Project Renewal

“That’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a child—to be a chef. Just to see people happy and full makes my day.” -Renee Renee Escobar, Culinary Arts Training Program graduate, and Barbara Hughes, Executive Director of City Beet Kitchens, recently discussed Project Renewal’s efforts to serve up meals and job opportunities for New Yorkers who need them on BronxNet TV. Watch the full interview: https://lnkd.in/g8y8HvD3

Meet Katrina, a passionate chef and proud graduate of Project Renewal’s Culinary Arts Training Program (CATP). When she first enrolled, she suddenly lost her brother and had to take a step back to grieve. But six years later she returned to complete the program and was welcomed with open arms. Katrina says CATP is like her second family. She now works with another CATP alum at NYU’s Palladium Hall and plans to open a restaurant named Kodi’s Kitchen after her granddaughter. “I’m in my glory. Graduating is a goal accomplished—it’s my biggest accomplishment since my brother passed. The CATP team are really great people. No matter your situation, they support you. You have to want it first, but they give everything you need to succeed.” - Katrina All New Yorkers deserve access to good jobs that lead to great careers. Invest in the power of renewal today: https://lnkd.in/e_bqa4wu

For too many New Yorkers, crucial needs like housing, quality health care, and a living-wage job are simply out of reach. That’s why Project Renewal shows up every day with services that ensure people can move forward in every area of their lives. As the year closes, we’re sharing stories of members of the Project Renewal community who are renewing their lives and pursuing their goals! Together we can unlock the power of renewal for ALL New Yorkers. Join us: https://lnkd.in/e_bqa4wu

Project Renewal says YES to more housing opportunity! Yesterday Shams DaBaron, Project Renewal Trustee, and Eric Rosenbaum, Project Renewal’s President & CEO, went to City Hall to advocate for lower rent, more affordable housing, and greater housing stability for New Yorkers who need it.

We are proud to serve veterans through our housing, health, and jobs programs. Our medical director of psychiatric services, Melissa O'Brien, writes in City Limits about the progress we've made towards ending homelessness among veterans—and the ongoing mental health and housing needs of the community: https://lnkd.in/eqQK2MuX

Today our very own Robin Kahan-Berman was honored as one of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s 2024 Whole Health Heroes! Robin launched Project Renewal’s innovative Occupational Therapy program in 2009. She continues to create impactful programming that supports clients in rebuilding their lives, one meaningful activity at a time.? https://lnkd.in/eT6hP-2v #AnthemWHH24

Project Renewal knows that people need stable housing, comprehensive health care, and good jobs with a living wage. This World Homeless Day, we stand firm in our commitment to providing people with the services they need to reach their goals and thrive. Let’s end the cycle of homelessness in New York City together. Visit our website to learn how you can get involved: www.projectrenewal.org

Great time earlier this month at the HSU Gala with amazing colleagues in the field and the added bonus of celebrating Staci Lawson from PRI who won the “housing hero” award!

Yesterday was an inspiring day for NYHealth. We began with a thoughtful conversation between our CEO, David Sandman, and Dr. Ashwin Vasan, Commissioner of NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, on key public health issues in NYC. Next, we hosted a panel on Health Care Delivery in NYC, moderated by David Sandman, with valuable insights from Dr. Mitch Katz (NYC Health + Hospitals), Paloma Hernandez (URBAN HEALTH PLAN, INC.), and Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS (Mount Sinai Health System). After a tour of Bellevue Hospital, led by CEO William Hicks, showcasing its legacy of compassionate care, we headed to God's Love We Deliver for a Food Access Conversation. Special thanks to Kate Janeski, Dorella W., and Kailin Husayko from God’s Love We Deliver, Michael Partis from Red Hook Initiative, and Tutu Badaru from GrowNYC for their leadership and insights. We followed with a panel on Whole-Person Care Across the Life Course, moderated by Avital Havusha, with insights from Zachariah Hennessey (Public Health Solutions), Madeleine Dorval-Moller (Northern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership), and Eric Rosenbaum (Project Renewal). We wrapped up the day at Housing Works, reflecting on our work and celebrating the accomplishments of our incredible grantees. ?? Thank you to everyone who made it such a memorable day!

“[Project Renewal’s Culinary Arts Training Program] trains everyone, from those who are formerly or currently homeless, formerly incarcerated, individuals dealing with substance use issues, even individuals who don’t have those experiences. Anyone who wants to learn how to cook, we pretty much train them.” –Cylvenia Cherry, Assistant Director of the Culinary Arts Training Program (CATP) Cylvenia Cherry, Assistant Director of CATP, and Eva Rodriguez, Kitchen Manager at City Beet Kitchens, were featured on BronxNet Community Television speaking about how Project Renewal is helping people renew their lives through successful careers in food services. Watch the full interview: https://lnkd.in/ep6X9hYt