Brooklyn's Progress
November 2002

The North Brooklyn YMCA recently received a donation of  $17, 075, one for  $15,000 and the other for $2,075 from the C.L.B. Check Cashing Inc. located at 43 Jamaica Avenue, in East New York. This donation will go towards the North Brooklyn YMCA Capital Campaign for Kids. Louis Renzo, President and William M. DeRespino Senior Vice President of the C.L.B. Check Cashing presented the check to Cid Rivera Jr., Executive Director of the North Brooklyn YMCA.  Assemblyman Darryl Towns recommended the YMCA to receive the donation from C.L.B. Checking.

The North Brooklyn YMCA, also known as the Twelve Towns Y is located at 570 Jamaica Avenue, has embarked upon a $1.31 million capital redevelopment program of rebuilding and renovation to serve 15,800 children and teens annually by 2005, up from 7,900 in 2001 by creating new program spaces and making the facility wheelchair accessible. The centerpiece of this plan is the Capital Campaign for Kids to raise $115,000, primarily from local community sources. To help maximize this capital fundraising opportunity, the corporate office of the YMCA of Greater New York will match every capital dollar raised four to one, up to $460,000. In addition, the branch has already raised $250,000 in government funds.

Every year, more than 7,900 New Yorkers find safe haven from harsh urban streets and participate in a wide range of educational, recreational and health and wellness programs for youth and families at the North Brooklyn YMCA. The core Y values of respect, responsibility, caring, and honesty provide the context for all North Brooklyn YMCA programs, which include after-school programs, swimming, sports and leagues, youth instructional classes, evening teen centers, family programs, counseling and health awareness, life/social skills, mentoring, leadership training and development, service learning, computer training, college preparation, day camps and sleep-away camps, among many others. The North Brooklyn YMCA also serves adults through its health facilities and adult wellness programs.

In handing the check to Mr. Rivera, Mr. Louis Renzo stated, “I am proud to be a part of the positive changes in the East New York community. As a business and a member of this community, it is important to be a good neighbors and help charities that also help the community like the YMCA.” 

The North Brooklyn YMCA is located 570 Jamaica Avenue, for more information on the Capital Campaign contact Pamela Babb, Associate Campaign Director at 212-643-4033.