WELCOME

The Human Services Council (HSC) is the Voice of the Human Services Community. We represent thousands of not-for-profit organizations in New York City and we advocate for the needs of the human services sector as a whole. Human service providers can accomplish more for their clients when they work together to increase funding, master complex new regulations, and orchestrate joint technology. HSC provides the structure to make that happen.
Since 1991, we have helped bring together a diverse network of human services organizations to discuss ideas and take collective action on issues and concerns that impact the entire sector. Through advocacy, information, collaboration, and technical assistance, member organizations and their leaders are supported by the whole human services community in addressing their concerns of public policy, economic trends, and regulatory environment.
We invite you to add your organization's voice today!

HSC Policy and Advocacy Workshops in All Boroughs Read > >

As part of our work to strengthen the human services sector’s ability to serve New Yorkers in need, HSC is hosting a series of policy and advocacy workshops in every borough. You are invited to attend any of the workshops, and we strongly encourage your staff members and colleagues to attend as well. Non-HSC members who might benefit from this learning opportunity, or who may be interested in learning more about HSC are also encouraged to attend. All sessions are free, and the earlier session includes breakfast. Click here for more information.

Answers and help to organizations experiencing cash flow problems due to the late State Budget Read > >

As you are aware, the late State budget has created serious cash flow problems for a number of providers throughout the sector. The complete budget has yet to pass, but many of the budget allocations, including human services, have been made through budget extender bills, giving State agencies the authority to begin releasing payments.

YOUR RIGHTS RELATED TO LATE PAYMENTS

We strongly encourage those with State contracts to review the recently released, three-page Legal Alert “Impact of State Budget Stalemate on New York Nonprofits” put out by Lawyers Alliance and developed in conjunction with HSC for answers to questions about your rights regarding late payments. You will find answers to the following:

1. Is the State of New York required to reimburse contractors for expenses incurred on contracts after April 1, 2010?
2. Is the State required to make timely payments on its contracts?
3. If an organization takes a loan to cover expenses while it awaits reimbursement can those interest expenses be reimbursed as an expense of the State contract?
4. If a contractor continues to perform and ultimately the funds are not appropriated by the State or the terms of the contract are modified will the contractor be able recoup its expenses?
5. Can the State require a contractor to provide the same level of programming while reducing funding?
6. If an organization temporarily ceases programs funded by the State while it awaits payment, can the State terminate the contract?
7. How can nonprofits participate in advocacy efforts to ensure timely payment?

For answers to these questions click here:

GUIDANCE REGARDING RENEGOTIATIONS

- We advise you to reach out to the State agencies with which you hold contracts to express concerns about payment and to ask for guidance regarding reimbursement timeframes. We also suggest that you inform them (in writing) of any additional costs incurred or anticipated as a result of late payments.

- If your organization has incurred costs due to the late budget, such as interest payments or expenses associated with closing down or reducing services that resulted from funding uncertainties, contact your contracting agency and negotiate to have those costs covered. If the State agency is unable to increase your reimbursement rate, ask for a reduction in your deliverables for the remainder of the fiscal year to cover these costs.

- Likewise, if program funding has been decreased, we advise you to renegotiate the deliverables on the contract so that the service expectations match the decreased contract amount. If you have been providing services at the pre-cut level during April, May, and June, we suggest you factor this in when renegotiating the deliverables.

- We encourage organizations experiencing delayed payments to keep meticulous records of actions being taken. For example, if you are taking out lines of credit, keep records of accrued interest and make sure your budget reflects that the line of credit has been taken out to pay for X program and incorporates the additional interest costs.

HOW HSC CAN HELP

If you are experiencing any kind of cash flow problems stemming from late payments by the State, contact HSC by emailing Michelle Jackson, Policy Analyst, at jacksonm@humanservicescouncil.org. Please include the following information:

The name of the program you are contracted to provide and which State agency holds the contract
The contract number and amount
Where the services are provided
The amount you are owed to date and what payments you have received (if any)
Information regarding where the contract is in the process
HSC will pass this information on to the State Division of Budget, which has agreed to help address individual problems experienced by our members.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE

Organizations may also apply for funds from the City’s Returnable Grant Fund and are eligible under Category II, D if they need the funds due to late payments from the State. Applications can be found here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nonprofit/downloads/pdf/ergf_loan_application.pdf

If you are a grantee of the Clark Foundation, you can also apply to the new Loan Fund they have created in conjunction with the Nonprofit Finance Fund. See the press release for additional information.

