2009/10 Annual Report - FEGS

4
TO OUR FRIENDS
& COLLEAGUES
America’s deepest recession since the Great Depression
is a compelling reminder of the raison d’être for the
founding of F • E • G • S seventy five years ago. Today,
with millions of Americans out of work as they were then,
and with the growing needs of an aging population,
vulnerable youth, persons with disabilities, and families
in crisis, we acknowledge those whose vision and voice
established an organization to help individuals achieve
economic and personal independence and the dignity
that comes with being able to provide for one’s self and
one’s family and community.
F • E • G • S’s ability to respond to and meet the challenges of
today is rooted in our heritage and history – our founding
by and enduring partnership with UJA-Federation of New
York; the committed leadership of the F • E • G • S Board of
Directors and Executive Staff; a culture of innovation and
change; valued partnerships with government, business,
foundations, and the voluntary sector; a sophisticated
infrastructure and the integration of technology platforms
that support the Agency’s operations; and the talents and
dedication of thousands of F • E • G • S staff and volunteers –
working together to provide services to more than 100,000
people a year, 10,000 each day.
The national economic crisis has challenged us with
diminished resources for services to the most vulnerable
populations. We have been strengthened this past year by
new and expanded initiatives which include:
• UJA-Federation of New York’s timely and innovative
Connect to Care initiative, a partnership of UJA-Federation
beneficiary agencies and synagogues to assist those
most severely impacted by the recession. Almost
7,000 individuals have received assistance through
F • E • G • S’s Connect to Care employment and career
advisement services.
• In partnership with the New York City Human
Resources Administration, Welfare to Work initiatives
have provided nearly 30,000 individuals with
assessment, rehabilitation, literacy, language, case
management, benefits assistance, education, financial
planning, computer and job skills training, and
employment services.
• An expansive network of Behavioral Health clinic, case
management, rehabilitation, and residential services
added the opening of a multi-service center in Copiague,
Long Island; the implementation of one of the first New
York State Office of Mental Health PROS programs,
a redesigned recovery model; initiatives to promote
increased wellness and health; 100 new residential and
housing opportunities; and inclusion as the first community
behavioral health provider to join three Regional Health
Information Organizations (RHIOs) that will provide
for the electronic sharing of health information among
hospitals and health care providers.
• Expanded services for individuals with disabilities
added new housing options in the Bronx and Queens;
and new employment opportunities developed with
corporate partners throughout Long Island. And
through New York State’s Nursing Home Transition
and Diversion (NHTD) Medicaid Waiver, individuals
with disabilities and older adults are helped to remain
at home and in the community.
• The opening of the Business of Sports School (BOSS),
a New York City Career and Technical Education High
School is preparing students for business careers; and
expanded internship programs supported by Mayor
Bloomberg’s Center for Economic Opportunity will
strengthen career and employment opportunities for
young adults.