NYC’s HHS Accelerator released new Procurement Roadmap – June 10, 2013 >>

New York City’s HHS Accelerator has released the new Procurement Roadmap. This site provides a list of anticipated procurements to be released in the Accelerator system later this year. Real-time updates to the NYC Procurement Roadmap will be available in the HHS Accelerator System starting in late 2013. In the meantime, use this page to track upcoming procurements, as details are subject to change.

HSC has worked closely with the City to streamline and clarify the procurement system, and the Procurement Roadmap is a great way for providers to plan for future procurements and manage applications, as well as view procurements in other areas to find new opportunities. HSC appreciates the continuing work of Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda I. Gibbs and the HHS Accelerator Team on streamlining efforts.

We encourage you to view the Roadmap and make sure your organization has submitted your service application through HHS Accelerator so that you can apply for future solicitations through the system.

Act Now: Support Women's Equality Agenda - June 6, 2013 >>

The Human Services Council’s work to strengthen the not-for-profit human services sector’s ability to improve the lives of New Yorker’s in need is well aligned with the Women’s Equality Agenda. You can read HSC’s Memo of Support for the Women’s Equality Agenda here. It outlines a variety of reasons this agenda is in line with the goals of the human services sector.

If your organization supports this agenda, we encourage you to send similar memos of support. You can access the contact information for state legislators here.

Our blog this week is also focused on the Women’s Equality Agenda.

Center for Disaster Philanthropy: April 18, 2013 Webinar Highlights - May 30, 2013 >>

The webinar on Thursday, April 18, 2013 titled Five Months Since Landfall: What Are We Learning from Hurricane Sandy delved into how philanthropy must continue in order to fully recover from this horrific storm and support those in need residing in the New York and New Jersey area.

You can read more on this webinar here.

Reminder to Enroll with City Group Purchasing Organization, Essensa, by June 30 - May 30, 2013 >>

The deadline to enroll with the Group Purchasing Organization Essensa is fast approaching!
Follow this link for the enrollment form:

REQUIREMENT
Nonprofits under contract with NYC’s Health and Human Service (HHS) agencies are required to enroll with Essensa, the group purchasing organization under contract with NYC. If you have not yet enrolled, we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible and NO LATER than June 30, 2013. Those not enrolled by the deadline will be receiving additional inquiries from the City.

BENEFITS
This is an opportunity to access discounted goods and services -- and use of Essensa eliminates the three-bid PPB requirement. Nonprofits that are already enrolled have saved 24% on appliances, 25% on office products, 65% on copier leasing and 72% on shipping costs. Enrollment is easy and there are no fees.

After joining, Essensa will conduct a purchasing analysis with the goal of streamlining your supply chain and improving overall operational efficiencies for your organization and, of course, saving money. Note: If your agency's current pricing with any supplier is better than the Essensa pricing, you are not required to use Essensa for those purchases – but you must sign up in order to access the pricing to see if you are able to beat it.

ACT NOW
As the City’s partner on this initiative to create savings for nonprofits to use at their discretion, HSC strongly urges nonprofits with City contracts to sign up for this program and to spend time looking into the potential savings.

An Open House information session is taking place on June 5. This informational flyer contains more details on the event.

NY State Disaster Case Management Sandy Referral Line - May 30, 2013 >>

As you may know, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York is overseeing a Disaster Case Management program through which those affected by Hurricane Sandy may receive extensive supports. Services are available in communities in need throughout the five boroughs as well as on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley Region. In many cases, services are provided through sub-contracts by human service organizations with experience in the particular locales. This brochure describes the program in more detail and offers contact information.

Please share this information with anyone within your networks who might benefit from these services. And, should you have questions or comments about Hurricane Sandy recovery, please direct them to Danny Rosenthal, HSC's Sandy Recovery Consultant, at dannyrconsult@optimum.net.

Post Sandy Job Fair for Greater New York - May 14, 2013 >>

The GoodTemps, a division of Goodwill Industry of Greater NY and NJ, with a help from HSC and other organizations is planning to host the Post Sandy Job Fair for Greater New York. It offers a means for businesses to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy by connecting with job-seekers and offering employment opportunities that will provide the lifeline they really need. The even is scheduled to take place on May 14th at Resorts World New York City - Queens.