New York City Council passes FY11 budget Read > >

On June 29, the New York City Council passed a $63 billion negotiated budget for fiscal year 2010-2011 (FY11), including $395 million in restorations, initiatives, and discretionary funding from the City Council. If you are a member, you can click here to see HSC’s summary of the Adopted FY11 City Budget.

The City outlines plans to reengineer procurement process through HHS Accelerator Read > >

In April, the Office of the Mayor released a joint report from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS), Achieving High Performance Relationships with Providers of Human Services. The report outlines the efforts of a new department, HHS Accelerator, to increase the efficiency and transparency in the relationship between City government and human services providers - so that New Yorkers will continue to receive the needed services they rely upon.

HSC and member organizations contributed to the research for the report and we are pleased that many improvements documented in the report are ones for which we have advocated for many years. Highlights of the changes include:

- Adoption of a cross-agency prequalification process and Master Service Agreements for human services
- Creation of a data vault (electronic, central repository) for documents required by the City that will eliminate redundant submissions
- Centralized audits aimed at reducing the number of audits performed Use of technology to encourage contract processing transparency.

On June 21, HSC was pleased to host a session for its members with Linda I. Gibbs, Deputy Mayor for HHS. Members can view the presentation from this session by going to the Members’ Only section of the website.

HSC is partnering with NPower NY to connect not-for-profits with MS Online Read > >

MS Online- a set of bundled applications that can save your organization approximately 50% of your technology costs.

This initiative was developed through the COLA (cost-of-living-adjustment) Taskforce, which has identified cost-saving measures aimed at saving money that can be applied to City COLAs.

MS Online is a business solution that can help you achieve these savings and also help your organization run more efficiently. Please view our MS Online document for more details, including dates,time, and price comparisons.

Act Now! Contact Your State Legislators on Taxes and Revenue Options Before the Budget is Adopted Read > >

HSC was in Albany throughout March, lobbying against the MTA Mobility Tax and for the restoration of TANF funding. Many of the legislators we met with agree with our message, but there are competing interests lobbying hard in Albany, and the budget forecast is bleak.

We are concerned about our ability to protect funding streams that support the critical services provided by the human services sector, but we are not willing to give up. We need to come together in an unprecedented manner to amplify our voice. The State budget was scheduled to be adopted in April, so please act ASAP – it’s not too late!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Target New York City representatives, because the New York City Delegation needs to fight back against the increased MTA Tax. Specifically, if you provide services in the districts of the following representatives, please send letters: Senator Martin Dilan, Senator Carl Kruger, Senator Velmanette Montgomery, President Pro Temp John Sampson, Senator Daniel Squadron, Assembly Member Herman Farrell, Assembly Member William Scarborough, Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Assembly Member Keith Wright.

Please contact Michelle Jackson with any questions or results regarding this action alert, including letters sent or meetings held.

Send in letters:
Attached is a letter that we urge you to send to your legislators that discuss TANF, the MTA Mobility Tax, and revenue options HSC supports (Sugary Beverage Tax, Cigarette Tax, and prison/juvenile detention center closures). Please send this letter, and where possible, fill in details about how service cuts and the MTA tax will affect your organization. Also attached is a list of NYC Assembly and Senate members by district.

Set up in-district meetings with your State legislators: Call your representative and set up meetings to discuss how budget cuts will impact the services you provide, the clients you serve, and jobs within your organization. You can search for an Assembly Member or Senator by zip code.

Bring in clients and staff who can speak to the importance of your programs. Attached is a TANF explanation document and information on the MTA Mobility Tax to aid in your advocacy efforts. Members can learn more about TANF funding by going to the Members Only section of the HSC website, under Current Initiatives. Also attached is a list of revenue options that HSC supports. Please report back to HSC on what you hear.

Share information about your programs’ cuts with HSC: The information our members provide is the core of HSC’s advocacy efforts. For example, in our meetings, legislators understood the impact of the MTA Mobility Tax when they saw how much it would cost only a small sample of not-for-profits. Please tell us how the MTA Mobility Tax will affect your organization including total cost (.0034 x yearly payroll=current MTA tax, .0054 x yearly payroll=proposed increase) and approximately how many jobs that represents. For TANF, please tell us if you currently receive funding for a program on the list and what will happen if funding is not restored (less clients served, jobs lost, programs closed altogether, impact on community).

