I have been working in a volunteer/intern capacity at Met. Council and am beyond pleased so far. Full-time staff has made me feel welcome and have been highly organized and knowledgeable. I am very happy to have been placed here.
Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty is not a responsible organization, they do not have any responsibility to the people, all they do is enrich themselves. If you want to work in this "organization", I give you my advice, do not waste your valuable time.
Its an incredible service that the met council provides to the poor and the needy. The amount of assistance and the way in which it is provided is inspirational! Thanks
I've joined an organization that was fortunate enough or receive a grant from Met Council for our Family Advancement Mentors (FAM) Project. My experience with Met Council to date has been fantastic. They have at all times shown a level of professionalism and warmth and kindness at all meetings and workshop that have lead to a great collaborative environment. "
My name is Renee St.Lewis, I am a divored Mother of two teenagers, that found herself without a job, and dealing with an eviction process. At Met Council, I was given help through the Career Center, they helped me with Computer skills, and made three resumes from the one original resume I had. I had been searching for 8 months for a job, any Job. Once I got my new resumes, I found a job 2 weeks later as a Production Coordinator for "Talbots". And it doesn't end there... Met Council also helped me with clothes for my new job through "Dress for Success", And again, it doesn't end there, Met Council also covered this months rent for me. Met Council has help me start a new life, I am deeply grateful to Jessica Polsky and Tonya Melendez for all of their help, May God Bless all of the Staff Members of Met Council!!! Sincerely, Renee St.Lewis
Met Council staff (especially Ms. Dublin) is very efficient, courteous, and cooperative. I have a lot of appreciation for their efforts to make their residents safe and comfortable.
This agency is the best! Temima helped my sister and father navigate through an arduous process, and the result is that my dad is so happy in his new apartment. Getting him in there would not have been possible without the of the Metropolitan Council. My family and I are deeply grateful for all the support, time, and consideration given to my father.
I know Met Council has many missions beyond the housing they help provide to the elderly. But, I want to attest to the fact that that mission alone is an absolute life saver. This past spring my mother moved into their building on East 46th Street. I moved in with her for a few weeks to help her get settled, explore the neighborhood, etc.. Frankly, it had to be the most challenging time for the building, the administrators and the staff – new construction and new enterprises always carrying with them multiple glitches. However, everyone involved with overseeing the apartments were wonderful. I have to especially single out Jay Flores, the building superintendent. We called; he responded. He was always adamant that if there was any problem we should never hesitate to contact him. He even gave us his cell phone number so that he’d never be unavailable. This apartment was an enormous gift for my mother. The fact she isn’t Jewish makes the gift all the more profound and generous. For her, independence is a great part of her personality. She was at risk of losing that when the Met Council came into her life. The apartment meant the return to her own home, and her health and her attitude took a dramatic turn. Just before moving into the apartment she was laid up for a few weeks. Because of this she had become unsteady on her feet and sedentary. Before I left town, just a month or so after she moved in, she and I were walking all over Manhattan! It may not have been Met Council’s intent to help an 86 year old woman regain the stamina to be able to walk up to three miles a day, albeit with the help of a walker, but they did! Housing is a basic need, but it is so much more than merely a roof over one’s head. It can mean dignity, independence, self-reliance, release of tension and worry. It can mean the difference between sitting and vegetating and vibrantly joining in life. Thank you, Met Council. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
In about 2002, my washing machine flooded my landlord's apartment, and I was evicted. Met Council got me a grant for security deposit and a few months rent. The social worker I dealt with was always very pleasant, too. More recently, I used their report on Jewish poverty to provide me with statistics to bolster an article I wrote on health care reform and the Jewish community. (I'm a freelance writer.)
To whom it may concern, I have been a broker for Met Council for more than 10 years. I have seen the way they are there to help the community in times of need. From the local councils that need assistance to private citizens in trouble to the Jewish community and the Senior Citizen population. They are there to help. On a personal level, a family member was assisted with their rent for the time it took to find new jobs in this down economy. They were there for them! Thank G-D for the Met Council.
I have been a vendor for Met Council at 777 Co-Op City Blvd. for the last five years and I personally visit the site at least once a week. The Director, Ms. Pasquariello, is understanding, thoughtful and respectful. Not just to her vendors, but also the residents and their families. She is supportive to my staff and I am informed that you can find her at the site at night, weekends, holidays, etc. Having met most of the residents at the facility, I find it amazing that Ms. Pasquariello's patience seems to be unflinching and infinite. The facility is immaculate. The residents all seem to be content and it is always a pleasure checking in with the site.
We a kosher food provider that delivers food to Met Council on West End Avenue. During our visits we see that the guests are very happy and are treated very well by the Met Council staff. We supply them with a birthday cake and ice cream monthly to celebrate their birthdays which probably would have gone unnoticed if not for MAryanne and her staff at Met Council. It is nice to see that there are caring people in this world that truly believe in helping seniors.
We LOVE Met Council... their staff is very helpful and they do wonderful services for the community and people that would be otherwise forgotten!
