Discover Bed-Stuy 2012

Are you looking for a job?  Do you need child care services?  Do you need help paying your utility bills? Do you want to do some volunteer work?  If your answer is yes, then “Discover Bed-Stuy” is the event to attend.

The Sixth Annual “Discover Bed-Stuy” Resource and Safety Expo, to be held on Thursday, June 7th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m, at Boys and Girls High School, is one- stop shopping for all your needs, from pre-natal care to senior services.  You will be able to meet and talk with representatives from municipal agencies as well as local service groups and community organizations. 

Last year, more than fifty city agencies and community-based organizations were represented at the Expo and this year, municipal agencies such as the FDNY, NYPD, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Department of Consumer Affairs and HPD have already registered.  The Barclays Center (Forest City Ratner) will be on hand to provide information on their job fairs, which will begin in July. The Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA, Vanguard Urban Improvement Association, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and the Fresh Air Fund will have information about services for the entire family.  Bridge Street Development Corporation, Neighborhood Housing Services of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, and Pratt Area Community Council will have information for home-owners, renters, and business owners. 

The Expo features a series of workshops focusing on improving the lives of residents and developing the local economy.   Job seekers over the age of 18 can learn about and register for free job preparation classes.  You can prepare for your GED or upgrade your job skills.  The Hyper-Local Marketing workshop is geared to start-up businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs, non-profits and established businesses.  Participants will receive strategies on the latest targeted marketing techniques.  To register, contact Community Board 3 at (718) 622-6601.

Another workshop will focus on services for seniors. The new Bedford Stuyvesant Aging Improvement District is coordinating many services for Bedford-Stuyvesant seniors, including free home renovations; help with utility bills, free weatherization, and a variety of other programs.  To register, contact James Crandall at (718) 919-0741.

All block and tenant associations are invited to a workshop with Phillip Banks, Chief of NYPD’s Community Affairs Bureau.  Bedford-Stuyvesant will be in the forefront of the roll-out of the revamped Blockwatcher Program. Call Clarence Cleaves at (718) 636-7596 to register.

There is no need to find a babysitter or make dinner that night.  The Expo has a Kid’s Corner with face painting, games and access to great books and learning materials.  An out-door Food Court will feature reasonably-priced tastings from some of Bedford-Stuyvesant’s most gifted chefs and caterers.

If you are looking for a gift for dad or your favorite grad then stop by the Shopping Bazaar.  Local merchants and crafters will be displaying and selling the finest merchandize and handmade crafts in Bed-Stuy.

If you would like to volunteer, opportunities abound in Bedford Stuyvesant.  There is a volunteer opportunity for every interest and everyone from children to seniors.  Join a community garden and grow your own food; help preserve the neighborhood’s architectures, clean-up and renovate a park or serve on a Community Board committee.  High school students looking to complete their community service requirement should definitely attend.

The Expo ends with a “pep rally” for Boys and Girls High School’s scholar athletes who are 3-peat champs in basketball and track.  Join Council Member Albert Vann, the Boys and Girls High School and other community leaders to celebrate their success and encourage them in achieving academic and athletic excellence.

The Expo, sponsored by the Bedford-Stuyvesant Youth, Education, and Safety Task Force in partnership with Community Board, is part of the year-long calendar of Task Force initiatives that is devoted to creating a crime-free Bedford-Stuyvesant. The Task Force is funded by Council Member Albert Vann, through a grant from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development. 

 For more information, contact Community Board 3 at (718) 622-6601.