Tell HSC your stories: HSC is working with Pro-Media to increase media coverage around human services issues. Stories about client needs, service reductions that have taken place or could take place, and implemented or potential staffing reductions attributable to the economic crisis, the proposed Executive State Budget, or City cuts in particular are a great help in getting media coverage. Please send Michelle Jackson your stories and specifics about the impacts on your organization (less clients served, jobs lost, programs closed). We also need to identify people who can speak to the media. Please help connect us to clients or program staff who can tell their story well and illustrate the importance of maintaining funding for social services.

To protect social service programs, we need a loud, consistent message. This year is like no other we have seen. Please get back to us ASAP if you can be helpful in any of the areas we have outlined. Thank you so much to our members who have been sending in letters, letting us know about your meetings, and sharing crucial program information with us. The information you have provided to us has greatly aided our advocacy efforts.

Act Now! Please note changes to City Council Budget Hearings in May-June, Public Testimonies Set for June 7! Read > >

The City Council has changed many of the times and dates of the Executive Budget Hearings. Please see the revised schedule for human services below. Note: Public testimony will only be allowed on June 7th at 2:00 PM for all topics. Therefore, testifying should not be your sole advocacy strategy. Stay tuned for HSC advocacy opportunities. The Executive Budget is due to be released on May 6th. Aside from testifying on June 7, you can listen to the hearings according to the schedule below.

Hearing Schedule:
(All meetings are scheduled in the Council Chambers)

Juvenile Justice(new time)
Date: May 17
Time: 2:00 - 3:00

General Welfare
Date: May 18
Time: 9:30 - 11:00 – Human Resources Administration/Social Services
11:00 – 1:00 – Administration for Children’s Services
1:00 – 3:00 – Homeless Services

Youth and Community Development(new time)
Date: May 25
Time: 9:30 – 11:00

Criminal Justice Coordinator (Indigent Defense Services)
Date: June 1
Time: 12:30 – 1:30

Aging(new date)
Date: May 17
Time: 12:30 - 2:00

Health and Mental Hygiene(new time)
Date: June 2
Time: 12:00 – 2:00

NYCHA(new date)
Date: May 21
Time: 1:00 – 1:45

Public Testimony
Date: June 7
Time: 2:00

If you are interested in testifying, you should go to City Hall, Council Chambers, or 250 Broadway, on the day of the hearing, where you will be placed on a first-come, first-served list.

Please bring 15-20 copies of your testimony in written or typed form. Written testimony may be submitted by mail to:

Attention: Budget Hearings/FY 2011
The New York City Council Finance Division
250 Broadway, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10007

2010 Census – Make Sure You and Your Clients Are Counted! Read > >

The 2010 Census is upon us. Questionnaires were mailed in March and were due April 15. NYC is working hard to make sure that people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens alike, regardless of legal status, are counted in 2010. April 15 was the last day to mail back the forms; census takers are visiting households that didn’t return a census by mail starting in May.

Please share this information with everyone – we want to reach as many New Yorkers as possible with the important message that it is their right and obligation to participate in the 2010 census so individuals and communities get their fair share of representation. Please, if you haven’t already done so, remind everyone you know to participate in the census.

If you have any questions, NYC’s website has a dedicated census page. Click Here to visit. You can also see a letter from New York State about the census – and find links to State census resources by clicking here.

New York State Comptroller’s Office Releases Report on Not-for-Profit Sector – HSC’s Recommendations and Proposals Acknowledged Read > >

HSC wrote recommendations to alleviate financial and administrative burdens on not-for-profits (more about this in What’s Hot at HSC, below), which sparked the interest of the New York State Comptroller’s Office. We are pleased that New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and his staff worked with us to incorporate many of our recommendations in a report they issued in January 2010 about issues of concern to the not-for-profit sector and that Comptroller DiNapoli and key staff members came to present at our January 13 HSC Board meeting. We look forward to continuing our work with the Comptroller and his Office on our shared issues of concern, such as the loss of public and private funding, prompt contracting, government efficiencies and assistance for not-for-profits as they struggle in the economic downturn.

HSC Advocacy Efforts Results in Principles to Guide City and State Budget Decisions Read > >

With the help of its federations and coalition heads, HSC created a list of 8 principles for City and State leaders to use when making budget decisions. HSC sent the City principles to the Mayor and all City Commissioners and the State principles to the Governor and all State Commissioners in December. We were pleased to receive feedback already from government agencies that they are applying some of these principles to their difficult work of balancing the FY11 budget. We encourage all members and friends of the human services sector to use these principles in their advocacy efforts.