I am a district manager with State Chemical.Many months ago I had the opportunity to show a complete line of green products to Israel(building super) and Maryanne(director)>I have seen a number of clients,building supers and directors in 16 years.I do have to say that both Israel and Maryanne were most helpful and concerned for the safety of the people in the building.Maryanne knew that the green products were a lot safer for the residents especially since there are a larger number of seniors.There are also no odors and contaminents to worry about.Maryanne is always concerned for the building and the residents that live there.I have to say that Israel and maryanne should be commented for their work and upmost concern for the people in the building.
I participated in a number of training sessions and found them all to be first rate. The trainers were all extremely knowledgeable and the staff is consistently helpful and professional.
I was a client who received services at Met Council. The staff was professional and caring. They made me feel like a mmillion bucks.
I'm a resident of 385 3rd Avenue and everything, and I do mean everything has been wonderful from day one! Fred the super, is a Super Super. and Fern is always available for whatever you need. I think Met Council and all the management involved should be appreciated in this very comfortable building. Jim Falborn 8B
I have found this agency, and employees with whom I've worked, to be compassionate and very responsive. The scope of services of Met Council are extensive and of great import. I turn to them often with requests for assistance for many of our clients [I work for a not-for-profit healthcare agency].
I've worked with the entire team at Met Council for the past few years and cherished the experience. Everyone in the organization is happy to help out and is always extremely grateful for any contribution made by its volunteers. I'm proud to be apart of their good works.
I was homless for 3 years. I was stuck in the ciyt systems which means the people who say they're working for you are ignorant, lazy and under-educated and care not for you but only their paycheck and pension. Every function in the city system take 12 to 18 month to accomplish because working takes time away from their coffee breaks. Then, purely by chance, I was introduced to the Met Council. The way thing are done at the Council is to do it. Then get the paper work done. The client comes way ahead of the beauracracy when dealing with the Council. And the best aspect of the Met Council is that helping one in need of help is just the starting point. They stay involved and continue the relationship. The Met Council should be the model for the city on how to get things done RIGHT. The first time.
My mother lives in an apartment managed by the Met Council. Ms. Dublin of the Met Council office was extremely helpful in providing guidance and support throughout the application process. And Mr. Flores, the superintendent of the building, has been very helpful to my mother as she moved in and settled in to her new home. It gives me great peace of mind to know that my mother lives in a place managed by the Met Council.
I had the opportunity to visit the Council and tour the facility and listen to a traing session. I was warmly welcomed and graciously invited to volunteer. Since I was in town only for the day, I made some greeting cards for the eldeerly. When I returned to Washington DC, I told my Hebrew class of my experiece and suggested that they could do the same. The children became very excited about the project and created many cards. We sent all the cards to the Council to distribute to those in need.
Met Council came to the rescue just in time! Our apartment building was turning co-op and the landlord was not renewing rental contracts for those who were not rent stabilized. I had given up my job to be a full time caregiver for my mother who has moderate Alzheimers' so we had limited income. We could not afford market rental rates in NYC and with only some small savings and my mother's SS check, the outlook was grim. With our lease about to expire and nowhere to live, I attended a housing symposium at Fordham University. A councilwoman had suggested applying for an apartment lottery for low income seniors sponsored by the Met Council. Although it was a long shot, there was nothing to lose. Two months later, the powers that be smiled on us. The screening staff was extremely qualified and accommodating in helping to sort through the red tape. We then moved into a beautiful, brand new "seniorized" one bedroom, rent subsidized apartment. I hate to think where we would have ended up without this small miracle. The administrative and maintenance staff are, without a doubt, the most professional, accessible and courteous people imaginable. The full time superintendent solves problems in a timely fashion and has implemented excellent security measures. The residence director is a pro-active, on site presence always available to the residents. She is very sensitive to the needs of low income elderly residents and has built a strong sense of community. Met Council sponsors various social events in the building's community room that are comparable to those offered by many senior centers. There are also opportunities to attend off site concerts and field trips. All in all, the Met Council treats needy seniors with the sort of respect and warmth that helps them remain in and be part of the larger New York community. In return these seniors help to maintain the social, cultural and economic diversity which has always made NYC special. My mother and I will be eternally grateful for this safe haven which happens to come with a view of the Empire State Building!
The Met Council helped me and my family when we had no appropriate place for my mother. She was not ready for a nursing home and does not ever want to be dependent -- but she needed privacy and a place of her own, separate from my sister's home. It was not appropriate for her to be sharing a bedroom with a ten year old grandson. Such arrangements in space-deprived New York homes are not unusual but that doesn't make it right.... My Mom got her own apartment with the help of the Met Council and got her dignity and privacy back in the process. The experience physically and psychologically revived her. She has her independence back, at age 86. She is vibrant and taking part in community events now. We are not Jewish. We are Irish Catholics. The Met Council reaches out to all and expresses the humanity and compassion that comes out of knowing struggle and surviving it. Most of us come from backgrounds of struggle, oppression, and even attempted genocide. The Met Council embodies defiance to lose hope, a refusal to become cynical, and abiding love and generosity even in this time of constricting economy.
Met council is a great organization. They give out food to the needy and assist people to obtain help in many other matters.
