Cord Meyer Development helps support Commonpoint Queens

This article originally appeared on qns.com

As part of its community outreach within the Bayside area, Cord Meyer Development has served as a longtime supporter of Commonpoint Queens, an adjoining neighbor of Cord Meyer’s Bay Terrace Shopping Center. In recent years, Cord Meyer has sponsored Commonpoint Queens’ Ladders for Leaders (L4L) internship program, a six-week paid summer internship for students with a 3.0 GPA from ages 16-21 with volunteer experience.

Commonpoint Queens has been authorized by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development to operate L4L for a decade. This program introduces the students to the world of work, providing them with career development skills and tools needed to become successful young professionals in their fields.

According to L4L Director of Youth Employment Programs Albina Baazov, the organization works to create pipelines of career opportunities for the participants. She said as much as 80% of the eligible alumni from the program return each year to take part again.

“The donations we receive from Cord Meyer allow us to place students in various work opportunities and also pay their wages,” Baazov said. “Thanks to Cord Meyer, we can enroll more participants and offer more opportunities.”

Commonpoint Queens, one of two providers for this citywide program, is the largest summer youth provider in the city. Nearly 6,000 participants are enrolled in the program this summer.

“As part of Cord Meyer’s mission, we’re always looking for ways to connect with the community,” Cord Meyer Development Vice President and Bay Terrace Project Lead Joe Forgione said. “Groups like Commonpoint Queens serve and empower people of all ages. When we find a local connection like that, it’s really important to us to foster the relationship.”

Cord Meyer Development’s support over the years has helped Commonpoint Queens provide many different services to the community. This includes Commonpoint Closet, a professional clothing community pop-up at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center, as well as cultural arts programs and senior services.

“We are built up by having a community of other local businesses and leaders who want to see young people flourish,” Commonpoint Queens Vice President of Communications Jared Mintz said. “We are so grateful for the partnership with Cord Meyer. Cord Meyer is always there to help us support others in career ventures and living a better life. Cord Meyer empowers us to empower others.”