HSC releases its summary of the FY 2010-2011 New York State and City Executive Budgets Read > >

On January 19, 2010, the Governor released a $134 billion FY10-11 Executive Budget proposal that closes a $7.4 billion deficit. The Executive Budget contains $5.6 billion in recurring reductions to current-services spending which constitutes 75% of the gap closing plan. The Executive Budget also proposes increasing taxes or fee liabilities to generate almost $1 billion in FY11, approximately 14% of the overall gap closing plan. Click here to see HSC’s summary of the Governor’s FY11 Executive Budget.

Please note that the 21-day amendment period, in which the Governor can make changes to his formal budget proposal, ends February 9th. Over the next several weeks, the Legislature will hold a series of joint public hearings on the proposal and then negotiations with the Governor typically commence. Please see the list of human service related hearings below - we encourage you to submit or provide testimony. HSC will provide more instructions to members on actions you can take to help advocate for your services in the near future. Click here for the schedule of Joint Legislative Public Hearings on the 2010-2011 Executive Budget.

On January 28, the Mayor released his FY11 Preliminary Budget plan to close a $4.9 billion deficit for FY11 through $1.6 billion in agency gap closing options, with $484 million in reductions previously made for the remainder of FY10 and $1.1 billion for FY11. Gap closing actions taken by City agencies since 2007 helped generate a surplus of $2.9 billion in FY10, which is being used to balance the budget for FY 2011. Proposed taxes are an aviation fuel sales tax and a mortgage recoding tax, which are expected to generate $170 million and $50 million respectively in FY11. If the measures outlined in the preliminary FY11 budget are adopted, pre-existing out-year budget gaps will be reduced, but the City will still face budget gaps of approximately $3.2 billion in FY 2012, $3.7 billion in FY 2013 and $3.9 billion FY 2014.

The Mayor again seeks to reduce the growth in City employee salary costs with employee productivity increases, pension reform, and mandatory health care premium contributions in exchange for future salary increases. A new Tier V pension plan for new City employees would result in an annual savings of $200 million beginning in FY11 and requires passage of a new State law. The FY11 Preliminary Budget does not, however, rely on savings generated from pension reform or from new health care contributions from employees. For HSC’s full preliminary budget summary of the City budget, please click here.

HSC leading the negotiation of a standard human services contract Read > >

HSC is pleased to be representing the human services sector on the new Standard Human Services Contract – we have been advocating for the implementation of a standard approach to contracting and are excited to have reached this point.

The new contract will be used across the City’s human services agencies and will reshape the terms and clauses of human services contracts. This work will have a significant impact on the relationship between contracting not-for-profit agencies and the City of New York.

HSC is leading the sector through the negotiation process – working hard to ensure the interests of the sector are represented in the final document. If you, or other representatives from your organization, are interested in participating in continued discussions on the Standard Contract, please let us know so that we can add your name to HSC's Contract Reform Committee (even if only on a temporary basis). HSC is thrilled to offer this opportunity to members to engage in this important and meaningful work. HSC has led the effort of a 60+ member workgroup (of HSC members and City representatives) to develop a Standard Health and Human Services Contract that would contain mutually agreeable terms and conditions. HSC is also continuing its negotiations with the City on administrative rates and overhead, which should be incorporated into a City Standard Fiscal Manual.

All comments should be sent to Sandi Singer, HSC’s contracts consultant at sandi_singer@msn.com.

HSC Releases Recommendations To Alleviate Financial And Administrative Burdens On Not-For-Profits Read > >

Following the survey and report about the difficulties being faced by not-for-profit human services agencies due to the economic crisis, HSC developed a list of recommendations for government agencies to help not-for-profits alleviate their financial and administrative burdens. We encourage all not-for-profits to share this list with their government contacts. HSC has already sent both the survey report and these recommendations to all New York City and New York State legislators.

HSC reaffirms its commitment to antiracism work Read > >

HSC is proud that many of our members have already taken an Undoing Racism workshop, help by the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB). HSC and the human services community we represent are strongly committed to antiracist work; we are thrilled that our Board of Directors reiterated its commitment to maintaining the momentum - despite the multitude of needs during these difficult economic times - by convening a subcommittee on antiracist work in June. Over a dozen Board members pledged to provide their time (or their staff's time) to work on this important initiative with HSC.