Met Council on Jewish Poverty has enhanced my life both professional and personal. Throught the Growth Fund my organization has been able to take, free of cost, many essential workshop that has help to pave out current and future success. MET Council has provided training for members of my family to become professional home health aide. I am truly grateful that Met Council provides serves to persons from all walks of life and I give thanks for there organization.
Everyone that I have dealt with has been caring & responsive. Far above my expectations. I feel this organization greatly serves the community so richly in need of help.
Working at met council was inspirational. It Really opened my eyes to Jewish poverty and helping those that really need it, especially in areas in hunger and affordable housing. My experience was phenominal.
I had been looking for affordable housing in New York City for senior citizens for almost three years without success. I was referred to Met Council by a family friend whose father is Jewish. She knew about Met Council's effort to provide such housing without respect to a person's ethnic background or religion, and she provided me information on how to apply for such housing owned and managed by Met Council. I received a response from Met Council within a short time and after a human and professionally run interview was accepted and awarded an apartment even though I am not Jewish. The apartment building was new, clean, located in a nice neighborhood, and professionally managed. In every contact I have had with Met Council people, I have been treated with kindness and respect. I ask that they receive support for all the good work they are doing for people.
I’m glad to have this opportunity to say a few good things about The Met. Council in whose building on West 61st St. (and West End Ave.) I reside. I was sitting today with one of my neighbors, Max Hirshhorn who is 102 years old and a Holocaust surviver, and saying how lucky we were to be a part of this residence project. The staff is so caring and efficient; Ephraim Siegal, the director of services is the best and so are Anthony the Super, and his assistant Jose, and our security guard William Benson. They all have contributed to making the tenants in the building feel at home and become a family like community. Not everyone has the horrible experience history of my friend Max, but everyone past 70 years of age who has no living partner needs a place he can call home that is affordable. The Met council projects provide this, and for that we are thankful one by one. I have been playing music around the world and in America for more than fifty years. And now that I’ve become a senior citizen the Met council’s solution has become a dream fulfilled. I have gladly taken my guitar and microphone and performed for my neighbors and celebrated with them Max’s one hundred and two birthday. I wish Max many more years of peace, health and community care, and to the Met. Council, I wish a hundred more years of outstanding service to New York City’s needy and the elderly. Signed: Ron Eliran (Singer/writer/composer)
I worked at met council as an intern this past summer june-july 2009. I worked with the housing director Temima Dublin. I learned a huge amount about affordable housing especially in one of the most expensive cities in the world. I was also able to visit two of their housing sites for mentally ill and homeless individuals. I think what they do at met council is extremely inspiring and has encouraged me to find ways to help out in my community in similar ways at Cornell University.
Met Council was very helpful to me when I needed help with my resume. The staff, specifically Suzy Jary and Ali Salwa were extremely professional and warm. It would have cost me a lot of money to hire someone to help me write my resume.
As a lifelong New Yorker, I had been aware of the Met Council for some time because of its true commitment to the elderly of the City, but my personal experience with Met Council began early in 2009. My mother, who was 86 at the time, was living with me and my family. As much as we loved being together, our apartment was crowded with five people and only one bathroom, and as my children were approaching their pre-teens we all felt that we needed some solution. Since my husband and I could not afford a larger apartment, I contacted the Met Council because of their record of helping seniors find affordable housing. The program director, Temima Dublin, very generously spent time with me, and explained the application process in detail. With the application deadline for a new building in our neighborhood only two days away, she took the time to guide me through every step so that we could get the completed application in on time. When my mother was uncharacteristically ill on the day of her personal interview, Ms. Dublin graciously juggled her own calendar and gave us a new appointment (on March 17th--St. Patrick's Day). After the interview, Ms. Dublin continued to keep in personal contact with us, even guiding us as to the quickest way to obtain needed additional documents. Once my mother's application was fully complete, Ms. Dublin called within days to give us the glorious good news that my mother's application had been successful. My mother is now happily living in a brand new building for seniors on a beautiful block a short 20 minute walk from my own apartment, and everything for her has improved dramatically: her level of activity, her outlook, her experience with a new corner of the neighborhood, her contact with new neighbors, her physical and mental health, her independence. For our family, the work of the Met Council has been a blessing from God, sent to us through an angel--Ms. Dublin--on St. Patrick's Day!
My name is Lou and I initially chose to volunteer for Met Council because of their many community initiatives. What has kept me volunteering is the staff of Met Council. I have seen the dedication in time and effort from the people that are a part of the organization. In this difficult economy, I have seen their efforts pay off into job placements. I have witnessed the patient efforts to develop employable skills in their clients. And I have spoken to staff during hours long past their regular working day. I have a choice in volunteering for any organization, and I want to chose one that is exceptional. I truly believe that I have made the right choice.
