Select Accomplishments

Don't Get Burned! FREE Training Session for HSC Members, July 24 2012

The Human Services Council, UJA-Federation of New York, and the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty invited all HSC members to a FREE training seminar on Tuesday, July 24, 2012.

Featured:
A keynote speech from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
Training on "Fraud Detection and Prevention for the Not-for-Profit Sector"
CPEs for eligible accountants
AND MUCH MORE!

To read more, head over to our trainings and meetings page.

"I ♥ Human Services" Feb 15, 2012

During the second week of February, public venues throughout NYC were "papered" by the Human Services Council with over 3,000 Valentines, which were created by clients to show their appreciation. To read the full story, click here.

State Budget Highlights – Mar 31, 2011

On March 31, the State legislature finished voting to enact the FY12 State Budget, worth $132.5 billion and which reduces overall spending by 2 percent from the previous year. This budget fills a $10 billion deficit for FY12 and softens the projected deficit for FY13 to $2 billion. This was accomplished largely through cuts to services and State operations as well as streamlined government actions such as prison and juvenile justice center closures and the merger of various agencies. The enacted FY12 budget does not include any new tax revenues or a continuation of the temporary increase in the personal income tax which expires in December 2011. Other items of interest to the legislature were also not include din the budget such as a property tax cap, a renewal of the rent laws, or funding for member items.

Michael Stoller honored at NYCOFI event

The New York Communities Organizing Fund, Inc. celebrated the work done by New York Communites for Change in the fight for Social Justice, Housing, Education and Worker's Rights. HSC's very own Michael Stoller was honored at the event.

HSC Met with Speaker Silver to Discuss the Impact of Further Reductions to Human Services

On October 15th, 2011, the HSC Board met with Speaker Silver to update him on the impact budget cuts have had on social services. Items discussed included the economic picture of human service not-for-profits, the important work done with discretionary funding, late payments on contracts, the FMAP contingency plan cuts and the need to fund disaster preparedness in our sector. HSC also discussed the idea of raising revenue as an alternative to cutting services.

HSC recognizes Speaker Silver's ongoing work to maintain the human services infrastructure during this difficult economic period and is pleased that he clearly understands the issues and continues to support the sector.

Bridge Walk by Live United

Bridge Walk was a symbolic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to raise awareness of the urgent need to “bridge”critical gaps in the education, income stability and health of poor and low-income New Yorkers. For more information, click here.

HSC Met with Governor Paterson on Fiscal Issues affecting the Sector

On September 13, HSC and its Board of Directors held a meeting with Governor Paterson. Items discussed included the Governor’s vetoes of unspent discretionary funding in the FY11 State budget, additional taxes and late payments at the State level, the FMAP Contingency Fund, and the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund.

HSC was pleased that the Governor clearly listened to the issues at the meeting, which lasted over an hour, and was ready to take actions in response to HSC’s requests. For Photos of the event, please see our events page.

HSC Supported Successful "On May 12" Rally

The On May 12th Rally was a huge success!

Thousands of people marched through lower Manhattan that day protesting the budget cuts. For pictures, videos and more, visit the On May 12 Facebook and Twitter pages, look for the hashtag #OnMay12.

There are pictures on the Events page, and you can visit www.whocares-ido.org for news about this rally and others, and information on the 'Who Cares? I Do.' campaign.

To see a speech by Allison Sesso, Deputy Executive Director of HSC click here. All of the speakers can be seen on the OnMay12th Youtube Channel.

FY12 Enacted State Budget Summary, Mar 2011

On March 31st, a $132.5 billion Fy12 State Budget was enacted, reducing overall spending by 2 percent from the previous year. This budget fills a $10 billion deficit for FY12 and reduces the projected deficit for FY13 from $15 billion to $2 billion. This was accomplished largely through cuts to services and State operations as well as streamlined government actions such as prison and juvenile justice center closures and the merger of various agencies. The Enacted Budget does not include any new tax revenues or a continuation of the temporary increase in the personal income tax which expires in December 2011. Other items of interest to the legislature were also not included in the budget such as a property tax cap, a renewal of the rent laws, or new funding for member items.

The Enacted Budget restores $91 million for "human services" and $180 million for health and Medicaid programs compared to the $400 million in health and human services cuts proposed by the Governor (not including the $2.85 billion in proposed cuts to Medicaid). The final budget also restores $270 million in education related funding and an additional $86 million for higher education.

Members can read the full summary on the Member's Only page, under Budget Analysis (NYS).

HSC led the negotiation of a standard human services contract

HSC represented the human services sector on the Standard Human Services Contract, advocating for the implementation of a standard approach to contracting. The contract was used across the City’s human services agencies and reshaped the terms and clauses of human services contracts. This work made a significant impact on the relationship between contracting not-for-profit agencies and the City of New York.