HSC Receives Grant from Kellogg Foundation Read > >

HSC is pleased to announce that we received a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, as part of a $75M effort by Kellogg to tackle structural racism and promote racial healing. HSC was one of 119 awardees across the United States – and one of the almost 1,000 grant submissions received by Kellogg for racial equity work. You can see our press release for more information. You can also see the America Healing part of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation’s website for complete details about their program and their America Healing online catalog, which includes HSC.

HSC, United Way of NYC and WHEDCo co-hosting Board Training in the Bronx, June 8 -- POSTPONED

The United Way of NYC (UWNYC) launched BoardServeNYC, a service that connects individuals looking to volunteer their nonprofit governance skills with not-for-profit organizations seeking board members. The service is free to New York City not-for-profits.Click here if you would like to read more information about the program. Click here to see a flyer about this training in the Bronx.

HSC, UWNYC, and WHEDCo (Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation) are co-hosting a training open to all not-for-profits who are seeking new board members AND who have applied to UWNYC’s BoardServeNYC program. (You can go to the United Way website for details on how to apply for the program.) There are monthly trainings at the UWNYC office and in other boroughs, but this is the first Bronx session:

Tuesday, June 8, 9 am – 12 pm
1330 Intervale Avenue, Bronx (in WHEDCo’s Intervale Green Community Room)

Medicare Extra Help Read > >

If you’ve been thinking about applying for extra help with your Medicare prescription drug costs, then now’s the time to get on the dance floor and hop to it. Chubby Checker, the Grammy Award winning rock and roll legend most known for his hit, “The Twist,” has teamed up with Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, to tell people about a new “twist” in the law. The change in the law makes it easier for people with Medicare to qualify for extra help with their prescription drug costs.

“The changes in the Medicare law will allow hundreds of thousands of Americans who are struggling to pay their prescription drug costs to get extra help during these tough economic times,” said Commissioner Astrue. “I am thrilled that Chubby Checker has volunteered to help us spread this important message through a new television, radio, and Internet spot as well as pamphlets and posters.” “Listen up, America! For 50 years, people of all ages and backgrounds have danced the Twist,” Chubby Checker said. “Now it’s important everyone learn about this new twist in the law." Check it out at www.socialsecurity.gov.

There are income and resource limits a person needs to meet to qualify for the extra help. But the new Medicare law eases those requirements in two ways: • The cash value of life insurance no longer counts as a resource; and • Assistance people receive from others to pay for household expenses, such as food, rent, mortgage, or utilities, no longer counts as income.

A bonus “twist” is that the application you file for extra help can now start the application process for Medicare Savings Programs as well — state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. These programs help pay Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. For some people, the Medicare Savings Programs also pay Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, if any, and Part A and B deductibles and co-payments.

To learn more about the extra help program and to view the new television spot featuring Chubby Checker, visit Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp.

NPHD is offering HSC members a 15% - 20% discount on a variety of services to HSC members Read > >

NPHD, a branch of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island, is offering HSC members a 15% discount on its already low prices on a variety of services covering IT issues, board and leadership development and coaching, staff and management issues, fundraising, marketing and development, and financial management. A 20% discount is available exclusively to HSC members in February and March for initial onsite assessment, a "virtual receptionist", and grant writing assistance.
For more information on the full range of services NPHD has to offer, click here

Grant Fund Loans Available from the City Read > >

The City's Returnable Grant Fund has $20 million dollars available to lend to organizations in need of assistance covering their short-term costs. The loan application is available by clicking here. HSC members who have questions on this loan process can contact our Government Contracts Consultant, Sandi Singer.

City Launches Flu Fighters Initiative Read > >

On October 14, Mayor Bloomberg launched Flu Fighters, a new volunteer initiative spearheaded by NYC Service and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Flu Fighters will mobilize hundreds of volunteers to conduct outreach and awareness activities at community events, schools, senior centers, and houses of worship in New York City to raise awareness about influenza and the importance of getting vaccinated. This is an excellent opportunity for New Yorkers to help save lives and to make a real difference by joining the City rsquo;s response to influenza. 

Depending on your interests and availability, there are several ways to get involved – from community outreach to helping in a vaccination center. Click here to learn more and to become a Flu Fighter!

HSC Members Receive 50% Special Discount until June 30th on Support Center for Nonprofit Management Courses - Read > >

HSC is pleased to announce a new benefit for members. The Support Center for Nonprofit Management is dedicated to improving our society by helping nonprofit organizations and leaders. They offer training and consulting services to help increase the effectiveness of the nonprofit sector so we can better serve our communities; typical workshops cover topics such as organizational and staff development, fundraising, financial management, and marketing/communications. Click here to see more information about how to register and receive the 25% discount on these important courses.