I have worked with Met Council for approximately 5 years. Met Council is an organization whose requirements are not only to help those less fortunate with the pysical and material necessities; they truly care about each individual's spiritual, mental and emotional well being. They care for the person as a whole. I have worked with Ms. Dublin, Ms. Ruiz and Ms. Greenberg, among others. The level of committment these ladies have for the welfare of all individuals being assisted by Met Council is outstanding! Their committment to those in need reflects on Met Council and makes the organization exceptional. They are truly an asset to Met Council.
i was pleasantly suprised to have such great help on my resume. Personnel by Met Council go over and beyond what is required of them
My experience with Met Council has been very positive. I assisted one of my clients in obtaining an apartment (Senior Housing) with Met Council. The service at Met Council has been very efficient and effective. I am very satisfied with the service because they provided my client with affodable housing, and thats very important.
I am a committed Volunteer with New York Cares.I wanted to participate in the Day in Service for September 11th, but much to my disappointment nothing was unavailable. (As an aside I was thrilled so many people want to help!). While I was searching other avenues for projects, I happened across Met Council. They needed assistance for an Emergency Preparedness Event on September 11th. I contacted them , but they were fully staffed. Kelley Baldwin (Volunteer Coordinator) sensed my desire for involvement, and allowed me to work with her the day prior to the event. She was wonderful, and the seniors I met were delightful. Kelley put me in touch with Julia Sherman ( other fabulous Volunteer Coordinator), who explained additional programs, and I committed to becoming a Phone Pal. I believe I am getting as much out of the program if not more than my Senior friend! Keep up your great work Met Council!
As a legal intern/volunteer, I have experienced firsthand the positive contribution that the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty continues to make in the lives of those in need. The staff members are warm and friendly to every individual who seeks our help. Through a number of ongoing projects, Met Council works tirelessly to maintain and strengthen our relationships with other organizations and service providers, such as local JCCs. Because of Met Council's significant size, it is able to provide critical support to so many people each year. The tireless work of the Met Council in eradicating poverty is a blessing to all those in need.
I have worked closely with several of the staff members of Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty. The company I work for has built a few low-income senior citizen residences in NYC. We chose Met Council as our management company because they are really good at what they do. They are able to offer our seniors (of all backgrounds) the little extras they need to have a safe and comfortable living environment, like help filling out paperwork, hosting social events and providing advice when needed. They offer on-site resident managers, social workers, and other staff that understand the needs of elderly disadvantaged citizens. Met Council has helped us reach our goal in providing quality homes for those members of our community that need extra assistance.
My name is Mark Anthony Brown,and I'm a afro-amercan.One day a friend told me about Metropolitan ,and it was one of the best places one can go to for help.My councilor Jessica Polsky is the best , her being so honest,with me ,and her constructive feedback ! made me see were I needed to go .And were I'm at right now school. So my God bless Jessica ,and Metropolitan Council.
My wife has worked at Met Council for a number of years now. During that time, she has recounted many stories about programs, services and clients helped. Each story compelling and amazing highlighting the vast portfolio of programs and services and the many miracles that the organization performs on a daily basis. Putting food on the tables of those that are hungry, creating housing for vulnerable populations, saving families from eviction, utility turn-offs and more. On many occasions, I had the opportunity to meet various Met Council staff and am truly impressed by their dedication, professionalism and caring nature. Met Council is a remarkable organization in a class all by itself.
ive met with willy rapfogel, shana frydman, and most recently jessica polsky my experience with these 'angelic people' has been imeasurable their kindness, their integrity, their genuine care for the human condition is truly that which sets them apart from ALL OTHER JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS met council is magnificent!!! a treasure!!!
This past April 2009, I was referrred to Met Council/Ms. Shana Frydman by ORA; i needed to locate an organization which provides grants for legal services. Ms. Frydman (Met Council) immediately guided me (patiently) through the entire grant application process; and remarkably processed my applications for approval, so quickly. throughout the process, Ms. Frydman was supportive with advice, updates, and time. i was approved with one grant to provide legal fees for a legal separation; and a second grant to assist with legal fees for services to financially protect my family's house. During the summer Met Council contacted me, to offer my children knapsacks packed with school supplies. These generous gifts (quite beautiful, and specifically packed) helped me a lot; including sparing me the shopping/packing time and expenses. The knapsacks gave each of my children an exciting boost for the new school year. Furthermore, Met Council has been contacting me to inform me of special events for me and my family. on behalf of my children and myself, i extend a big thank you to Ms. Shana Frydman and Met Council; for going above and beyond with generous, encouraging methods of support for families. Thank You.
We are a voluntary organization providing food to between 32 and 36 families on a weekly basis. Met Council has been there for us always and responds to our needs in a timely manner. Without them, our organization would not be able to perform the services we do.
It is without a doubt that Met Council is not only one of the finest Jewish service organizations, but on of the best agencies serving the New York community. From crisis intervention to the Growth Fund, Met Council works in partnership with the individual and with other communal organizations to discern the needs that need to be met and then strategically meet those needs. I have referred family members, friends and clients to Met Council without hesitation and have always received outstanding feedback. Their mission is not something that exists only on their website. Rather it is reflected in their work each and every day.
