HPD Commissioner Cestero, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI),     Jonathan Rose Companies Announce Ground Breaking for “Erbograph Apartments”,
Harlem’s first LEED-Designed Affordable Housing Development for Seniors

Harlem Project on West 146th Street to Create 65 Green Residences for Seniors

NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Rafael E. Cestero, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) President and CEO Lucille McEwen, and Jonathan Rose Companies President Jonathan F. P. Rose, joined on June 1st to break ground on Erbograph Apartments, the first senior housing development in Harlem designed to achieve LEED® Silver certification. The 8-story, 65-unit senior housing building will be located at 203 West 146th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. and Frederick Douglass Blvd in the Bradhurst section of Harlem. The residence will be owned by HCCI upon its completion in Fall 2011.

Click here for the full press release.

Columbia University Celebrates HCCI Computer Clubhouse Teens!

Columbia University's Teachers College recently hosted a book talk with Gail Breslow, the director of the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network to discuss the recent publication of The Computer Clubhouse:
Constructionism and Creativity in Youth Communities. Gail invited three long-time HCCI Computer Clubhouse members, Christine Davis, Omar Diallo and Tyler Glover to attend as model Clubhouse members, each of whom displayed work and answered questions about their experiences in our program. A short video made by one of the graduate students who attended the event can be seen here: http://vimeo.com/11533033.

Click here for more great news about the Clubhouse!

 

HCCI Legislative Forum

 

Left: Senator Bill Perkins, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and

Councilman Robert Jackson address the meeting.Right: A community

member voices his opinion.

 

Left: President Scott Stringer and Councilman Robert Jackson discuss the issues.

Right: HCCI Board Members Rev. Dr. John E. Carrington and

Rev. Dr. William S. Shillady converse.

 

The HCCI Board of Directors planned the Legislative Forum that was held on Thursday, October 29th at 4:00 PM with our local officials and member pastors to discuss topics of importance to the members, such as affordable housing, creation of jobs for community residents, and ensuring good educational opportunities for our children. The forum was held in HCCI’s David and Joyce Dinkins Gardens new green building located at 263 West 153rd Street.

HCCI Community Health Fair 

Left: Community resident collect health-related literature and condoms.

Right: St. Luke's Hospital conducts on-site screenings

   

Left: HCCI provided a flea market, where residents purchased low-priced items.

Right: A speaker teaches residents about the Swine Flu.

On Friday, October 30th the HCCI's division of Health & Wellness Strategies held a community health fair, from 11am to 4pm. This free community events included music, food stamp screenings, free HIV testing, a flea market and information about flu shots and free flu shots vouchers were distributed. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Health First participated.

National HIV Testing Day

On Saturday June 27, 2009 HCCI Health & Wellness Strategies in collaboration with Iris House opened the HCCI Wachovia Workforce Center and offered free HIV testing for residents in Central Harlem.  The warm and beautiful weather enabled 24 individuals to get tested and own their HIV status.  The Director of HCCI Health & Wellness Strategies stated “one of the most memorable moments of the day was when I spoke with a woman who got tested then went home and brought her husband and 21 year old son to get tested.  Our goal at HCCI is to work towards having free HIV testing available at our sites.  Because of the stigma and fear of testing for HIV, when people are ready to own their status, you have to be ready to assist.  If you have to refer them to another site, they may loose their confidence and walk away.

HCCI CAREER DAY!

HCCI, in conjunction with the Mentors in Medicine, hosted a career fair and workshop on Saturday, June 27, 2009 for young people interested in a career in the field of healthcare and medicine. Participants had the benefit of meeting and interacting with healthcare professionals from all over New York City. Mentors in Medicine is a not-for-profit corporation committed to encouraging more young people to choose medicine or healthcare as a career and providing mentoring opportunities.

  JUNE 2009 FEATURE

Top Row:  Cyril Cassel of HCCI and son, Adissa. Lemond Mayes, District Office Director for Inez Dickens
& Rosemond Pierre Luis, Deputy Borough President

Bottom:   Darryl T. Downing; Lou Myers-TV actor; Reece McEwen
...................................................................................

