SENATOR JEFF KLEIN ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR OUTREACH EFFORTS FOR LGBT ELDERS LIVING IN THE BRONX

 

   State Senator Jeff Klein, Councilman Ritchie Torres, and SAGE’s CEO Michael Adams (center).

State Senator Jeff Klein announced $150,000 in funding for Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders today at SAGE Center Bronx.

In recognition of National Coming Out Day, on Tuesday, October 11, Senator Klein and Councilman Ritchie Torres joined SAGE’s CEO Michael Adams at SAGE’s Bronx headquarters and announced the funding for outreach efforts for LGBT older adults living in the borough.

Senator Klein’s funding allocation will be used for extensive outreach to older LGBT Bronx residents informing them of the services available for them at SAGE’s Bronx center. SAGE Center Bronx offers LGBT older adults in the Bronx a comprehensive set of direct and supportive services. Older adults also have access to health care right on site at the Union Community Health Center. SAGE’s also offers support groups for caregiving, bereavement, HIV, cancer, depression and anxiety, breaking social isolation, and much more. Social workers and case managers are available to offer assistance with many day to day issues and benefits and entitlements assistance.

“I am so proud that my $150,000 in funding will provide our LGBT seniors with access to SAGE’s valuable services. It’s so important that our LGBT seniors spend their golden years with friends and receive the support they need. Seniors can engage in social and cultural activities, utilize the computer center for educational purposes, and enjoy hot nutritious lunches.  SAGE truly meets the needs of our LBGT senior population,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

 

“LGBT elders face a number of issues that they must confront, oftentimes alone and without resources. SAGE’s work and advocacy efforts ensure that this population confront their older years with dignity and respect, and Senator Klein’s leadership in securing $150,000 for SAGE is crucial to make sure this work moves forward. I thank Senator Klein for his support of this important organization and look forward to working with SAGE to protect LGBT elders in the Bronx and across New York City,” said Councilman Ritchie Torres.

“LGBT elders in the Bronx are fortunate to have an amazing champion in Senator Jeff Klein,” said Michael Adams, Chief Executive Officer of SAGE. “Funds provided by Senator Klein will support outreach to ensure that a growing number of LGBT older Bronxites have access to LGBT-welcoming services at SAGE Center Bronx.”

“This SAGE Center is so important. It gives us a place to socialize, cares for our services, exercise, health issues. SAGE helps us do all these things and more. For example this recent housing initiative that is so important to this community, LGBT housing where we can be comfortable and safe, SAGE provides that for us. SAGE Bronx is like a little family. A lot of us don't have family, but this is our family. SAGE provides one for us, which is so important,”

Senator Jeff Klein Marches in the 40th Annual Bronx Columbus Day Parade

  Senator Jeff Klein joined with thousands in celebration of the 40th Annual Bronx Columbus Day Parade on Sunday in Morris Park.

The festivities began with a pre-parade breakfast sponsored by Senator Klein and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj at St. Dominic’s Church.  The parade, organized by The Morris Park Community Association, kicked off at White Plains Road and Morris Park Avenue, where Senator Klein’s famous cannoli carts were stationed.  Throughout the entire parade route, volunteers distributed 4,000 cannolis to parade-goers.  

“As a lifelong Morris Park resident, the annual Columbus Day Parade is a cherished tradition.  I am happy to celebrate the great Italian heritage and culture of our community. I wish everyone a safe and fun-filled Columbus Day and I hope that everyone enjoyed the cannolis!” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“For it’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, the spirits were high and the Italian pride was strong. Despite the inclement weather, The Bronx still showed up for our annual parade and it was a great time,” said Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj.

A.G. Schneiderman Offers Important Tips For Charitable Donations In Light Of Hurricane Matthew

    Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today encouraged New Yorkers to assist    relief efforts and released important information for New Yorkers planning to    donate to organizations that are helping victims of Hurricane Matthew.

“During the past few days, New Yorkers have seen images of people leaving their homes and belongings behind as they wade through flood waters left in Matthew’s path. Many New Yorkers are eager to help the people who are victims of the hurricane’s devastation as they seek safety and face the challenges of rebuilding their lives,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “This office encourages such generosity, and will work with New Yorkers to ensure that their donations are protected.  People who plan to contribute to charities that provide disaster relief should be sure to review these tips to protect themselves and ensure help goes where it is intended.”

