We Transformed Lives Together in 2022!

As 2022 draws to a close we look back on a year that was filled with many wonderful events alongside some truly horrific ones. The pandemic continues to ravage families and businesses, record numbers of refugees are fleeing their war-torn countries, and floods, fires, and other natural disasters devastate people from around the world. While many events seem far away from us, their impacts have been felt throughout our community. We continue to see the pandemic’s effects as we walk through our neighborhoods.

Our most vulnerable—young people, older adults, and people with special needs—continue to experience the greatest levels of crisis. According to City
Harvest, 1.5M New Yorkers—36% more than pre-pandemic—are struggling to feed themselves and their families. Of those struggling, 1 in 4 is a child! The CDC states that an estimated 49.5% of adolescents have had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Many suffer without access to medical care leading to increased substance abuse, suicide, and negative interactions with law enforcement.

The number of older adults in our community is rising and struggling to age in place with dignity while facing social isolation, high rates of inflation,
food insecurity, abuse, and health issues. NYC reports that almost 20% of older adults are living in poverty with the numbers rising to 40% for Holocaust Survivors. We see seniors skipping meals to pay rent or rationing their medications to pay for heat.

New York City’s unemployment rate continues to lag the rest of the state since the start of the pandemic affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals and families. The personal and social costs of unemployment include debt, housing stress, breakdown of the family, alienation, shame, and erosion of confidence and self-esteem.

We are proud to share with you a few stories of people who have found their road to stability and success with Commonpoint Queens. Your tax-
deductible donation is key to helping us help them thrive. With your gift, we can continue to be the commonpoint for our community.

On behalf of our clients, staff, and the Board, thank you.

Wishing you health and happiness in the New Year.