Tihema – Lives, Transformed

“I am 20-years-old and I want to share my story in the hope of not only educating but inspiring those who may read it. I was a child of abuse and neglect. I eventually left that home and was adopted by an aunt and uncle. However, things weren’t always unicorns and rainbows. Now, I realize that the abuse from my biological mother caused me to emotionally detach, and I pulled away from my aunt and uncle. I ended up in a juvenile center where times were EXTREMELY HARD. I also became the mother of a beautiful and smart little boy. To be a positive example for him I vowed to turn my life around.

I applied and was accepted to the SYEP program. Within that amazing atmosphere, I worked hard and learned life skills such as building credit, resume writing, job preparation, and many more. I have found jobs and obtained skill sets that I never knew I had. I am beyond excited to show others who may have come from a broken background like mine how drive and  perseverance pay off. I am forever thankful for this program! Here’s to a new journey!”

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Commonpoint Queens is home for people of every race and ethnicity, from infancy to old age, from religiously observant to secular, from every corner of the political spectrum.

In mid-March, our buildings closed and we lost one-third of our revenue overnight. We sat in the eye of the storm as Queens experienced the highest rates of infection and death from COVID-19. Even with that, there was not a single-day of program interruption.

Until every person who needs our help is served, we will not rest.

From finding a job to getting your high school equivalency diploma, from food assistance to mental health services, from emergency childcare to help to pay rent or for a funeral for a loved one, Commonpoint Queens is a beacon of hope for our stricken community. We are here to support you.

We are committed to never turning away anyone who comes through our doors, but that requires money.

Do you swim in our pools? Send your children to camp? Pass by our buildings and see the lines for the food pantry? Perhaps you never entered one of our 56 locations but the thought of even one child going hungry is too much. Or, that a senior may be alone and unable to care for themselves worries you.

We are asking you, please help. Your tax-deductible donation and commitment to meeting the critical needs of our community is key to our existence. Without you, we do not survive.

On behalf of our clients, staff, and the entire Board, thank you. It is because of you that our most vulnerable will have access to the essential resources they need.

Wishing you health and happiness in the New Year.

Lawrence Gottlieb, Chair, Board of Directors

Danielle Ellman, CEO Commonpoint Queens