Opportunities to Partner with For-Profit Leaders - Read > >

Greater NY is a strategic partnership program, pairing executive leaders from both nonprofit and for-profit sectors in an effort to build stronger and more effective organizations by developing and implementing solutions using best practices from both sectors. Launched by private sector business leaders in response to the current economic crisis, this public-private partnership is an initiative of the Mayors Fund to Advance New York City.

Eligible nonprofit organizations should:
1)Provide human and social services that provide programming for vulnerable New York residents 2)Have an operating budget between $2 and $20 million 3)Currently receive funding from New York City 4)Need assistance in one of the following areas: o Administration o Expansion/Growth Strategy o Financial Management o Human Resources Strategy o Marketing/Communications/Outreach o Real Estate Sales/Acquisitions o Strategic Decision Making
Selected nonprofits will receive a grant of $15,000 and the opportunity to apply to Greater NY for additional funds to implement structural innovations.For more information about the Greater NY program and how to fill out an Expression of Interest form, please go to the City government website at:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/nonprofit/html/assistance/greater.shtml

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Commissions New Poll that Finds Minority Children Face More Obstacles to Health and Success than White Counterparts Read > >

Minority children and teenagers have fewer opportunities than white counterparts to be healthy, obtain a quality education, and achieve economic success, according to a national survey of adults whose jobs involve children’s education, health and economic well-being. The groundbreaking poll was released in July by the independent W. K. Kellogg Foundation, which sought to gauge the level of disparities children’s education, health and economic well-being. For more information, click here.

In May, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation launched America Healing, a $75 million, five-year initiative that is addressing the devastating impact of structural racism on communities and aims to improve life outcomes for vulnerable children and families. HSC was fortunate to receive a grant as part of this initiative and is pleased to be working with the Kellogg Foundation and the HSC Board of Directors to see how the human services community in New York can better understand and address structural racism.

New York State Comptroller Offers Information Resources for Nonprofits Read > >

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has announced a new section of his Your Money New York website that provides nonprofit organizations and New Yorkers interested in starting a nonprofit with the essential resources needed to create and support their communities more effectively. The new section offers access to reliable information on how to start a 501c3, how to deal with tax and labor issues, and finding grants and other financial assistance. The website also provides access to information from federal, State and local government resources, including:
* General Resources about Nonprofits
* Lobbying and Prompt Contracting
* Working with Employees and Volunteers
* Nonprofits looking for support in New York City
* Nonprofits looking for support in New York State
* Fundraising Help

Please see the New York Nonprofit Press article for more information.

HSC Sponsors Survey to See How Nonprofits Are Managing in Hard Times - See the Survey Results, Discussed at The Helpers Need Help Forum on Sept. 9, 2009 Read > >

HSC and the Center for Nonprofit Strategy and Management at Baruch College presented a forum, called The Helpers Need Help: New York City's Nonprofit Human Service Organizations Persevering in Uncertain Times to review the results of the survey. Download a copy of the survey report or read a press release about the survey. Finally, you can read an article from the New York Nonprofit Press about the survey and forum held on September 9.

The survey, which was developed by the School of Public Affairs at Baruch College in partnership with HSC, captures how nonprofit human services organizations in New York City are managing in hard times. It provides details on adjustments these organizations made to programs, staff, salaries, benefits, and other aspects of their operations in response to changes in revenues from public, private, and internal revenue sources in the last year. The survey expands upon the findings of the Winter 2008 Nonprofit Executive Outlook Survey, which focused on the economic environment of the past few years and its effects on a range of operating issues. The survey was completed in June 2009 with 244 nonprofit social service leaders responding.

Thanks are required to many HSC members for providing additional support for this survey; members contributed funds, called potential respondents, and worked on the development of the survey. These members include: Asian American Federation, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn & Queens, Children's Aid Society, Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, COFCCA, F.E.G.S Health and Human Services System, Good Shepherd Services, Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and NJ, Jewish Board of Family & Children's Services, Jewish Child Care Association, National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Phipps Community Development Corp., Project Renewal, Public Health Solutions, Safe Horizon, UJA Federation, and YMCA of Greater New York.

