The celebration recognized women from neighborhoods across the district who have made meaningful contributions to their communities through service, leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. Samantha Ross was honored for her extraordinary commitment to supporting individuals and families throughout Coney Island and the surrounding neighborhoods through her work at Urban Neighborhood Services, one of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island’s critical community-based programs.

For those who know Samantha and the work she leads every day, the recognition came as no surprise. As Director of Urban Neighborhood Services, Samantha Ross oversees a multi-service community center dedicated to helping residents access critical resources, support systems, and opportunities that improve quality of life and strengthen community stability. Under her leadership, the program has become an essential support hub for many individuals and families navigating economic hardship, housing instability, unemployment, food insecurity, and other complex challenges.

Rabbi Moshe Wiener, Executive Director of the JCCGCI stated: “Samantha Ross exemplifies the very best of community-centered leadership. Through her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the residents of Coney Island and South Brooklyn, Samantha has helped transform Urban Neighborhood Services into a trusted lifeline for so many individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Her ability to combine meaningful support with dignity, empathy, and practical solutions has made a profound impact throughout the community. We are extraordinarily proud to see Samantha recognized with this well-deserved honor and grateful to Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton for celebrating the remarkable women whose dedication strengthens and uplifts our neighborhoods every day.”

Located in the heart of Coney Island, the Urban Neighborhood Services center serves as an accessible and welcoming space where community members can connect with services, receive guidance, and find support close to home. The center’s convenient location allows residents from across the community to easily access programs and assistance in a familiar and trusted environment.

Urban Neighborhood Services provides a wide range of programming designed to meet both immediate and long-term community needs. Services include case management, workforce development support, educational programming, youth initiatives, benefits assistance, referrals to social services, and community-based programming that helps connect residents to critical resources and opportunities. The program focuses not only on addressing urgent needs, but also on helping individuals build long-term stability and independence.

JCCGCI extends its sincere gratitude to the elected officials, community partners, and funders whose continued support makes programs like Urban Neighborhood Services possible. Funding from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) supports JCCGCI’s Anti-Violence Initiative, helping advance community-based violence prevention efforts grounded in proactive outreach, relationship-building, and long-term support services for at-risk individuals and families. With essential support from New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, these investments help ensure that critical resources, support services, and opportunities remain accessible to the individuals and families who rely on them throughout Coney Island and South Brooklyn.

Urban Neighborhood Services also operates several specialized initiatives that support vulnerable individuals and families throughout South Brooklyn. These include the HPD-funded Housing Preservation Initiative (HPI), which works to protect affordable housing and promote neighborhood stabilization through community-based outreach and support services; the Domestic Violence and Empowerment (DOVE) Initiative, funded through Safe Horizon, which provides compassionate support, violence prevention education, and assistance for victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes; and the Department of Probation (DOP) Works Plus Program, which supports young adults ages 16–30 impacted by gun violence through workforce development, case management, educational support, vocational training, and life-skills programming designed to reduce violence and increase long-term stability and employment opportunities.

At a time when many communities continue to face growing economic and social challenges, leaders like Samantha Ross play a critical role in ensuring that residents are not left behind. JCCGCI is proud to celebrate Samantha Ross for this well-deserved honor and grateful for the leadership, compassion, and commitment she continues to bring to the community each day.

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