FATHER’S DAY COOKS AID COMPUTER KIDS
Annual Harlem Event Expands To New Location

New York, N.Y. -- The New York City component of the nation’s largest Father’s Day celebration -- REAL MEN COOK -- was staged in Harlemon June 21, 2009 from 2 to 6 PM.

This 20th anniversary, community cookout took place at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building Pavilion, 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.

REAL MEN COOK has a national mission of raising positive images of African American men. This is accomplished by displaying the culinary skills of local fathers, husbands, brothers, coaches, teachers, entrepreneurs, varied professionals and others.

Hosted in New York City by REAL MEN CHARITIES, and the NYC Mission Society, this event also benefitted the Computer Clubhouse of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI).

HCCI is a secular consortium of 90 local congregations with a combined 60,000 congregants dedicated to the physical, economic and cultural revitalization of the Harlem community.

Lucille McEwen, HCCI President and CEO states that the “Computer Clubhouse provides an inviting setting where young people can temporarily shed their stress-filled backgrounds and immerse themselves in a high-end technological studio environment.”

Ms. McEwen adds, “The result is a constant flow of imaginative technological projects using a wide array of professional software as well as well as green screen technology and robotics.”

This year, two of the HCCI Computer Clubhouse members have won special recognition, according to Fred Riedel, the program coordinator.

Thirteen year-old Omar Diallo recently won praise for his 3-D live action science fiction film, “The Adventures of Sharky Lo.” at the International Computer Network Annual Conference in Albuquerque.

Christine Davis, 17, an original Computer Clubhouse member, recently won multiple college scholarships and will be attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in the Fall. Christine attributes much of her success to her many years and hard work at the Computer Clubhouse.

Marko Nobles, event manager, states, “For years now, REAL MEN COOK has been a great example of the celebration of Fatherhood. It gives our community a chance to celebrate fathers and real men.”

The HCCI Computer Clubhouse will have a “Show and Tell” booth to familiarize the community with how it helps Harlem youngsters explore their own ideas, develop skills, and build self-confidence through creative use of technology explains Mr. Riedel.

-30-

INDEPENDENT FILM TITAN JAMES SCHAMUS VISITS THE COMPUTER CLUBHOUSE

James Schamus, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Features— a Golden Globe Award winner and multiple Academy Award nominee for his screenwriting and songwriting for Coraline, Milk, 9, Burn After Reading, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, among his other honors—visited the Harlem Computer Clubhouse program on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Click here for the full press release.

HARLEMITES UNITE FOR THE 11th Annual LIGHTS OF HOPE TREELIGHTING CEREMEONY

On   Thursday, December 11, 2008, the Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy, Inc.  (JRPC)  in partnership with Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI), New York City Parks and Recreation, and a new sponsor, the Bradhurst Merchant Association (BMA), celebrated the 11th  Annual  Lights  of  Hope  Tree  Lighting  Ceremony  at  the  Jackie  Robinson  Park and Recreation Center located at 146th Street and Bradhurst Avenue in Harlem, New York.   

Click here for the full press release.

AMIDST TOUGH TIMES, HCCI CONTINUES TO GROW

Since its inception in 1986, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) has been at the vanguard of health education and outreach in the Harlem community. Recently, the agency received two boons to further its initiatives. One, HCCI was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Aetna Foundation to develop a pilot program to educate our community residents on the impact of heart attacks and strokes in Central Harlem.  And the other, HCCI’s MaNtsetse Kgama was chosen as a fellow in the prestigious Institute for HIV Prevention Leadership Program (IHLP).

Click here for the full press release.

 HCCI AND MEMBER CHURCHES HELP STOP VIOLENCE WITH GOD, NOT GUNS PROGRAM 

Jean Corbett Parker lost her only son seven years ago to gun violence. LaTraun Parker, was standing on the corner of 131st Street and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., when a stranger placed a gun to the back of his head and pulled the trigger. He was 26 years old. Parker shared her story at the membership reception for Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI); the theme for the evening was “God, Not Guns.”

Click here for the full press release.

THE MOMENTS TAKE HCCI'S JAMBOREE TO NEW HEIGHTS! 