Information about how to sponsor Post Sandy Job Fair, please click here
Information for employers, please click here
You could find more information through the Job Fair Website: http://www.postsandyjobfair.org

UPDATE: The “Donate” section of the Website http://www.postsandyjobfair.org has been activated! Those interested in providing financial support for the Post Sandy Job Fair can now make a monetary contribution via the Website: http://www.postsandyjobfair.org/support/donate

Technology News: HHS Accelerator - April, 2013 >>

HHS Accelerator was launched by the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services to improve the contracting system for nonprofit human services providers. This is accomplished by enabling the collection of commonly requested documents in one place, speeding up the contract process.

A simple Business Application is now required prior to receiving Agency-issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs). You must also submit information regarding the services you can provide. Once approved, applicants can submit proposals electronically in response to RFPs, which the city will begin to issue through the system later this year.

To get started, have a senior member (preferably familiar with government contracting) of your team register for training.

New York State released new Master Grant Contract - April, 2013 >>

New York State has released its new Master Grant Contract, to be used by grant-making agencies. You can review the document here. We expect this contract to be used for new grants through State agencies shortly.

Any questions, please contact Michelle Jackson at jacksonm@humanservicescouncil.org.

Preparing for Election Day: Do's and Don’ts for Nonprofit Organizations - April 24, 2013 >>

With the 2013 election season quickly approaching, this presentation will address the ability of nonprofit organizations to engage in political activity. Join us as we discuss candidate forums, voter registration, GOTV, issue advocacy and other topics central to engaging your communities in the electoral process while protecting your organization's 501(c)(3) status.

Presenters :
Michelle Jackson, General Counsel, Human Services Council
Elizabeth Perez, Senior Staff Attorney, Lawyers Alliance for New York
Time: 9:30am -11am
Location: UJA-Federation of NY, 130 East 59th Street, Room 712

Click here to RSVP, space is limited.
Open to members of the Human Services Council and clients of Lawyers Alliance for New York

Information For Nonprofits To Assist In Recovery Efforts For Hurricane Sandy - November 2012 >>

As New York recovers from Hurricane Sandy, nonprofits are mobilizing to assist in immediate recovery efforts and to coordinate long-term strategies to help people rebuild. HSC is working with government, our members, and others to compile information that is helpful to the sector. We will be updating this list periodically.

To see how you can help and find valuable resources for your organization as you participate in relief efforts, click here.

HSC Doubling Down: How Recommitting to the Nonprofit Sector Can Achieve Real Change in Communities - January 14, 2013>>

Doubling Down: How Recommitting to the Nonprofit Sector Can Achieve Real Change in Communities brought together a variety of stakeholders from government, philanthropy, media, academia, and the nonprofit sector with the goal of having honest and productive conversations about the future of the nonprofit sector. It was a great day, as panelists provided honest and productive advice for moving forward as well as engaged in dialogue that would help further our goals individually and collectively. For a summary of the event check out our blog, photo album, complete run of show, and our press release.

See Photos from our Leadership Awards Reception! - December 12, 2012 >>

We held our 17th annual Leadership Awards Reception at Mutual of America, 320 Park Avenue, New York, on December 12, 2012. We celebrated our honorees: HSC Advocacy Champion - Ronald Soloway; Friend of the Human Services Community - Mutual of America; Next Generation Leadership - Lucy Garrido-Mota and Scott Hess; and HSC Leaders of Influence - Rob Carmona, Fatima Goldman, and Jane Velez.

Please click here to see photos and information from 2012 Leadership Awards Reception.

Comment on Revised Proposed Regulations. All COMMENTS are due by November 30, 2012 >>

The Human Services Council of New York (HSC) is the non-partisan intermediary between State and City government agencies and the nonprofit human services sector. We passionately champion human services providers and the New Yorkers they serve by proactively negotiating with government for mutually beneficial, solutions-based budget, policy, and legislative reform that improve the sector's work and the lives of the individuals who count on it.

For more information and who to contact, click here.
Please click here to view the Executive Order Regs.

City Releases PEGs, November 9, 2012 >>

On Friday afternoon, 11/9/12, the New York City Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the November Financial Plan which includes the FY 2013 and FY 2014 Programs to Eliminate the Gap (PEGs). Many HSC member organizations have spent funds unexpectedly in response to superstorm Sandy, making the prospect of cuts at this time unfathomable. Fortunately, Human Service agencies were held harmless, with most of the modifications happening at the administrative level through lay-offs and efficiencies.

There is a new Fire Inspection related fee increase, which may impact some in the nonprofit community. The fees will hit this year, but not in the out years. HSC has been working on this issue and will continue to raise concerns about the impact additional fees have on nonprofit budgets. We will provide more details as they become available.

