End of Year Letter

This was a year unlike any other. A global pandemic, economic shut down, the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor that ignited Black Lives Matter protests throughout the spring and summer calling for racial equity and social justice, and finally a long and contentious presidential election that has divided much of the country. But, through all of the challenges and adversity, this was a year filled with acts of generosity, courage, bravery, and renewed commitment to community. East New York rose to the challenge. Community leaders, community-based coalitions, local mutual aid groups, UCC staff and volunteers, all came together to take care of each other. We have been inspired and humbled by the dedication of so many to support their neighbors through this incredibly difficult time.

Though they looked very different, our programs ran throughout the entire year. UCC never shut its doors. Students in our early childhood education program shifted to online learning with our devoted and creative teachers who made remote learning fun and engaging. Teachers and students are now back together for in person learning, and we could not be happier to see our families in person. Generous funders helped UCC and East New York Farms hold 36 food distributions, providing 200 grocery bags a week from April to December to families and seniors. East New York Farms hired 22 local youth interns, held virtual cooking demos and gardening workshops, gave away clean soil and plants, and ran our 22nd annual farmers market. Protecting the East hosted virtual health and relationship workshops, gave out 33 free at-home HIV kits, 40,000 condoms, and hired 23 local young people as peer educators. We marched for racial justice calling
for a reinvestment in communities like ours who have been overlooked and overpoliced far too long. UCC helped 167 East New Yorkers fill out the Census, and 42 immigrants submit citizenship applications. All of this was due to the tireless work of our staff and community volunteers, for whom we are so grateful.

East New York is resilient, determined, and resourceful. It has been through hard times before. Together, we will get through this. You can make a difference in the lives of East New Yorkers by giving to UCC. We thank you for your support and generosity during this extraordinary year. We wish you all Happy Holidays and a healthier 2021 with renewed hope and unwavering commitment to social justice.

Ana Aguirre
Executive Director