FEGS Dedicates Fleischer Family Computer Resource and Learning Technology Center - Marks 10th Anniversary of Brooklyn Resource Center

NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, staff, board members, and supporters of FEGS Health & Human Services gathered to dedicate the Fleischer Family Computer Resource and Learning Technology Center. The new Center features 20 computer workstations fully equipped with the latest workplace software applications and e-learning programs and will be part of programming at the Brooklyn Resource Center (BRC).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140114/DC46316)

The Center was made possible by a gift from the Shirley and William Fleischer Family Foundation through UJA-Federation of New York, of which FEGS is a beneficiary. The Foundation targets its giving in the New York metro area and Israel, supporting programs that provide individuals with job training, enhance their employability, and inspire entrepreneurship. Their main focus is on following the wisdom of Maimonides who stated that the highest form of charity is to teach someone a trade, allowing individuals to acquire the dignity that comes from being able to take care of oneself and one's family. With this generous donation, FEGS will broaden its capacity to offer on-site seminars, training, webinars, and e-learning opportunities.

The celebration also marked the 10^th Anniversary of FEGS's Brooklyn Resource Center, located in the heart of Kings Highway. The BRC was designed to be a centralized hub that fosters integration of refugees and immigrants into the community by providing a network of essential services and shared resources. Individuals learn English, prepare for work, become citizens, gain employment, and receive counseling and support for themselves and their families.    

FEGS' Chief Executive Officer Gail Magaliff said, "I am thrilled to be here today to celebrate the new technology center and the 10^th Anniversary of the BRC. This building is more than just a place where people come to take classes or get counseling. It is a demonstration of FEGS' commitment to this vibrant community and a symbol of hope for the future to so many individuals, from around the world and all walks of life. The generous gift from the Fleischer family will help ensure that we can continue to serve this thriving neighborhood for years to come."

Jeff Schoenfeld, chair of UJA-Federation of New York's Caring Commission, stated, "What is unique about this Technology Center is that it is embedded in a facility that primarily serves Brooklyn's large population of Russian-speaking Jewish émigrés.  The tools they find in the Center will be invaluable as they build lives for themselves and their families and realize their American dreams... UJA-Federation is honored to join FEGS in thanking Steve Fleischer and his brothers and the Shirley and William Fleischer Family Foundation for a gift that exemplifies the highest level of Tzedakah – helping people to help themselves."

Since its inception, the BRC has served nearly 30,000 individuals, helping over 6,000 people become U.S. citizens, nearly 3,000 people gain employment and self-sufficiency, and over 1,000 people a year improve their mental health. For more information on services at the BRC, please contact Linda Napolitano at [email protected] or 718-336-2836, ext. 330.

About FEGS Health & Human Services
FEGS, one of the nation's largest and most diversified nonprofit health and human services organizations, helps individuals achieve greater personal and economic independence. FEGS' network of programs in health/disabilities, housing, home care, employment/workforce, education, and youth/family services, help more than 12,000 people each day, over 120,000 people each year - inspiring individuals and families and strengthening communities. FEGS is a beneficiary of UJA-Federation of NY and is supported by public, private and philanthropic funds. Learn more at www.fegs.org

CONTACT:
Juliette Stableski
212.366.8495 | [email protected]

SOURCE FEGS Health & Human Services