HSC led the sector through the negotiation process– working hard to ensure the interests of the sector were represented in the final document. HSC was thrilled to offer this opportunity to members to engage in this important and meaningful work. HSC led the effort of a 60+ member workgroup (of HSC members and City representatives) to develop a Standard Health and Human Services Contract containing mutually agreeable terms and conditions. HSC also continued its negotiations with the City on administrative rates and overhead, which should have been incorporated into a City Standard Fiscal Manual.

All comments should be sent to HSC's General Counsel, Michelle Jackson.

HSC partnered with NPower NY to connect not-for-profits with MS Online

MS Online- a set of bundled applications that can save your organization approximately 50% of your technology costs.

This initiative was developed through the COLA (cost-of-living-adjustment) Taskforce, which has identified cost-saving measures aimed at saving money that can be applied to City COLAs.

MS Online is a business solution that can help you achieve these savings and also help your organization run more efficiently. Please view our MS Online document for more details, including dates,time, and price comparisons.

HSC Launched the Who Cares? I Do. Campaign

HSC invites you to join this online rally to save human services and hold government accountable to our communities before it's too late. Read more about it at http://www.WhoCares-IDo.org.

New York State Comptroller’s Office Released Report on Not-for-Profit Sector–HSC’s Recommendations and Proposals Acknowledged

HSC wrote recommendations to alleviate financial and administrative burdens on not-for-profits (more about this below), which sparked the interest of the New York State Comptroller’s Office. We are pleased that New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and his staff worked with us to incorporate many of our recommendations in a report they issued in January 2010 about issues of concern to the not-for-profit sector and that Comptroller DiNapoli and key staff members came to present at our January 13 HSC Board meeting. We look forward to continuing our work with the Comptroller and his Office on our shared issues of concern, such as the loss of public and private funding, prompt contracting, government efficiencies and assistance for not-for-profits as they struggle in the economic downturn.

HSC Advocacy Efforts Resulted in Principles to Guide City and State Budget Decisions

With the help of its federations and coalition heads, HSC created a list of 8 principles for City and State leaders to use when making budget decisions. HSC sent the City principles to the Mayor and all City Commissioners and the State principles to the Governor and all State Commissioners in December. We were pleased to receive feedback from government agencies that they are applying some of these principles to their difficult work of balancing the FY11 budget. We encourage all members and friends of the human services sector to use these principles in their advocacy efforts.

HSC Released Recommendations To Alleviate Financial And Administrative Burdens On Not-For-Profits

Following the survey and report about the difficulties being faced by not-for-profit human services agencies due to the economic crisis, HSC developed a list of recommendations for government agencies to help not-for-profits alleviate their financial and administrative burdens. We encourage all not-for-profits to share this list with their government contacts. HSC has already sent both the survey report and these recommendations to all New York City and New York State legislators.

HSC Received Grant from Kellogg Foundation

HSC is pleased to announce that we received a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, as part of a $75M effort by Kellogg to tackle structural racism and promote racial healing. HSC was one of 119 awardees across the United States–and one of the almost 1,000 grant submissions received by Kellogg for racial equity work. You can see our press release for more information. You can also see the America Healing part of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation’s website for complete details about their program and their America Healing online catalog, which includes HSC.

HSC Team Raises Money in United Way’s 2010 Live United Brooklyn Bridge Walk, October 2010

On October 2nd, families and friends of HSC took part in the Live United Bridge Walk & Volunteer Festival. The Bridge Walk is an annual event that helps raise funds in support of United Way of New York City initiatives that not only provide immediate help for people in need, but also lead to policy changes that have far-reaching impact on the education, income stability, and health of all New Yorkers. It was a beautiful day to get information on the impact of important organizations in the city, learn about volunteer opportunities, and to meet those who work in the human services, health, and education fields.

You can see photos from the event on the United Way of New York’s Flickr or our events page.

HSC Co-Sponsored Workshop on State and Federal Grants for Social Services, October 2010

HSC, in conjunction with the office of U.S. Senator Gillibrand, held a workshop for its members on State and Federal Grant opportunities for social services. As follow up to the workshop, below are some links to additional information that were provided to us by the presenters at the workshop, as well as contact information for each of the presenters.

- Senator Gillibrand’s website with information on grant opportunities:

You can also sign up for the ACF listserv by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page. His contact information is also provided below:

Daniel Hekman, MSW
Responsible Fatherhood and Community Outreach
Office of the Regional Administrator, Region II
Administration for Children and Families
26 Federal Plaza Room 4114
New York, NY 10278

Phone: (212) 264-2890 ext. 110
Fax: (212) 264-4881

Web: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region2


Jinnie Spiegler suggested that you click here if you’d like to be added to the NY State Office of Children and Family Services online bidders list. Her contact information is provided below.