Haiti Relief Efforts – What Is Happening, How to Find More Information, and How You Can Help Read > >

The NYC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) created the NYC Haiti Earthquake Assistance Guide.
Please feel free to print and share this guide in all human services outlets. If you have suggestions on the content, please follow the directions in the guide to write to: Mary Opler

- Click here for updated info regarding temporary protected status and NY public health insurance for Haitians

Haiti Earthquake Relief Overview (thanks to the Citizen Corps Council)

What is Happening: Counseling/Community Mental Health
American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY):
- ARC/GNY is working with the Department of Education regarding crisis counseling teams in the NYC School system, with additional teams scheduled for this week.
- ARC/GNY meeting with Haitian community pastors to support a resource center at the First Haitian Church of the Brethren on Flatbush Avenue.

Community Mental Health Sheet:
- There is a list of mental health resources that are available in English, Creole, and French on OEM’s website.

Disaster Chaplaincy Services (DCS):
- DCS volunteer chaplains have been providing support to the Haitian community at the request of the American Red Cross in Greater New York. DCS chaplains were onsite at four public schools in Brooklyn providing crisis interventions and support to the affected students and staff.
- Throughout the weekend DCS chaplains have given support to the Haitian community and are scheduled at a number of locations in the upcoming week.

Diversity Preparedness at Drexel University :
- National Resource Center has highlighted a number of resources that may be useful and can be found on their homepage. These resources include translated material, toolkits, online training, and guides.

MediSys Health Network:
- MediSys Health Network has established a Resource Center at one of its Family Care Centers and will offer free group and individual counseling to New York residents.

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)::
- Tip sheets regarding coping with disaster are available on the following webpage.
- Links to information from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. These guides are specific to caregivers and school personnel and provide good information on children’s reactions to traumatic events: Click here for caregivers, or here for school personnel.

How to Find More Information: Immigration/Repatriation
- No declaration of the Federal Emergency Repatriation Plan has been made by the US Department of State. Repatriation is primarily a State and Federal (not a NYC) responsibility. - For information on immigration issues associated with the Haiti earthquake disaster, see the US Customs and Immigration Services (US CIS) webpage: here.
- The Office of Temporary and Disability Office Please have set up a toll-free phone number to address immigration related issues and concerns: 1-800-566-7636. Additional information can be found here.

How to Find More Information: Contacting Haiti
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: The ICRC Family Links Website is aimed at enabling persons in Haiti and abroad to register the names of relatives with whom they are striving to restore contact. It will progressively incorporate information offering responses to those queries. Persons seeking news from their loved ones can therefore register the name of the sought persons directly on the site.
- The information given on this website is not confidential and can be viewed by anyone.
-The majority of postings on the FamilyLinks website are from people who are searching for loved ones.
- As the Red Cross in Haiti is able to collection information on those who are safe and well, we expect to see more “safe and well” postings from Haiti. We do not know when this will happen, but Tracing specialists are in Haiti, and this is a priority.
- Instructions for using the FamilyLinks website:
-First search the list. Try various spellings of the name.
-If your relative is not on the list, click on “Register Your Relative”
-Family members should search The List regularly to see if their loved one has registered.
-If there are multiple search results, multiple people may be seeking the same individual and could have extra information.

Haiti Consulate in NYC: Contacting Haitian Disaster Victims:
- The U.S. Embassy in Haiti is still in the early stages of contacting American Citizens. Haitian nationals can contact the Haitian Consulate in New York at 212-697-9767 for information. Due to heavy call volume to both numbers, some callers may receive a recording or busy signal. Communications are very difficult within Haiti at this time.

NY State Online Registry of New York Citizens in Haiti:
- To access the online registry, go to the Governor’s website, and click on the New York State Registry of New York Citizens in Haiti. You will be asked to provide the name of the individuals you have not had contact with and provide some essential contact information. The information collected will not be used or shared for any purpose unrelated to locating and identifying family and friends in Haiti.
- For those who do not have access to the web, the Governor has established a hotline – 1-888-769-7243 – staffed at the Department of Taxation and Finance which has provided this same service during responses to the World Trade Center attack in 2001, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and the recent emergency closure of the Lake Champlain Bridge in October 2009. The hotline will be operations from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

US Embassy: Contacting Haitian Disaster Victims:
- Callers seeking information about U.S. family members in Haiti can contact the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747. The U.S. Embassy in Haiti is still in the early stages of contacting American Citizens. Haitian nationals can contact the Haitian Consulate in New York at 212-697-9767 for information. Due to heavy call volume to both numbers, some callers may receive a recording or busy signal. Communications are very difficult within Haiti at this time.