Ladies swooned and men grooved as The Moments, a.k.a. Ray, Goodman & Brown belted out the falsetto ballad "Love On A Two Way Street" on board the 5th Annual Jamboree. This soulful yacht-ride on the Hudson River, rocked as more than 300 guests gathered to support Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (“HCCI”) on board The Spirit of New York.

“

We host this annual affair to encourage fellowship and to raise money at the community level,” said Dr. Charles Curtis, Chair of HCCI. “This event is affordable, and gives the community an opportunity to support and give back to HCCI, an organization that has helped to rebuild Harlem neighborhoods.”

Click here for the full press release.

• OPRAH WINFREY'S O at HOME MAGAZINE GIVES HARLEM  SENIORS A MAKEOVER!

  Dressed in a snazzy multi-colored dress, Eleanora “Ella” Garrett, 79, sang “Take the A Train,” and improvised the lyrics adding “we thank Oprah for this wonderful gift.”

  The room exploded into applause and laughter as the group celebrated O at Home magazine’s recent gift to Harlem. What did O at Home give them? With direction from interior designer Elaine Griffin, Oprah Winfrey’s O at Home magazine renovated the once drab recreation space at Harlem’s Victory One Senior Housing complex. Developed by Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI), this site is home to 110 low-income senior citizens. 

  Click here for the full press release.

• HCCI CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE RAINBOW ROOM
• HOSTED BY CATHLEEN TRIGG OF MY 9 NEWS
• On Thursday, April 27, 2006 Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) celebrated its 20th Anniversary with the 4th Annual “Let Us Break Bread Together” Awards Dinner at The Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center in New York City.   Hosted by Cathleen Trigg of My 9 News (formerly UPN 9 News), this awards ceremony was presented by a stellar committee of celebrities, activists and community builders including Honorary Chair, Senator Hillary Clinton, and Honorary Committee members: Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Vernon E. Jordan, Joyce and David Dinkins, Susan L. Taylor and Lloyd A. Williams.
• Click here for full press release.

• In Observance of the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS
• On Friday, March 10th hands clapped, feet stomped, tambourines shook and folks testified in an effort to stop the transmission of HIV/AIDS and provide compassion for people affected by the disease. “A Healing in Harlem: An 8-hour Prayer & Gospel Vigil for the Healing of AIDS” was held from 4PM to 12 midnight at Harlem’s Salvation and Deliverance Church.  Presented by Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI), this community rally against HIV/AIDS was hosted by the legendary gospel singer Dr. Cissy Houston (mother of Whitney Houston) and featured more than 16 choirs from the tri-state area. The vigil was held in concert with thousands of churches across the nation observing the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of Aids. 
• Click here for full press release.
•                                                                                                          

2005 HCCI News

Nobel Prize Winner Wangari Maathai and Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc.
 Canon Frederick Boyd Williams of Church of the Intercession; and 2005 WeAct honoree Lucille L. McEwen (seated) of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc.; joined Ms. Peggy Shephard of WeAct; Ms. Rita Henley Jensen, Editor of Women’s enews (standing) to celebrate at the Women’s enews Gala dinner honoring Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai and other dynamic leaders at the Tavern on the Green on Tuesday, May 17, 2005.  Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Prize for starting the Green Belt movement in Kenya where women are recruited to plan trees to earn money and needed gain needed wood for fuel.

DIRECTOR JONATHAN DEMME AT HCCI AWARDS DINNER HOSTED BY LYNDA BAQUERO, CO-ANCHOR, NEWS CHANNEL 4
On Wednesday, April 27, 2005 more than 300 people crowded into Rockefeller Center ’s Rainbow Room to celebrate at the Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) third annual “Let Us Break Bread Together” awards dinner in New York City . Hosted by Lynda Baquero,Co-Anchor, News Channel 4, this event was presented by a stellar committee of celebrities, activists and community builders.
Click here for full press release.

PRAYER VIGIL BRINGS A HEALING IN HARLEM
HCCI Addresses HIV/AIDS in the Black Community
On Friday, March 11 th tambourines shook, hands clapped and tears flowed as more than 1000 New York City residents joined forces to wage battle against HIV/AIDS and the devastation caused by the pandemic disease. Held in Harlem ’s Salvation & Deliverance Church , “A Healing in Harlem ” was created to shed light on the HIV/AIDS crisis in the Harlem community, de-stigmatize the virus, and pray for deliverance from this destructive illness.
Click here for full press release.

