Blog

On February 12, Operation H.O.O.D. (Helping Our Own Develop), a community violence prevention initiative of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI), joined nearly 500 representatives from anti-violence programs across New York City for a citywide Crisis Management System (CMS) meeting in Queens. The gathering brought together violence interrupters, outreach workers, and community leaders from organizations across [...]

As we reflect on the past year, one thing is abundantly clear: 2025 was a year of impact, growth, and meaningful service across every corner of our work. The Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) is proud to share that our 2025 Highlights of Accomplishments are officially here—capturing a powerful snapshot of the lives touched, communities strengthened, [...]

Urban Neighborhood Services (UNS), a community-based program of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI), plays a critical role in advancing safety, stability, and opportunity in Coney Island through its Violence Prevention Services (VPS) program. Funded by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and with essential support from New York State Senator Jessica [...]

On January 7, 2026, Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) came together to celebrate the people who make our mission possible at our Annual Winter Employee Appreciation Party—and this year’s gathering was truly one for the books. With more than 100 employees in attendance, we were proud to see triple the turnout from last year, reflecting the [...]

The Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) is proud to spotlight the continued success and momentum of the Crown Heights Mesivta Vocational Track, an innovative initiative that is transforming how students engage with education, purpose, and possibility. As we look ahead to the coming year, excitement is building around a program that has already proven to be [...]

Over the past several months, Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) has been honored to see its community services programs receive meaningful recognition from respected government agencies and media outlets. These acknowledgments reflect not only the strength of our programs, but also the deep trust placed in JCCGCI to meet critical needs with professionalism, compassion, and impact. [...]

December is always a special time at JCCGCI’s Older Adult Centers, and this past holiday season was no exception. Across our centers, older adults came together to celebrate, connect, and welcome the new year surrounded by warmth, music, and friendship. These gatherings were about far more than parties—they were about community, belonging, and ensuring that every older adult felt [...]

On January 21, JCCGCI partnered with L’Oréal’s employee resource group, L’Oréal Mishpachah, to host a full-day, intentionally designed experience for 18 Holocaust survivors served by our organization. Created in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Week, the event offered survivors a meaningful opportunity to be celebrated, uplifted, and cared for in a deeply personal way. Designed as a day of dignity [...]

I am pleased to share an exciting and long-awaited development for the Crown Heights community. On May 26, 2021, a virtual “listening tour” brought together a wide range of professionals, organizations, and institutions dedicated to supporting at-risk youth in our neighborhood. A strong consensus emerged from that discussion: introducing a Vocational Track within the Mesivta high schools of Crown [...]

Project H.O.P.E. (Harboring Opportunities and Promoting Empowerment), funded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), continues to thrive at Rachel Carson High School- offering students a safe, creative, and empowering space to learn, grow, and lead. Under the exceptional leadership of Director Diane Martinez-Maben, Project H.O.P.E. has become an essential part of the school community, engaging more than [...]