There are “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” More often than not, it’s the “nice-to-haves” that can make all the difference. So when NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Suzanne E. Miles-Gustave, Esq. visited our Seneca House shelter in the South Bronx, she admired TatsCru’s donated mural as well as the trees, garden boxes, privacy screens, yard furniture, and pergola gifted to our residential program by the New York Restoration Project. As Maya Angelou once said, “Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.” This beautiful quote graces the mural that Tats Cru donated and designed for Seneca House. New York Restoration Project says, “Nature is a fundamental right of every New Yorker.” They shared the beauty of nature with our program participants when they transformed our outdoor space. One has only to compare the “befores” with the “afters” to see what an explosion of color and greenery can do to elevate the experience. Privacy screens, picnic tables, and a pergola make the environment warm and inviting. Our agency’s mission is to collaborate with individuals, families, and leaders to dismantle the causes and effects of persistent poverty and social injustice. This visit from NYC officials shows how we collaborate with leaders and why it’s important to do so. While Lutheran Social Services of New York programs are largely funded by New York City government agencies, donations from partners, companies, organizations, and individuals provide “the extras” that can truly transform our program participants’ experiences. If you are interested in contributing, please visit LSSNY.org to make a donation or to volunteer: https://lssny.org/how-to-help/ Group photo: (left to right): Jermaisha Darden, Director of Seneca House, LSSNY; Damyn Kelly, J.D., PhD, President and CEO, LSSNY; Rachel Bleecker, LMSW, Executive Director for Residential Services, LSSNY; Suzanne E. Miles-Gustave, Esq., NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services; Kennetha K. Glover, Senior Advisor for the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services; Kerron Norman, MSW, Chief Program Officer, LSSNY; Iris Rodriguez, Chief of Shelter Operations, NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS); Isaac Crispin Selolwane, Deputy Commissioner, Facilities & Logistics, DHS; Derrick A., Assistant Commissioner, DHS NYC Department of Homeless Services #themuralkings (fb)

Exciting developments at Lutheran Social Services of New York! Kerron Norman, MSW, LSSNY's Chief Program Officer, reports that our middle managers are participating in a year-long Professional Development Program, funded by the Robin Hood Foundation and led by Edgility Talent Partners. Key objectives include: - Enhancing leadership and management skills - Strengthening team dynamics and collaboration - Improving communication and conflict resolution - Supporting career growth and succession planning - Aligning with strategic organizational goals Together, we're driving excellence and preparing for a brighter future! #LeadershipDevelopment #Teamwork #CareerGrowth #LSSNY #ManagementTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment Photographs by Kim Polson (fb)