HCCI ADDRESSES HIV/AIDS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY Observes the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS
On Friday, March 4, 2005 hundreds of clergy, community activists, policy makers and politicians crowded into the basement of St. Charles Borromeo Church to kick-off the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. Presented by Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, the Annual Kick-off breakfast was created to highlight the Balm in Gilead ’s national effort to stop the transmission of HIV/AIDS and provide compassion for people affected by the disease.
Click here for full press release.

HARLEM REMEMBERED SHIRLEY CHISHOLM
With a Screening of Chisholm ’72 Unbought & Unbossed and Discussion w/ Guests C. Virginia Fields and Percy Sutton. On Monday, January 31 st Harlem residents and representatives sat in a jam-packed theater at the City College of New York to remember Shirley Chisholm.
Click here for full press release.

COLLABORATING WITH HARLEM CONGREGATIONS FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT, INC. PATHMARK OPENS 2 nd STORE IN HARLEM Bradhurst Location Fills Void for Area
New York, NY – In line with plans to develop 145 th Street as a key commercial corridor, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. helped to usher in the newest addition to 145 th Street, a 42,000 square foot Pathmark Supermarket on the corner of 145 th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd. The store will officially open on January 21, 2005, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 11:00 am. It is part of a mixed-use development, which includes the construction of 125 hi-rise apartments above the supermarket.
Click here for full press release.

2004 HCCI News

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, NYC Housing Development Corporation President Emily Youssouf, Bank of America & Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement Announce New City Program to Spur Affordable Homeownership Private and Public Partnership of $100 Million Will Create Affordable Cooperatives
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Emily Youssouf and Banc of America Securities’ Phil Smith announced today a low cost, innovative venture to increase the construction of affordable cooperative developments as a result of a Bank of America revolving loan fund of $100 million and loan financing provided by HDC. This collaborative lending program, which will increase affordable homeownership in the City, is expected to create 3,000 apartments over the next five years and allow HDC reserves to finance a greater number of homeownership units. Mayor Bloomberg, also joined by Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Shaun Donovan and President and CEO for Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement Incorporated (HCCI) Lucille McEwen, announced the construction of affordable cooperative developments at a press conference at Madison Plaza, an HDC financed cooperative, located at 1825 Madison Avenue, between East 118th and East 119th Streets.
Click here for full press release.

On Thursday, December 9, 2004, from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. the Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy, Inc. (JRPC) in partnership with Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, will celebrate the Seventh Annual Lights of Hope Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Jackie Robinson Park and Recreation Center located at 146th Street and Bradhurst Avenue in Harlem, New York. We invite the community to join us for the tree lighting ceremony, reception, and Grand Opening of the Rachel Robinson Lending Library.
Click here to download release.

The Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc.,  Jackie Robinson Park Recreation Center staff and Harlem community residents celebrate the Seventh Annual “Lights of Hope” Tree Lighting Ceremony at Jackie Robinson Park.

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. Joins Congressman Charles B. Rangel and the NY Giants’ Amani Toomer to Feed The Children for Thanksgiving
 On Tuesday, November 23, 2004, hundreds of Harlem residents lined up alongside the Jackie Robinson Park Recreation Center yesterday to collect free food. In celebration of Thanksgiving, Congressmen Charles B. Rangel, Lucille McEwen, President & CEO of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) and other community representatives distributed milk, toiletries and food provided by Feed the Children.
Click here for full press release.

HCCI’s First Gospel-Themed Boat Ride a Huge Success
There was no party like the HCCI party this past weekend. Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) held its first annual Jamboree! A Gospel Extravaganza on the Hudson on Saturday, August 7 th. Held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. , the yacht cruise around the Hudson River in Manhattan was three fun filled hours of contemporary gospel music, soul food cuisine, and joyful praise and celebration. Over 350 people came to enjoy the festivities that took place at Pier 83 on W. 42 nd Street and 12 th Avenue .
Click here for full press release.