The Attorney General offers the following tips for those contributing to the relief effort:

Give to Established Charities.  Donate to organizations you are familiar with, or have an experience assisting in disaster relief. Get information about charities that pop up solely in response to the hurricane or those with unfamiliar names.

Look Charities Up. Review information about the charity before you give. If the charity is soliciting in New York, the charity must be registered with the Office of the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau. Check the Attorney General’s website – www.charitiesnys.com – to review tax returns and audit reports. Confirm that the charity is a recognized tax-exempt organization. 

The following websites contain helpful information to evaluate charities:

• American Institute of Philanthropy - charitywatch.org
• Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance -  bbb.org
• Charity Navigator - charitynavigator.org
• GuideStar - guidestar.org
  
  

Be Cautious With Telephone Solicitations. Ask if the person soliciting is “a paid fundraiser.” If yes, ask if they are registered in New York. If not, do not contribute.

Before You Text A Contribution. Check the charity’s website or call the charity to confirm it has authorized contributions to be made via text message. One thing to keep in mind is that donations via text messaging may not reach the charity until after your phone bill is paid. It may be faster to contribute directly to the charity.

Ask How Your Donation Will Be Used. Ask specifically how the charity plans to use your donation, including the services and organizations your donation will support. Ask if the charity already has worked in the local area or has relationships with any local relief organizations. Also, ask what the charity plans to do with any excess donations. Avoid charities that make emotional appeals but are vague in answering your questions. Be wary if an organization will not provide written information about charitable programs and finances upon request. Any legitimate organization will be glad to send you this information.

Avoid Unsolicited Spam Emails. These formats are usually not associated with legitimate charities. Check the Department of Homeland Security’s tips, such as Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks that are posted at http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-014.

Never Give Cash. Give your contribution by credit card or a check made payable to the charity.

Be Careful About Personal Information. Avoid giving credit card or personal information over the phone or by text message. In all cases, make sure you are familiar with the organization and check to see that the fundraising campaign is legitimate.

Report Suspicious Organizations. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work, or that a scam is taking place, please contact the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau atcharities.complaints@ag.NY.gov or 212-416-8401. 

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman - Preventing Smog, Protecting New Yorkers

   Attorney General Schneiderman, along with five other states, sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to force long-overdue action on controlling smog pollution that blows into New York and other downwind states. The EPA has not made a decision in three years on whether it will use its legal authority to require upwind states to stem their contribution to smog pollution, which threatens the the health of millions of New Yorkers.

    Attorney General Schneiderman, along with five other states, sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to force long-overdue action on controlling smog pollution that blows into New York and other downwind states. The EPA has not made a decision in three years on whether it will use its legal authority to require upwind states to stem their contribution to smog pollution, which threatens the the health of millions of New Yorkers.

   

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website atag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755. 

Broadway Bash to Feature Vanessa Trouble & The Red Hot Swing

Tickets on Sale Now!  Click the Link Below to Purchase Tickets and Get More Info
Gala16

Event to Feature Vanessa Trouble
& The Red Hot Swing 

Click here for details.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Save the Date-Albanian Independence Day Celebration

Location TBA

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK CITY MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO & FIRST LADY CHIRLANE MCCRAY

from:

Mayor's Press Office

date:

Sat, Oct 8, 2016 at 2:53 PM

subject:

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK CITY MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO & FIRST LADY CHIRLANE MCCRAY mailed-by: cityhall.nyc.gov THE CITY OF NEW YORK OFFICE OF THE MAYOR NEW YORK, NY 10007 STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK CITY MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO & FIRST LADY CHIRLANE MCCRAY “In public, Donald Trump’s a racist, misogynist and xenophobe. Now we know that in private he brags about sexually assaulting women. He has proven himself a danger to our country and a stain on our democratic process. We must never forget the hate and misogyny he’s brought us – nor those who have refused to condemn it.”  Editor's Note: This was put up to show how elected officials use their office for private views. While the mayor and his wife are entitled to their private opinions of people, New York City resources should not be used to foster an opinion of someone with connections to a candidate for office.  The use of the Mayor's Press Office, and the use of the name of the City of New York for personal views.  The Department of Investigation needs to look at this as it would with any other New York City employee.