Over the past two summers, I have had the most fantastic experience working at Met Council as an intern. Not only have I learned a lot about NYC's poor and non-profits in general, but I have had the pleasure of working with some of the most dedicated and amazing people who are helping New York's neediest. The sheer number and quality of programs and events that they put on is unmatched. I have seen first hand the life-changing service that they do on a daily basis, whether it was giving out back to school supplies, training immigrants and the unemployed to become home care attendants, helping a wife through domestic violence, or dealing with a family who cannot afford to pay their electric bill. Met Council and the people who work there truly make an impact.
My mother works for Met Council, and sometimes, my sister and I get to visit. We were able to help with different tasks around the office including sorting coins, making copies, alphabetizing files and more depending on what was needed. Met Council is a great organization, I look forward to visiting and helping any chance I get. All of the people that work there are so friendly and caring - they help so many in need - keep up the amazing work!
President John F. Kennedy once wrote, Do not ask what your country can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country". Met Council embodies this in the way they seek to help the people they serve. In working along side the staff, it was alwasy a challenge to determine not what they are doing, but rather what are they not doing for those in a state of Poverty. Their committment, their professionalism, their untiring efforts, and most of all the energy to getting their mission accomplished is a real force to reckon with and a great blessing to those in need.
The " Golden Years" have been misnamed as we senior citizens face increasing health problems, financial worries and far too often severe loneliness; forced to face the challenges and consequences of our declining years alone. Into this bleak and dismal picture there is some light brought by Met Council on Jewish Poverty. Here we have the loving, caring attention of devoted workers who tend to our every day needs, befriend us and guide us with their understanding and genuine affection. The Metropolitan Council On Jewish Poverty puts a little bit of gold back into the remaining years of our lives. Thank you Met council and may you always continue your generous and innovative programs which make the "Ungolden Years" shine a little brighter.
My experience working at and with Met Council has been by far one of the greatest experiences I have ever had in a place of employment. I still return sporadically to visit with old colleagues and am still a volunteer for many of their programs. The organization is truly one that cares about one another and the many populations they endeavor to help. I am honored and proud to say that I have been affiliated with Met Council and plan on being for the rest of my life.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed learning, growing and working with every single staff member at Met Council! I always say, "there is no other non-profit organization like Met Council in NYC." And it is absolutely true. The support and technical assistance our organization receives from Met Council rates well above any other I have ever worked with. If all non-profits could be like Met Council, NYC would be a much better place!
I came to Met Council in February 2009 looking for assistance in job placement. I met with Bella Galitskaya, Job Developer and she helped with me to get a job. I was referred for the training to get certificate and then was placed by Bella Galitskaya at Project OHR, Inc. I am very happy and express my appreciation to Bella Galitskaya who helped me during short period of time when I needed desperately a job.
Met Council provided me with one of the best teachers I have ever had, and enabled me to get my EMT Certification. I will always be grateful to them for assisting me in my education and for providing me with academic and motivational support throughout my training.
I had a very blessed chance to work with Met Council. Because of Met Council, today I am a cardio vascular tech, and working on becoming an RN.
I would personally like to come here and thank MET Council, for the hard work and dedication not only while on training to become an EMT, but after the Training in aiding me to obtain my first job as an EMT. Thank you Louis Zimmerman and her hard working staff for all the extremely hard work time and dedication you put forth towards the people of your community.
I Truly have to say that Met Council holds up to its motto Acts of Charity & Deeds of kindness. Great non-profit services that helps New Yorkers regardless of Age,Sex,Race,Religion,Ethnicity. Non to match volunteers, Staff, Career Services and programs that help the nobody's of New York
I volunteered at the Met Council Crisis Department and was amazed by the true and genuine charitable approach that the employees took on a daily basis. If any person came in and needed his/hers previous month's rent paid off they would provide the money in a heartbeat (assuming the person's needs were legitimate). There was just a general caring for all of the clients that was just very tangible.
Met Council is a organization that make my dream to come true. Thanks to the teachers at Met Council, especially Louise Zimmerman, who guide us and support us every step of the way to complete Emergency Medical Services training. We attended Met Council twice a week to improve our skills. I can say for sure that I( wouldn't be able to complete EMT training program without the help of Met Council. I'm proud to be associated with such an extraordinary organization.
As a former employee of Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, I believe that the organization has done and will continue to do great things for those in need in New York City. Working at Met Council was a both an incredibly rewarding and a humbling experience. The Met Council staff is so committed to the mission of the organization and it was a pleasure to work there. At the same time, I was exposed to the serious issues facing those in need in New York City. Met Council is a lifeline for many members of our community and I am happy to support them as they continue to work towards an important mission.
my name is stephanie and i am still in the process of dealing with met council. I just want to express that this organization is the best thing that has ever happened for someone like me. I am ambitious, and eager to learn. met council has given me a finicial way to acheive my goals. This organization also keep up with me as far a academics go,and also they help with job placement,which is also a blessing because in these times are very hard. so i want to thank met council for this great opportunity.
Bronx Jewish Community Council is an independent agency but works closely with the Met Council. They regularly help us with resources and technical assistance. For years ago, when a partner agency was unable to continue holiday package delivery to homebound elderly the Met Council helped us continue this program, and has continued to help us every year since then by supplying us with items for the 1000 food packages which are delivered by volunteers each year semi-annually.