After a hard fought battle for after school and child care programs in FY13, Out of School Time (OST) will see a $10 million cut in FY2014. This cut will not impact summer programming, but take effect in the 2013-2014 school year. Children and families cannot withstand additional cuts to vital after school programs, especially in the wake of Sandy as many after school centers have become critical in community recovery efforts. HSC will support efforts to restore these funds.

Even though human services were spared additional cuts in the current fiscal year (FY13), HSC is still concerned with out-year cuts. HSC will continue to investigate what may be in pipeline for FY14. Please let us know if you have any questions and be on the lookout for follow up information and details when they become available. To see the full PEGs click here.

HSC drafted a letter to Mayor Bloomberg outlining our funding concerns in light of the work our sector has done in relation to Sandy. We are collecting signatures and the letter is scheduled to be sent the week of 11/19.

HSC helping to launch Law & Order Sam Waterston video: This year we have seen money pour into federal elections at a record pace. October 11, 2012 >>

"The Human Services Council is supporting the Fair Elections plan, which would limit the influence of big money in politics with the public financing of elections. We are helping launch a new video starring Law & Order's Sam Waterston that explains the plan.

To watch the video and sign the petition, click here.

HSC Public Comment on Executive Compensation Proposed Regulations, July 2012 >>

"The nonprofit sector is an integral part of the health and welfare of New Yorkers, and nonprofits are committed to delivering services to the growing number of people in need with ever-shrinking resources. Nonprofit human service providers leverage State dollars with private philanthropy, providing services at a greater value than the State could do on its own..."

To read more, click here.

Mayor Bloomberg, Speaker Quinn and Members of the City Council Announce Agreement for an On-Time, Balanced Budget, June 2012 >>

Yesterday Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn agreed on an on-time, balanced budget, which restores funding to vital child care and afterschool programs. The Human Services Council applauds the Mayor and the City Council for restoring this critical funding, which not only helps thousands of children and families, but will continue to grow the City's recovering economy.

For the full article, click here.

The NPCC and HSC Announce An Introductory Membership Offer For Nonprofit Organizations>>

The NonProfit Coordinating Committee of New York (NPCC) and The Human Services Council of New York (HSC) announce an Introductory Membership Offer for nonprofit organizations who want to take advantage of what both these dynamic coalitions offer!

From From July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013, any nonprofit that is a member of either organization (but not both) can join the other for a year for HALF the regular dues!

If you are a current member of the NPCC and wish to join HSC, click here.
If you are a current member of the HSC and wish to join NPCC, click here

Budget Update: Analysis of the Mayor's FY13 Executive Budget, May 2012 >>

The FY13 Executive Budget has no additional cuts and no restorations to human services. While human services were not hit as hard as in the previous two budget cycles, the cuts initiated in the Preliminary Budget and the loss of FY12 City Council funding, which is not base lined, result in the total FY13 budget proposing to cut over $175 million in vital human services. HSC believes that this budget does not begin to re-invest in programs essential to many New Yorkers, in turn having a severe impact on the city's employment and economic outlooks.

For HSC's detailed analysis of the budget, click here.

Reports Show How Human Services Nonprofits Support Employment and the Economy, May 2012>>

HSC's new report, Investing in Human Capital: How Investments in Human Services Support a Strong Economy, demonstrates how human services such as child care and youth services, senior services, and nutrition programs remove barriers to employment and make it possible for people to remain in the workforce. Click here to see the full report.

HSC Testimony to the City Budget Hearing, March 29, 2012 >>

HSC provided testimony to the General Welfare Committee on the FY12-13 Executive Budget proposal.

To read the testimony, click here.

How Public Funding Cuts to Human Services Hurt Women and Children, Mar 2012 >>

The report examines the consequences of enacted and proposed cuts to four service areas in federal, state, and city budgets - child and elder care, homeless services, domestic violence assistance and family health programs - on women, their families and their communities.

Click here to see the full report.

HSC Testimony To The State Budget Hearing, Feb 13, 2012 >>

HSC provided testimony to the legislative public budget hearings on the Governor's 2012-2013 Executive Budget proposal. To read testimony, click here.

