On the brisk fall morning of Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, the Care Caf茅 program partnered with Harlem faith-based community partners to host an event entitled 鈥淕iving the Gift of Warmth: A Winter Coat Give-Away鈥 at the Williams Institutional CME Church located at 2239 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard (131/132nd street), New York, NY 10027.
Serving approximately 216 community members and their families with clothing, coats, health education information and personal protective equipment (PPE), the services proved to be essential toward improving the quality of life for those individuals who were present. Now in our second year, this sought-after event was well attended with a line forming around the corner and down the street with families waiting for the chance to select coats and clothing.
Care Caf茅 Intern Jackie R. works with volunteers while people look over the array of coats available.
The Care Caf茅 team established an onsite consultation service desk where community members were able to anonymously ask social services questions and obtain resources and referrals for housing, mental health, legal services, and general emotional support as needed. The demand for social work consultation lasted well beyond the hours of the drive, speaking to the need for these services at community events.
While appreciative for a coat during their visit, and with tears in their eyes, community members shared their gratitude for the opportunity to resolve some of their personal concerns with just a 鈥渕oment of quiet鈥 and expressed happiness to be in a 鈥渟afe place鈥 to discuss personal issues with a trusted person.
As social workers, reflective of every community engagement opportunity, we are ever mindful about our privilege, the strength of people, and commitment to serve.
The Care Caf茅 team will be hosting a few more clothing drives through the end of the year across Manhattan and the Bronx. Should you wish to donate coats or clothing, please contact us!
Special Thank You to all of the dedicated members of the Board of Human and Social Concern at Williams Institutional Church; the fearless leader, Sister Myra; and all other partners for your support and love!
Special Thanks to Care Caf茅 Intern Jackie R. for supporting the community through her efforts!
For more information about Care Caf茅 and our programming, please feel free to email us at Kimberly.moore@yu.edu or carecafe@yu.edu. We are also available by phone: 646.592.6827. We would love to hear from you!
Care Caf茅 Intern Jackie R. works with volunteers while people look over the array of coats available.
