, documentary filmmaking, dance, art, carpentry, city planning, and music.
By exploring interests, building skills, and connecting with mentors, participants gained confidence, teamwork, and self-expression.
Middle School Trailblazers
One Community’s Pratt McKinney Trailblazers program provided 20 middle school students from Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School for the Arts with immersive experiences in higher education and innovation at Pratt Institute.
Guided by Pratt’s students and faculty, they engaged with projects in robotics, virtual and augmented reality, sustainability, design, architecture, and more. The program celebrated their academic achievement, leadership, and growth with a special luncheon and certificate awards.
This initiative highlights how targeted partnerships expand opportunities and inspire the next generation to envision bright futures.
I Am Here
I Am Here was a creative project at Tillary Street Women’s Shelter, offering women experiencing homelessness the opportunity for self-expression through professional portrait sessions with photographer Leslie Jean-Bart and shelter staff support.
Each participant received a framed portrait that honored her individuality and strength, fostering dignity and agency. The program helped build community within the shelter, uplifted participants’ self-worth, and challenged stereotypes about women experiencing homelessness.
Pratt Saturday Art School
Pratt Institute’s Saturday Art School offers quality art classes for youth ages 6 to 18. Participation from nearby public housing was low due to economic and social barriers.
One Community’s targeted outreach—sharing information through trusted community members, reducing fees, accepting cash payments, and providing chaperoned group transportation with MetroCards—significantly increased access.
As a result, more youth from public housing developed artistic skills, built confidence, and experienced inclusion in a world-class cultural setting, helping to broaden their horizons and future opportunities.
Free Wheelin'
Free Wheelin’ was a youth bike repair program inspired by One Community’s Bike Path initiative. Ten students from public housing learned bike maintenance and safe riding, receiving a bike, helmet, lock, and tool kit after three weeks.
Supported by partners like NewLab, Target, and Bike New York, and led by mentors—many of whom graduated from the original Bike Path program—Free Wheelin’ empowered youth with skills, confidence, and healthy opportunities.
Elders, Safe and Free
In partnership with Clinton Hill/Fort Greene Mutual Aid and pharmacist Ambar Keluskar of Rossi Pharmacy, One Community organized a pop-up vaccination clinic at a local community center. Volunteer drivers helped seniors get to the site, where they were welcomed in their own language and guided through the process with care and respect.
The streamlined experience allowed seniors to be vaccinated and on their way within 30 minutes. While waiting, they enjoyed snacks, learned about community programs, and received fresh produce and groceries.
Fresh Daily
Fresh Daily filled a vital gap at Tillary Street Women’s Shelter by providing personal care products and intimate apparel—items often missing from traditional donations.
Launched in 2018 with support from Laurie Cumbo -- now New York City’s Commissioner of Cultural Affairs -- Fresh Daily served 200 residents and all new arrivals that year. Ongoing backing from local boutique Jill Lindsey, via annual fundraisers, ensures a steady supply of these essentials.
This partnership improves daily comfort and dignity for women at the shelter, showing how focused community support meets real needs.
Begin Again
Many Fort Greene and Clinton Hill public housing residents face barriers from open summonses and warrants that limit access to jobs and services. Kings County DA Eric Gonzalez’s Begin Again program helps clear these records and connect people to resources.
Before the latest round, One Community boosted awareness by distributing flyers, engaging local leaders, and speaking directly with residents—helping more neighbors get a fresh start.
This effort showed how targeted outreach and community partnership promote equity and opportunity.
Tillary Tillers
Tillary Tillers brought residents of the Tillary Street Women’s Shelter together to care for Fort Greene Park, nurturing both the park and community pride.
Organized by One Community with the Institute for Community Living, Fort Greene Parks Conservancy, and NYC Parks, the program gave participants hands-on experience in gardening, landscaping, and park stewardship.
Through this collaboration, shelter residents helped maintain an important neighborhood resource while building skills, ownership, and stronger community connections.
Share Your P-EBT Initiative
During the pandemic, One Community launched Share Your P-EBT to encourage families with the $420 P-EBT benefit to support neighbors facing food insecurity. By donating part of their benefit, families helped fund grocery deliveries, packaging, protective gear, and essential supplies for over 1,400 households, including homebound seniors.
Supporters saw their impact clearly—$100 provided about 625 meals, and $420 supported over 2,600 meals.
Though P-EBT has ended, ongoing donations remain crucial to keep pantries stocked and ensure vulnerable residents have reliable access to nutritious food. Every gift helps reduce food insecurity and build community resilience.
Don't Miss Your $500 Initiative
During the 2020 pandemic relief rollout, One Community partnered with the New York City Housing Authority and local groups to help Fort Greene public housing families access the extra $500 per dependent benefit. Many risked missing out due to lack of information or application challenges.
One Community distributed clear materials, held information sessions, and provided one-on-one application support. The Food Bank of New York City’s tax team assisted with filing to ensure residents claimed their payments.
This effort highlighted the vital role of trusted local partnerships and hands-on support in connecting vulnerable families with critical resources—a model that remains essential today.