Nazareth Housing has had a growing partnership with the Metropolitan Council of Jewish Poverty for the past five years. Rose Turshen and her colleagues have been great to work with in the capacity building grants we have received. Rose is intelligent, flexible and truly committed to helping partners develop their servies to reach more people in need.
Met Council on Jewish Poverty is an incredible organization boasting many accomplishments, among them being their devotion to helping other non-profit organizations allowing these organizations to improve the quality of their services. Being closely involved in an organization called SPARKS (Serving Pre & post natal women & families with Awareness, Relief, Knowledge and Support), I work almost daily with Met Council to improve our services. Thanks to the devoted and committed staff at Met Council, who guide us and support us every step of the way, I can say with absolute certainty that we wouldn't be able to help so many people and we definitely wouldn't be where we are now without the help of this organization. Met Council helps us obtain grants enabling us to train more mentors for our hot-line and guides us in giving the proper guidance and the right support for the clients, their husbands and their families. I'm proud to be associated with such an extraordinary organization.
MetCouncil is both incredibly professional but also incrediby entrepreneurial. They seize new ideas and make things happen. As an example, they are soon to open kosher food restaurants for their needy clients. A few years ago, they started a kosher food distribution program and now provide ten's of thousands of food packages/month.
As a first time grant recipient from Metcouncil, it has been our honor and privilege to be associated with such a profoundly committed and compassionate organization. Their technical assistance support is the best in the social service industry and their customized approach to agency needs is sophisticated and right on target. We at Full Circle Life Enrichment Center are pleased to be associated with Metcouncil and expect many more years of greatness from their talented staff. Darcel Dillard- Suite Ex. Director Full Circle Life Enrichment Center
I am happy to volunteer for Met Council. Their wide range of services to the elderly, the poor, and to those who have nowhere else to turn, is extensive. Both in outright financial help and training, social services, distribution of food and clothing they make all the difference between a life of hardship and a life of hope. I've picked Met Council for my contributions and volunteer projects.
MetCouncil is an amazing organization from the ground up. Leadership is dynamic, and only steps away from the on-the-ground team. The mission is felt through the entire organization, and everyone involved feels the passion.
My husband & I embarked on hard times. We had fabulous jobs in Corporate America. We had a 'normal' life, until illness befell us. First, me with cancer and then my husband, with heart disease and a host of other medical problems. We had reached rock bottom because once we became ill, and no money was coming in - mortgage payments were piling, utilities, and medication bills were reaching phenominal levels, we didn't know what to do. Maybe you'd call it literal despondency. We reached out to the UJA Federation, and met wonderful people beginning with Jackie Ebron and Willie Rapfogel. They helped us get through our rough time and that made a world of difference in our lives. They helped to relieve a tension that we could not do on own own. It was very hard for us to accept charity, because we were always the ones 'giving.' Sometimes, I donate my time and speak for the UJA Federation at their Fundraisers - just to let donors know all the good that the UJA Federation and its ace Employees do, so that they should continue donating to this wonderful Charity. The Met Council is definitely there to help once you reach out with valid cause. They make you feel human again. My famous saying is: 'There but for the grace of G_d go I.' No one knows who could be next, and i have personally found the employees including the Chair, Mr. Rapfogel to be the humblest of human beings. I am certainly thankful to have met them all! On behalf of my husband and myself, many thanks to all of you from the bottom of our toes!
Met Council is a truly amazing organization that, among its many accomplishments, has helped other nonprofits improve the quality of their services. As the executive director of a small nonprofit called BINA, which serves hundreds of individuals with brain injury from strokes, car accidents, assaults, falls, etc., I am extremely grateful for the constant guidance and support which Met Council has given us. It would not be an exaggeration to say that, due to their assistance over the last few years, we are serving twice as many families as would have otherwise been possible. Although they are a large agency, their staff members maintain a rapport with colleagues from smaller organizations such as our own, serving as an important resource and partner in our growth. Met Council’s emails and newsletters keep us informed, as well as inspired. They have helped us obtain grants which have been instrumental to us in developing ads to attract new clients, computerizing our databases, upgrading our website, obtaining new computers, developing marketing material to explain our services … the list goes on and on. Our staff members have attended more than a dozen workshops conducted by Met Council, discussing various topics in non-profit management and growth. I believe that Met Council is the quintessential nonprofit organization. They are selfless and enormously accomplished. I am proud to be associated with them.
Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty is real place so far I could feel that I'm in good hands. Metcouncil is non-profit organization, but what they do is much better than if its employment agency, who charges for job placement. Since I lost the job, I made many many searches for employeers and job placement agencies, but there is even no hope , and while I discovered Metcouncil I got very excited, because they gave me hope with their individual career counceling and assessment, using Job search strategies and techniques(internet job site, networking, job fairs, creating resume, mock interviews, etc.). Special thanks to ms.Karen Ulker and ms.Jessica Polsky for their warm and friendly manners to help people feel they are in good hands.While you are in their office you met team of professionals who try to address the special needs of each client.