Former New York City Human Resources Administration Supervisor Sentenced To 23 Months In Prison For Defrauding Two Public Assistance Programs Of More Than $1.8 Million

  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that CHERRISE WATSON-JACKSON, a/k/a “Reesie,” a former supervisor with the New York City Human Resources Administration (“HRA”), was sentenced in Manhattan federal court today to 23 months in prison for defrauding two public assistance programs, which she helped to administer, of more than $1.8 million.  WATSON-JACKSON, who pleaded guilty in early May 2016 to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl.

U.S. Attorney Bharara stated: “In schemes that netted more than $1.8 million, Cherrise Watson-Jackson looted the very public assistance programs that she was responsible to administer.  Not only did Watson-Jackson siphon money meant to assist those less fortunate, by doing so, she committed federal crimes that now leads her to prison.”

According to the Complaint, Superseding Indictment, sentencing submissions, other information in the public record, and today’s proceeding:

HRA is an agency of the City of New York responsible for administering various public assistance programs.  Among other things, HRA provides temporary help to individuals and families with social service and economic needs to assist them in reaching self-sufficiency.  Its services include, among other things, administering the federally-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) (more commonly known as “food stamps”), and providing rental assistance to low-income families and individuals.

Starting in 1993, WATSON-JACKSON worked at HRA, most recently as a supervisor in a job center in Queens, New York.  In that capacity, she supervised a group of other supervisors who in turn were responsible for teams of employees who review and determine eligibility for public assistance clients.  Since early 2012, and continuing until December 2013, WATSON-JACKSON abused her position by engaging in a scheme to defraud two of the public assistance programs that she was charged to help administer.  The first of the two schemes involved WATSON-JACKSON fraudulently loading electronic benefit transfer (“EBT”) cards

with funds from SNAP, and the cards were then used by co-conspirators throughout the New York City area.  The second scheme involved WATSON-JACKSON fraudulently causing rental assistance checks to be mailed to co-conspirators who posed as “landlords” of low-income tenants.  Co-conspirators then cashed and/or assisted others to cash the fraudulently obtained checks.  The two schemes resulted in the loss of more than $1.8 million in public funds.

In addition to her 23-month prison term, WATSON-JACKSON, 45, of Queens, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervise release, and ordered to forfeit $1,809,811.75 and to pay restitution in the same amount.

WATSON-JACKSON was arrested in early December 2015, along with Maurice Cromwell, a/k/a “Reese,” 40, of Staten Island, New York; Derrick Williams, a/k/a “Blood,” 35, of Queens, New York; Isaac Allen, 40, of Brooklyn, New York; Corey Brock, a/k/a “Cee,” 36, of Queens, New York; Vernecka Petersen-Fowler, 44, of Brooklyn, New York; Kevin Williams, 38, of Queens, New York; Jaron Annuziata, 36, of Brooklyn, New York; Beverly Franklin, 38, of Queens, New York; Beverly Lord, 54, of Queens, New York; Yesenia Depena, 25, of Brooklyn, New York; and Gerard Stokes, 32, of Queens, New York.  To date, all defendants except Lord, Depena, and Stokes have pleaded guilty to their participation in one or both fraudulent schemes, and Cromwell, Derrick Williams, Allen, Brock, Petersen-Fowler, Annuziata, and Franklin have been sentenced.  Cromwell and Derrick Williams, who served in managerial roles in both schemes, were sentenced to 27 months in prison and 37 months in prison, respectively; Allen was sentenced to 18 months in prison; Brock was sentenced to five years of probation with special conditions of nine months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service; Petersen-Fowler was sentenced to three years of probation with a special condition of eight months of home confinement; Annuziata was sentenced to three years of probation with a special condition of eight months of home confinement; and Franklin was sentenced to three years of probation.  All of the defendants that have been sentenced were also ordered to forfeit proceeds of the fraud and to pay restitution.

U.S. Attorney Bharara praised the work of the New York City Department of Investigation, the New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel C. Richenthal and Andrew D. Beaty are in charge of the prosecution.

The pending charges against Beverly Lord, Yesenia Depena, and Gerard Stokes are merely accusations, and these defendants are presumed innocent.