Jinnie Spiegler
Director of Program Resource Development
NYS Office of Children & Family Services
80 Maiden Lane, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10038

Phone: (212) 383-1351
Fax: (212) 383-2456

Email: Jinnie.Spiegler@ocfs.state.ny.us

And Jose Velez’s contact information is provided below.

Jose R. Velez
CPD Field Representative
HUD NY Region II
26 Federal Plaza, Room 35-13
New York, N.Y. 10276-0068

Phone: (212) 542-7404
Fax: (212) 264-0993

HSC Policy and Advocacy Workshops in All Boroughs Summer-Fall 2010

As part of our work to strengthen the human services sector’s ability to serve New Yorkers in need, HSC hosted a series of policy and advocacy workshops in every borough. The event consisted of two sessions: a sector update session, and an advocacy training session. This learning opportunity benefitted HSC members and Non-HSC members who were interested in learning more about HSC. Click here for more information. HSC members can now view slides from the presentation online on the members page.

ARRA Update - ARRA Info Session for Members on 3/17/10

In September and November, HSC provided updates and grant information about federal stimulus funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). We identified opportunities that existed for not-for-profits to apply to the federal government for grants and forwarded these to our membership. Members can see our list of opportunities that remain open for submission, as well as tips for those interested in applying for these grants on the Members-Only section of our website.

HSC created guidelines for future federal recovery spending and wrote a report summarizing the issues faced by not-for-profits in addressing special ARRA reporting/tracking requirements that are unduly burdensome. We shared these issues and recommendations with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's Office on the federal level and with Michelle Light, Senior Policy Advisor, Mayor's Office of Operations, on the City level.

We held a final ARRA informational session on March 17. Federal, State, and City representatives discussed the status of ARRA-related funding for human services, including reporting, where funds have been spent, and what to expect in the next months.

You can see a copy of the City presentations by Kristin Misner (Chief of Staff to Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs) and Michelle Light by going to the NYC Stimulus Tracker website, on the News and Information Page.
If you have questions for Senator Gillibrands Office regarding the Senators Grant Workshops, you can email Sam_Cooper@gillibrand.senate.gov or Karina_Cabrera@gillibrand.senate.gov. If you have questions about HSC's ARRA work, please contact Michelle Jackson at (212) 836-1588.

HSC's ARRA work was made possible by a grant from the New York Community Trust, which ended in December.

HSC and members receive press coverage as a Result of Helpers Need Help Survey, October 2009

The Helpers Need Help: New York City's Nonprofit Human Service Organizations Persevering in Uncertain Times survey report and forum held on September 9 have sparked media interest about the plight of human services agencies in these difficult times. HSC has been fortunate to work with Pro-Media Communications to find outlets where we can share our sector’s story. You can see a complete list of the press, radio, and TV items that have appeared as a result of interest from the survey (including links to the stories online).

Responses from New York City Mayoral Candidates to Human Services Sector- Specific Questions, October 2009

As we rsquo;ve done in the past, HSC asked the 2009 NYC Mayoral Candidates to respond to a questionnaire on behalf of the human services sector.  We are happy to report that both Michael Bloomberg and William Thompson responded to our questions and their answers have been compiled in their entirety here!� You can also see their responses in this month rsquo;s edition of the New York Nonprofit Press.

 The questions focus on the human services sector rsquo;s relationship with government, funding issues, human service staff development, and the use of technology to access benefits and services.  We are very pleased to be able to present you with these responses and hope they will help inform you of the respective candidates rsquo; positions on these important topics.  Please feel free to forward this document. 

As a tax-exempt not-for-profit, HSC is subject to 501(c)(3) rules which prohibit the endorsement of candidates.

Responses from New York City Comptroller Candidates to Human Services Sector-Specific Questions, September 2009

To understand the human service policies and approaches of the NYC Comptroller candidates, the Human Services Council sent a human service sector-specific questionnaire to the candidates. We received responses from David Yassky and Joe Mendola. David Yassky's responses can be viewed through this linkand are in red; Joe Mendola's responses can be viewed through this link. We hope these answers will inform you of their views and objectives with regard to issues and concerns of the human services sector. Please note that this information is nonpartisan and is not intended to reflect an endorsement for, or opposition to, any candidate or political party.