Budget Update: Highlights of the Governor's FY13 Executive Budget, Jan 2012 >>

While there are some concerns, HSC appreciates the Governor's overall recognition of the importance of human services in the FY13 Executive Budget Proposal. In particular, we are pleased with investments such as child care, a key work support, by increasing state funding by $93 million to offset a reduction in federal funding and the maintenance of many other cost-effective human services like alternatives to state juvenile justice facility placement, preventive child welfare and funding for supportive housing. However although the Governor's FY13 Executive Budget maintains many key services and embraces much needed administrative improvements, some concerns remain.

To read more on highlights of the budget and HSC's concerns, click here.
For HSC's detailed analysis of the budget, click here.

HSC Releases State Budget Cut Report, Jan 17, 2012 >>

On January 17, 2012, HSC released a report, "A Lose-Lose Proposition: The Economic Impact of Lost Human Services in New York State" which analyzed the impact of lost human service funding on those needing assistance, jobs and economic opportunity over the last two years. In that time, over $800 million in funding has been cut at the state level for such vital programs as child care and child welfare, youth and after-school programs, senior services, health programs, employment training and assistance, supportive housing, services for the homeless, and programs for people with disabilities; resulting in the loss of approximately 27,000 jobs.

The report shows human services programs are an economic engine in New York's communities, providing over a million jobs and supporting local economies through the purchase of over a billion dollars in goods and services. Human services like child care, after-school programs, and elder programs are also essential job supports, enabling parents and other caregivers to work and keep their jobs.

Human services matter to everyone, whether it's the people who need assistance or the local economies that benefit from the employment and business that human services programs generate. Our state cannot afford more service reductions. We need government to continue to look for alternative cost-saving and revenue-generating reforms that will move us toward a balanced budget and prevent further erosion of funds for human services.

For a link to the full report, you can visit the Who Cares? I Do. website.

HSC's Response to Mayor Bloomberg’s State of the City Address, Jan 12, 2012 >>

On January 12, 2012, Mayor Bloomberg made the annual State of the City speech at Morris High School in the Bronx. The bulk of the Mayor’s speech focused on education and job creation. But, we were struck by the minimal mention of Human Services. Good schools, good teachers and quality education are important. But, it is hard for students to be successful in the classroom when they are dealing with a variety of problems at home. So many families across the city are in need of supportive services, and this was not addressed by the Mayor.

Some highlights for the sector were:
• increase in Summer Youth Employment opportunities for teens
• employment services for immigrants
• job opportunities for young African American and Latino men through the Young Men’s Initiative
• increased availability of affordable housing

The Human Services Council looks forward to working with the Mayor, his Administration, City Council and other elected officials to make sure that the needs of all New Yorkers are addressed and communities and families are receiving the services they so desperately need.

To read the transcript of the address click here.

For any questions, please contact HSC’s Shana Mosher.

Who Cares? You Do! >>

HSC is having a petition drive for the Who Cares? I Do. Campaign. We are encouraging everyone to show their support for this campaign during the budget season. The State budget has a projected $3.5 billion deficit and we need as many supporters as possible to show legislators that New Yorkers want human services programs protected in this year's budget. Please promote the petition with staff and clients via your website, social media, newsletters and mailing lists either online or by paper. If you have any questions or paper petitions to mail us, please contact Michelle Jackson.

NYS Tax Reform and Job Creation Package, Dec 2011 >>

As you have probably heard, the Governor and Legislative leaders came to agreement yesterday on a tax reform and job creation package for New York. Below are highlights of that plan, HSC's public statement in response to the plan, an Op Ed by Michael Kink from today's Times Union calling for additional funds for human services, and the full press release from the Governor outlining the plan.

Highlights:
• $1.9 billion in revenue will be raised (extension of the millionaires tax would have raised about    $5 bb)
• The new tax plan expires December 31, 2014. A commission will be established to examine a    comprehensive overhaul of the state's entire tax code.
• MTA payroll tax reductions will apply to employers (including nonprofits) with payrolls under    $1.7mm annually
• $1 billon will be dedicated to a “New Works Agenda” that will create jobs through investments    in key infrastructure projects throughout the State.
• Inner City Youth Employment Program and Tax Credit
      • $25 mm dedicated to a $3,000 - $4,000    tax credit for employers who hire unemployed          youth ages 16-24. Because this is a tax credit, we do not believe it applies to nonprofits.
      • $12 mm in support grants to youth service providers for work readiness training,          occupational training, placement or job matching workplace mentoring ad follow up services
      • $25 mm for workforce skills training and support programs including digital literacy, basic          education and occupational training, summer youth employment, job search and placement,          facilitated child care enrollment.