C-SPAN’s Book TV to film HCCI’s panel discussion, “The Spirituality of Our Nation,” during the 2004 Harlem Book Fair
 On Saturday, July 24, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) will be on hand at the 2004 Harlem Book Fair to co-present the “The Spirituality of Our Nation,” panel discussion. Held at the Schomburg Center for Research & Black Culture, this event will be taped live for C-SPAN’s Book TV, from 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Click here for full press release.

HCCI’s First Youth Leadership Summit a Big Success, Thanks to Terrie Williams & Tiffany Schley
 On Saturday, July 17, 2004 , Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI), held its first Free Your Mind! (FYM): Unlocking the Power Within Youth Leadership Summit . Set in Columbia University’s Lerner Hall, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., the summit served youths, ages 13-19, in the tri-state area , with a college and career fair, several educational workshops, wonderful performances and prominent speakers including public relations professional Terrie Williams, outspoken high school valedictorian Tiffany Schley and nationally recognized youth organizer Rev. Alfonso Wyatt.
Click here for full press release.

Dr. Bobby Jones of BET and Cissy Houston host
“A Healing in Harlem ”
 On Saturday, March 13 th Harlem residents, clergy and supporters from as far as North Carolina , crowded into Salvation and Deliverance Church to attend the 15 th Annual Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of Aids. Co-hosted by Dr. Bobby Jones of BET and Cissy Houston, this 12-hour prayer vigil, titled “A Healing in Harlem ” was an effort to stop the transmission of HIV/AIDS and provide compassion for people affected by the disease.
Click here for full press release.

HCCI and the Rockefeller Foundation Explore
the Faith Community’s Role in Community Development
On January 14, 2004, approximately 50 leaders from New York City’s most influential faith-based community development corporations gathered at Rockefeller Foundation to explore the emergence of faith institutions in civil rights, community development, education, social services and the environmental justice movement.  Recognizing that faith based programs are now a part of the mainstream of public policy in the U.S., the goal of the evening was to address next steps in furthering the successful adoption and implementation of faith-based programs.
Click here for full press release.

2003 HCCI News

HBA/HCCI Merchant Loan Fund Kick-off
Celebrates New Funding for Small Businesses in Upper Manhattan
 On Friday, December 12, 2003, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) in partnership with the Harlem Business Alliance (HBA) launched a $300,000 Merchant Loan Fund to support local Harlem Businesses. Funded by Assemblyman Herman “Denny” Farrell, Jr., these monies will be used specifically for upgrading, modernizing and enhancing exterior and interiors of local businesses. Applications for business technology purchases will also be considered.
Click here for full press release.

LIGHTS OF HOPE FOR HARLEM
On Thursday, December 11, 2003 , the Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy, Inc. (JRPC) in partnership with Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) and the New York City Parks and Recreation, will celebrate the Sixth Annual Lights of Hope Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Jackie Robinson Park and Recreation Center located at 146 th Street and Bradhurst Avenue in Harlem , New York . We invite the community to join us for the tree lighting ceremony and reception, as we continue to develop the Rachel Robinson Lending Library, established last year, and make our first donation to the Jackie Robinson Park & Recreation Center .
 Click here for full press release.

Harlem Congregations Collaborates to Revive Once Condemned Block With $42.7 Million Investment
Block Party Includes Building Dedication to Bishop Preston R. Washington.
 NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, NYC Housing Development Corporation, BFC Partners, L&M, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc., Roslyn Savings Bank and JPMorgan Chase host a block party for families coming home to West 148 th Street between Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and Frederick Douglass Boulevards in Harlem after $42.7 public private investment transformed once derelict abandoned properties into 290 rental and cooperative apartments. The three separate developments created by rehabilitating 19 turn-of-the century tenements and constructing one new building with ground floor retail space on city-owned vacant land, offer ownership and rental opportunities to households with a range of incomes. A highlight of the day’s festivities will be the naming of the 104 unit cooperative apartment building The Washington for the late Bishop Preston R. Washington, founding member and first president of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc.
Click here for full press release.

HCCI Collaborates with New York City Police Department to Solve Crime  
Through the unrelenting, exemplary detective work of Detective Donald J. Whelan of New York City ’s 32 nd Police Precinct a laptop computer, stolen from the offices of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI), was recovered last week.
Click here for full press release.