HSC Sponsors Survey to See How Nonprofits Are Managing in Hard Times - See the Survey Results, Discussed at The Helpers Need Help Forum on Sept. 9, 2009

HSC and the Center for Nonprofit Strategy and Management at Baruch College presented a forum, called The Helpers Need Help: New York City's Nonprofit Human Service Organizations Persevering in Uncertain Times to review the results of the survey. Download a copy of the survey report or read a press release about the survey. Finally, you can read an article from the New York Nonprofit Press about the survey and forum held on September 9.

The survey, which was developed by the School of Public Affairs at Baruch College in partnership with HSC, captures how nonprofit human services organizations in New York City are managing in hard times. It provides details on adjustments these organizations made to programs, staff, salaries, benefits, and other aspects of their operations in response to changes in revenues from public, private, and internal revenue sources in the last year. The survey expands upon the findings of the Winter 2008 Nonprofit Executive Outlook Survey, which focused on the economic environment of the past few years and its effects on a range of operating issues. The survey was completed in June 2009 with 244 nonprofit social service leaders responding.

Thanks are required to many HSC members for providing additional support for this survey; members contributed funds, called potential respondents, and worked on the development of the survey. These members include: Asian American Federation, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn & Queens, Children's Aid Society, Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, COFCCA, F.E.G.S Health and Human Services System, Good Shepherd Services, Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and NJ, Jewish Board of Family & Children's Services, Jewish Child Care Association, National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Phipps Community Development Corp., Project Renewal, Public Health Solutions, Safe Horizon, UJA Federation, and YMCA of Greater New York.

Mayor Bloomberg Outlines Steps to Support NYC Not-for-Profits, 4/6/09

On April 6, the Mayor held a press conference to outline a number of steps the City is taking to support not-for-profits. This package of policies and resources are designed to strengthen the not-for-profit community, particularly during the current economic downturn. These new initiatives have been at the forefront of our advocacy agenda and we will continue to collaborate with the City on these initiatives to ensure their implementation is successful. See the full press release. You can also see a summary of the initiatives and contact information. As part of the initiative, the Mayors Office launched a new website, nyc.gov/nonprofit, which provides information and assistance to nonprofits, including an online contract tracking system. The system will be updated weekly so nonprofits with City contracts can easily check the status of any contract in the pipeline (click here to track discretionary awards over $25K or click here to track other human service contracts). The Mayors Office of Operations will also report on each agencys overall efficiency in processing contracts, which should improve the speed in which contracts are processed.

Our Advocacy in Albany Paid Off March 30, 2009

HSC is thrilled to announce that our advocacy in Albany has paid off and our State budget includes many restorations for human services.
The State budget:
Restored $28 million to stop the proposed one percent across-the-board cut to not-for-profit human service agencies and will maintain the COLA agreement in future years.
Dismantled the proposed youth services block grant and much of the related cuts.
Restored the homeless service prevention program, SRO funding, and funds for the homeless intervention program.
Restored $29 million in child welfare funding for the Community Optional Preventive (COPS) program.
Restored $6.4 million to Advantage After-School and add another $5 million to the program.
Balanced the budget fairly by raising personal income taxes (for a three year period) on New Yorks top earners. Those earning $300,000 - $500,000 annually will be taxed at a rate of 7.85% and the rate for those earning above $500,000 will be 8.97%. This will create $4 billion in revenue.

After the Governor released his Executive budget in December, HSC diligently advocated in Albany for critical restorations, increases to the personal income tax, and policy reforms to reduce State spending. Click here for more information about some of these major victories.

HSC could not have done this without the support of members who sent letters, made calls, held district meetings, and joined us in Albany to voice concerns. Also, thanks are due to members of the One New York coalition for acting as a loud voice in the fight for a balanced approach.

Fair Share Return Tax Adopted March 2009

Working with the One New York: Fighting for Fairness coalition, HSC successfully advocated for the adoption of the Fair Share Tax Reform Act. State leaders have agreed to temporarily raise the personal income tax on New Yorks top earners to counter spending cuts for a three-year period from tax year 2009 to tax year 2011, generating an expected $ 4 billion. The progressive reform will create the following two new tax brackets from the previous flat rate of 6.85 percent for all joint filers making more than $40,000:
1) 7.85 percent for single or married-filing-separately taxpayers making more than $200,000, head-of-household filers making more than $250,000 and married couples with incomes greater than $300,000. 2) 8.97 percent for all taxpayers making more than $500,000, regardless of filing status.

HSC Hosted an Info Session on 311 And ACCESS NYC March 18, 2009

HSC hosted an info session on 311 and ACCESS NYC for City Council Members and Staff, which Council Member Brewer (Chair of the Technology in Government Committee) attended with HSC Technology & Referral Committee members on March 18. You can read about what was covered