How You Can Help: Donations NYC Office of Emergency Management:
- Cash Donations are Best for Haiti Earthquake Relief: OEM encourages anyone wishing to contribute to relief efforts for the recent earthquake in Haiti to give cash.
- Cash donations allow relief agencies to purchase goods that meet victims' needs and help support the local economy. You can make donations through the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, which will be directing contributions to organizations working in the affected areas: Learn more.

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens:
- Online donations for Haitian Relief can be made here. Checks can be made payable to Catholic Charities (Haiti Relief in the memo line) and mailed to Catholic Charities, Office of Development   Communications, 191 Joralemon Street, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Donations received will be sent to Catholic Relief Services, our sister-agency for international relief.

Catholic Relief Services:
- Catholic Relief Services has been on the ground in Haiti for years and has already committed $5M to Haiti with more to come as current donations come in. To donate visit.

Dwa Fanm:
- Dwa Fanm has activated an emergency response through its connection with the Brooklyn Tabernacle. To give financial support, donate to Dwa or brooklyn tabernacle.

Islamic Relief USA
- Islamic Relief USA has raised it to $2.5 million in the wake of the tragedy and is preparing a shipment of much-needed supplies.

Jewish Community Relations Council:
- Is collecting and disseminating info here. For Jewish Agency Response.

New York Times:
- has published a list of organizations receiving donations here.

United Sikhs:
- The United Sikhs volunteers arrived in Port-au-Prince Saturday for beginning major humanitarian relief work in capital city of Haiti. The Sikh Aid team will be distributing emergency survival kits including food, water, and blankets. The team will also be providing emergency health services to the injured. A United Sikhs shipment carrying imperishable food, water, cloths and medicines will be arriving to Haiti next week by sea from Miami. For more information or to donate please visit.

World Vision:
- World Vision has been very active in Haiti for years and has already rushed 18 metric tons of supplies to Haiti from their warehouse in Denver. To support these efforts click here.

HSC's annual fundraiser held December 16 Read > >

The 14th Annual Leadership Awards Reception ended the year on a high note. Held on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at Mutual of America, HSC was pleased to honor the following leaders in human services for their significant contributions to the human services sector and the people it serves:

Melba Butler, Butler Consulting
Verona Middleton-Jeter, Henry Street Settlement
Frank Modica, Hamilton-Madison House
C. Warren Moses, Children's Aid Society

HSC is grateful to all supporters, especially our honorees and Mutual of America, in helping to make this event a wonderful success.

Please click here to see more about the event, including the photos and our online (green) version of the 2009 Journal.

Responses from New York City Mayoral Candidates to Human Services Sector- Specific Questions, October 2009 Read > >

As we rsquo;ve done in the past, HSC asked the 2009 NYC Mayoral Candidates to respond to a questionnaire on behalf of the human services sector.  We are happy to report that both Michael Bloomberg and William Thompson responded to our questions and their answers have been compiled in their entirety here!  You can also see their responses in this month rsquo;s edition of the New York Nonprofit Press.

 The questions focus on the human services sector rsquo;s relationship with government, funding issues, human service staff development, and the use of technology to access benefits and services.  We are very pleased to be able to present you with these responses and hope they will help inform you of the respective candidates rsquo; positions on these important topics.  Please feel free to forward this document. 

As a tax-exempt not-for-profit, HSC is subject to 501(c)(3) rules which prohibit the endorsement of candidates.

Responses from New York City Comptroller Candidates to Human Services Sector-Specific Questions, September, 2009 - Read > >

To understand the human service policies and approaches of the NYC Comptroller candidates, the Human Services Council sent a human service sector-specific questionnaire to the candidates. We received responses from David Yassky and Joe Mendola. David Yassky's responses can be viewed through this linkand are in red; Joe Mendola's responses can be viewed through this link. We hope these answers will inform you of their views and objectives with regard to issues and concerns of the human services sector. Please note that this information is nonpartisan and is not intended to reflect an endorsement for, or opposition to, any candidate or political party.

Free Guide on Maintaining Health Coverage After Job Loss - Read > >

Do you have clients who need to maintain health coverage after losing a job? United Hospital Fund produced a new consumer guide, Hard Times and Health Insurance: Staying Covered When You Lose Your Job, which presents practical advice on state and federal protections and how to exercise them.  The guide, which is available for free by clicking here, is made possible in part by support from the New York State Health Foundation and can be shared freely. Please contact the Funds Health Insurance Project co-director Peter Newell (pnewell@uhfnyc.org) if you have questions or comments.