Our non-profit organization received a Capacity Building Grant from the Growth Fund at the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Povery for one year. In addition, I have attended numerous workshops and training events at Met Council. I can say without exception that every workshop and training event I have attended has been superb. The presenters have all been top-notch and the quality and quantity of information has always been outstanding. I cannot find words that are adequate to describe the staff. They are exceptionally compenent, caring and professional in every sense of the word. I have always found them to be very knowledgeable, helpful and eager to assist other non-profits in every way possible. I have nothing but praise for the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty and the work it does. It is outstanding in every way.
The first time I heard about the Met Council was about 2 years ago. Their dedication to their work of reaching out to poor jews, elderly, unemployed, abuse victims and breaking families is of great kindness. They provide prepared meals for thousands and thousands of families daily. The met council has taken on the project of fund raising for this expensive budget. Their financial burden is extended further in the Met Council's professional service towards rebuilding the lives of abuse victims - mothers and children. Perhaps the greatest kindness the Met Council delivers is assisting New Yorkers to no longer be in need of this organization. The Met Council helps these impoverished Jews gain financial independence - the highest level of charity, with honor. New Yorkers turn to this organization for direct relief in their times of basic need.
Ever since my husband was removed from my house due to physical abuse, Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, particulary Shana Frydman and staff, stepped right in and offered emotional, mental, physical and monetary support. It has been a place for me to vent, relax, breathe and reframe. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to express my gratitude and appreciation for all that you do.
I have been a consultant to Met Council for over twenty years, helping them make estimates of the number and location of poor Jewish people in New York City and the adjacent suburban counties. They have consistently been a capable and intelligent group to work with. I have been impressed with their innovative approaches to their work and also their dedication to the needs of their clients.
A marvelous organization that deserves your highest award. It truly allows those of us in far off areas to fulfill the mitzvot to help those of the Jewish people who are in need. May they be blessed in and for their work!
As a grant writer and development consultant for numerous non-profit organizations, I have worked with Met Council and benefitted from their services and programs on many occasions. They have done excellent studies on the Jewish poor and on Jewish youth delinquency, generating extensive statistical, demographic and other vital information on their human service needs. Met Council has served as an overhead coordinating agency for so many community councils and non-profit service organizations, providing critical services and funding resources for organizations in need. Met Council continues to meet the needs of the poor through their myriad programs and services. They also provide excellent technical assistance and management workshops that I attend and always learn something new to help me and the agencies I represent to better meet the needs of our constituents and clients. The Growth Fund has enabled so many organizations to build their capacity to serve their communities and clientele more efficiently and professionally.
It is our pleasure to write a review for Met Council. This wonderful organization has been an integral component of the Greater New York region for many years, serving as prime innovators to provide assistance for the area’s disadvantaged populace. Met Council’s staff endeavors to heighten awareness to the plight of the less fortunate and advocate for their needs. Met Council also encourages other organizations to carry out their respective mission, and provides the necessary resources to allow this to happen. I personally have been the recipient of their assistance and support in my capacity as a non-profit administrator. They are readily available and have the wherewithal to help in significant ways. They have helped us procure several grants which have led to the expansion of our organization. It would be difficult to imagine New York without Met Council. They are an unparalleled resource and deserve to win this important recognition.
Met Council has been helpful to my organization by providing assistance in strategic planning and access to capacity-building workshops. They've been very accessible and supportive.
I have seen first hand, the incredible work that MET Council does through the myriad of programs/JCCs it runs across New York City. As the former liaison for a citywide elected official I interacted with countless seniors who receive hot, Kosher meals and social services because of the hard work of MET Council employees. I serve on the Board of the JCC of Canarsie (run by the incredible and passionate Rabbi Avrom Hecht) and have seen the joy on the faces of the Holocaust survivors who get physical and emotional support through MET Council. I have also spoken with members of low-income families, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who have affordable housing because of MET Council. The Council is well-run, very well organized and has dedicated staff, from caseworkers to the Executive Director and Chief of Staff, who successfully help those in need.
Through the Growth Fund, Met Council has provided non-profits throughout the NYC Metro area with the opportunity to expand their capacity to offer healthy marriage programs. They have offered competitive grants and excellent technical assistance to many organizations. As a Growth Fund subgrantee, our organization has been able to learn about and successfully compete for other two other major grants from the US Administration for Children and Family Services.
During each of the several times that I have volunteered for MetCouncil, I have been amazed by the amount of help MetCouncil provides to New Yorkers. Their food warehouse is a major operation. I packed Passover food for women in crisis when I was there. While sorting out the bottles of applesauce, grape juice, and other foods, I marveled at the way people can really make a difference by donating simple items. Many people are unable to buy basic foods! During my time with MetCouncil, I have learned that MetCouncil helps people afford their rent payments and utilities, helps them get healthcare, and even provides people with clothes for job interviews. I am always happy to get an e-mail from MetCouncil notifying me of a volunteer opportunity. The notices save me time and allow me to step in when I am able. Considering that all types of people simultaneously volunteer for MetCouncil's projects, it is truly impressive that MetCouncil's volunteer projects are well organized and things actually get done.
