Food Pantry
In 2003 MRC conducted a needs survey that identified hunger and undernourishment among seniors and the disabled as critical issues to be addressed in our community. With the support of City Harvest, we opened our pantry to the public, and shortly thereafter, we received a grant from the United Way that aided in its expansion. It was not the intention of MRC to operate a pantry for this length of time, but due to its location in an underserved community with high rates of chronic diseases, the pantry has become a vital resource, especially for our senior citizens. The pantry serves an average of 225 persons/families weekly with at least 25% being seniors.
Early on, we identified diabetes and hypertension as two major threats to our community, so we decided to offer food and nutrition classes. The pantry conducts classes through City Harvest, The United Way, and Cornell Cooperative Extension. The main goals of the classes are to educate our clientele on the importance of eating healthy, fresh foods; teach them how to read the labels on cans and frozen food containers; and to measure portions. Over the years, we have found that more and more of our clientele voices a preference for fresh fruits and vegetables, and demonstrates a desire to prepare them for the best nutritional results.
The Food Bank NYC and HRA support this food distribution site. Our food pantry exceeds our target purchases of fruits and vegetables every year.
Harriet Tubman Charter School
The Harriet Tubman Charter School, a K-8, Region 9 school, is committed to helping each child develop to his or her full potential. We recognize that all human beings are endowed with unique talents and gifts, and we believe that the process of schooling should lead each student to the realization, development, and expression of his or her potential. The school is authorized by the New York State Regents.
Housing
MRC is the owner/property manager of 17 buildings and provides housing for hundreds of residents. Through various programs, we assist our tenants and neighbors in developing and utilizing the skills required to establish economic stability and sufficiency. MRC provides counseling on homeownership, budgets and credit, legal matters, and tenant support. To date, MRC has played a crucial role in identifying 100 potential homeowners and placing them in homes in the community.
In partnership with Landmark Historical Preservation Homes, we have renovated properties for middle-income home buyers. Funding is made available through cooperative efforts of the NYC New Homes Program, The Enterprise Foundation, and The NYC Partnership.
Our housing initiatives have been made possible through the collaborative efforts of:
- NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development
- NYS Department of Housing and Community Renewal
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation
- Enterprise Foundation
- NYC Partnership
Family Child Care Network
Our Family Child Care Network (FCCN), in partnership with the NYC Department of Education, offers 3-K and EarlyLearn in a home setting by a licensed, qualified, child care provider. We provide instructional resources, coaching, support and services to affiliated family child care programs.