HSC Statement / Reaction to Tax Reform Deal:

While this tax reform approach is not the perfect solution, it does represent significant movement toward a more progressive and fair approach to NY's income tax structure and we commend Albany for taking action.

At the same time we continue to be concerned about funding for human services. Over the last two years these programs have sustain $800 million in cuts at a time of rising need. It is not clear if this tax reform package will raise enough revenue to protect these services from additional cuts in the soon-to-be negotiated Fiscal Year 2013 State budget.

This approach moves our State in the right direction for our economy by putting more funds in the hands of low and middle class individuals and investing in job creation - particularly for inner-city youth. An investment in this population will create dividends for NY now and down the road. Additional investments in human service programs that help people become and remain employed are also needed. Programs like child care, afterschool, social adult day services, career pathways, supportive housing, and more act as important job supports and springboard low-income families into higher income brackets helping to create a more robust middle-class.

The Governor's recent embrace of a progressive approach to tax reform demonstrates that advocacy works. The fact that lawmakers felt compelled to come together to take action is a testament to the organizing and advocacy of many progressive coalitions throughout the State that have been pushing for alternative approaches to balancing NY's budget for a year. The courageous protestors of the Occupy movement also helped tremendously in moving the political needle and shifting the conversation to create opportunities for change.

We deeply appreciate the willingness of the Governor, the Majority Leader, and the Speaker to be open to new ideas and to the voices of the advocacy community. We look forward to reviewing the details of the proposal as they are released, with the hope that the State will remain open to a full give-and-take should the proposal not go far enough in achieving the fairness we all desire.

HSC through the Who Cares? I Do. Campaign will keep working to ensure NY dedicates adequate funding for human services and safety net programs that meet the needs of New Yorkers, but we embrace this important step in the right direction.

Op Ed by Michael Kink from the Albany Times Union that talks about the need to fund human services

Governor's press release

Service providers' “Austerity Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Oct 2011 >>

“The Austerity Breakfast” was organized by Human Services Council along with 99 New York and Beyond May 12 Coalition, to thank wealthy New Yorkers who are willing to give up tax breaks to pay for services to those in need. To read more click here.

New York City FY12 Adopted Budget Released, Jun 29, 2011 >>

The New York City budget process has finally come to a close. It was a battle every step of the way. Many of you joined us in taking to the streets and the halls of City Hall to let our message be heard about the importance of human services. On June 29th, a $66 billion budget was approved by the City Council for New York City Fiscal Year 2011-2012 (FY12), which began July 1, 2011. You will find a full summary of human service outcomes in the Member's Only section under Budget Analysis (NYC).

While there were many important restorations to human services, the adopted budget includes $116 million worth of cuts from approximately $340 million in proposed cuts to key human services. We are very pleased to see $224 million (or %66 of proposed cuts) restored to services such as senior services, child care, mental hygiene, domestic violence and other areas. However, there are still many cuts that will significantly impact providers and clients such as homeless family and adult literacy, summer youth employment, Beacons and Out of School Time after school services.

Human services have continuously been cut since 2008. Every cut this year is painful as they are on top of years of cuts. While we applaud the City Council for considering some alternative revenue options we are disappointed that more alternatives were not used to avoid unnecessary cuts to critical services. Please see Allison Sesso, HSC's Deputy Executive Director's assessment of the budget process and outcome for human services in the following two blogs...

Who Cares? I Do Campaign Blog

NY Times City Room Blog

NY State FY12 Human Services Funding>>

The enacted budget provides $9.4 billion for human services programs and $8.2 billion in mental hygiene programs in FY12. While the legislature made some important restorations to the cuts proposed in the Governor's budget, the final budget does not meet the need for services in New York's communities (See Budget Highlights on the Who Cares? I Do. website). The budget does provide significant reforms to the State's juvenile justice system that encourage greater use of community-based alternatives, while downsizing the state juvenile facilities system by more than 30 percent and investing in enhanced services for juveniles that remain in OCFS custody.

For more detailed highlights, click here.

HSC reaffirms its commitment to anti-Racism work >>

HSC is proud that many of our members have already taken an Undoing Racism workshop, help by the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB). HSC and the human services community we represent are strongly committed to anti-racist work; we are thrilled that our Board of Directors reiterated its commitment to maintaining the momentum - despite the multitude of needs during these difficult economic times - by convening a subcommittee on anti-racist work in June. Over a dozen Board members pledged to provide their time (or their staff’s time) to work on this important initiative with HSC.