As director of a non profit organization, I have personally benefited from the warm, supportive and knowledgeable staff at Met Council. Each question is answered quickly, kindly and with competence. The workshops are very informative! As recent grantees, we are most appreciative of the Capacity Building Grant! Bravo to Met Council, especially Rose Turshen, for helping people help more people!
I have interfaced with Met Council in various programs and have always been amazed with their amazing innovation and genuine drive to serve those in need. They offer much needed assistance and support to people from their food pantry, domestic violence to emergency cash assistance is always done to maintain the dignity of the individual in need.
I was determined to take care of my seriously ill wife at home and to avoid a nursing home facility. Met Council enabled me to accomplish this goal by providing a health aid who was accomplished, sensitive, warm, intelligent and kind. The result was that the last year of my wife's life was spent at home in dignity and in comfort. Met Council provided great supervisory and ancillary services.
The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty is a phenomenal organization. they do tremendous kindness to the needy and in addition have helped my very small not for profit grow through their growth fund and now we are much more secure in providing our services to our clients!
As the Chariman of the Board of a small agency that falls under Met Council's umbrella, I have benefitted form theri guidance and support and I have seen how they have helped the agency professionals.
The Met Council frequently spams their entire lists just to get a single volunteer for a non-emergency need, or to ask us to vote for them for something. They run wasteful fundraisers full of lavish food that could go to the people they help, and their workers are non-responsive and take forever to get nothing done. I'm sure they do a lot of good, but I'm also fairly positive their organization is a wasteful mess that could be much better managed.
I was thrilled to hear that Metropolitan Council for Jewish Poverty was nominated for the 2009 Jewish Choice Awards. Through The Growth Fund, Met Council provided our organization with the start-up funds and technical assistance that allowed us to open the doors of our FBO located in the South Bronx this past year. Met Council assisted us in becoming incorporated, obtaining our 501c3 tax exemption, they gave us our first computer, printer and fax machine, they helped us develop our marketing brochures, put up our agency awning, obtain office furniture, and even more valuable has been all of their technical assistance workshops and individual consultations. I feel like part of the Met Council family and am eager to see them receive the recognition they deserve as an excellent Jewish organization that really cares about grassroots agencies and their success, not to mention all of the work they provide to families and individuals through their other programs and services. I highly recommend Metropolitan Council for Jewish Poverty for the 2009 Jewish Choice Awards! Wishing you all the best, Lydia Sierra, MSA Deputy Executive Director Jehovah Shammah Family Institute, Inc.
I worked for Met Council for about ten years; first running two SROs in Seagate Brooklyn and then as Director of Social Services. The Agency performs "heroics" on a daily basis; from helping folks in crisis to supporting individuals in finding employment and housing. All done in the "Jewish" way; with humility, tenacity and great skill.
I was a volunteer consultant in communications which gave me insight into the scope of the issue of Jewish poverty as well as to the breadth and depth of services provided by Met Council. Importantly, I was greatly impressed by the way Met Council provides support to people in crisis in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity. But I also was impressed by how Met Council gives back to the nonprofit community by sponsoring workshops and training seminars in community outreach, fundraising, marketing/communications, to help other NPOs benefit from their expertise. I truly am proud to have been a Met Council volunteer.
Great organization with caring workers who take the time out to ensure your family's needs are met at all times.
An incredible organization with amazing people dedicated to serving others and making the lives of the people who are less fortunate better.
To whom it may concern: I am SC at SHP and i am very happy with the home care services that Met Council provide to P2 member's. PCA are very professional and caring. Peggy Branch is very responsible and she always help me at the time that i ask for help.At any time that is afyter office hrs and I call to speak to on-call SC she calles me back inmediately.Very Happy of having Met Council as one of my home care provider and Peggy Branch as our coordinator.
I have been in the Met Council offices many times I work for a government social service agency & haave never seen people so caring & dedicated to the population that Met Council serves, the elderly, the disabled, the poor, the homeless, the battered, the hungry. There is no poulation that Met Council does not serve. I have seen the dedicated employees who help the elderly find housing, volunteers who paint or plant gardens for clients, volunteers who built a library for a shelter & many other programs
I turned to the Met council a few times in the past few years when I had to find furniture/bedding for new immigrants to our community. In one case, a new family to our community had to leave their apartment immediately because their children were getting bitten by bedbugs. Met council provided brand new beds as well as furniture for them in a new apartment that we found for them. In another instance, they provided bedroom furniture for a newly arrived family. They were a real life saver.
We painted the apartment of one of Met Council's clients, so he could qualify for public benefits. Getting to help a person and see actual results was very rewarding for everyone involved. It's great that Met Council provides their clients with whatever they need to get back on their feet, and does this not only through their own services, but also through getting volunteers involved.
Metropolitan Coordinating Council on Jewish Poverty is an outstanadinig organization that performs many, may indispensable services to a wide variety of sectors in the entire metropolitan area. Their staff is dedicated and devoted and works around the clock to help those in need. They deserve the highest praise.
My experience working together (I am the housing director at a non-profit in Midwood, Brooklyn) with the this superb organization has been tremendous. The level of dedication of the staff and of the central office is to be emulated. This organization ought to be given as an example of how to run an efficient, cohesive and fulfilling non-profit.