Queens Defenders and Queens Borough President’s Office Help the Community Navigate Cannabis Legislation
On Tuesday, January 25th, Queens Defenders’ Director of Special Projects, Kirlyn Joseph and Attorney, Mani Tafari joined the 'Take Action Webinar' hosted by the Queens Borough President’s Office. The panel consisted of: Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; Katherine Brezler, The Office of the Queens Borough President’s Strategic Advisor; and Simon Malinowski, an attorney with Harris Bricken’s New York Office, moderated by Tariqua Morrison, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for The Office of the Queens Borough President. This esteemed group of individuals had an engaging conversation about the impact and overall aspects of the Marijuana Regulation and the Taxation Act (MRTA), as well as related expungement.
To start the discussion, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards stressed the importance of educating the public about what exactly is in this bill and what it means for Queens. Borough President Richards touted the bill saying it brings the whole of New York State on a path towards restorative justice, while also stressing the importance of bringing business into the borough. Speaking on the impact of the legislation, Borough President emphasized the opportunities the expungement and contracts will bring to Queens and ensuring the communities most affected by the criminalization will be the first to get licenses, stressing that the disparate impact of previous drug laws will no longer be a barrier to the Queens community.
Simon Malinowski, Managing Attorney at Harris Bricken’s New York office specializing in cannabis law explained the overall view of this emerging market. Mr. Malinowski went over a brief history of how the law came into being, and spoke about the various types of licenses and the process to get those licenses. Malinowski went into specifics about working with the Office of Cannabis Management and State Liquor Authority to procure a license. He ended by speaking about the social and economic equity program provided by the MRTA, and the social and economic equity fund recently announced by the cannabis control board.
Queens Defenders Attorney, Mani Tafari brought a bit of history to the discussion by sharing a presentation on the history and background of cannabis in America. Mr. Tafari expressed that one of his biggest problems is with the stigma that is around the plant – a stigma that exists because of a forced narrative believed by the community at large. Throughout Mr. Tafari’s fun history lesson, he illustrated that anti-marijuana campaigns, fueled by anti-immigrant and racist sentiments, brought forth this stigma that we are still fighting against today.
Queens Defenders Director of Special Projects, Kirlyn Joseph discussed what she believes is one of the more important aspects of MRTA: the expungement. Ms. Joseph shared how previous policing methods would allow for large numbers of arrests on the grounds of criminal possession, leading to a criminal record that was public and will impact the rest of the lives of those individuals. She emphasized the important difference between sealing a case and expunging a case from the record, stating that when a case is sealed it is still accessible to employers and potential landlords, but when a case is expunged it is gone from your record (depending on the circumstances).
This discussion was for Queens area residents to learn about the intricacies of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act and how it will benefit those in our borough. Watch this full informative webinar on YouTube here.
Rockaway Community Justice Center Expands Services Despite Challenging Conditions due to COVID
In its first full year, despite having to transition between in-person and virtual programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rockaway Community Justice Center continuously offered various free services to the Far Rockaway Community and Community Court participants in particular. Services include but are not limited to assistance with resumés, job readiness training, educational services, emergency assistance, and OSHA training.
Participants in Community Court completed their mandatory community service hours in the RCJC. One of the participants, Roger, was brought to the Community Court due to being charged with petty larceny. Roger is currently employed as a driver for Veteran Services and plans to obtain his GED. He has a strong passion for photography and videography, which he plans on pursuing through a connection made at Queens Defenders.
Connecting participants with meaningful projects is one of the main tenets of the RCJC model. This is made possible by the RCJC Advisory Board Members. Board Member, Maggie Larkins, is a community leader and certified chaplain of the New York State Chaplain Task Force. She is also the president of Redfern housing and sits on several boards. Larkins’ goal for the RCJC is to “help those who want and need help, continue to provide services, resources, workshops, and any support that would meet the needs of the community.”
The Rockaway Community Justice Center will continue to adapt to the needs of the community. Beginning in February, staff members will be available to assist with filing taxes. Additionally, expanded housing services are available for community members who qualify. More information on our Housing Navigator Grant can be found here.
Queens Defenders Hosts Holiday Extravaganza for Clients and Their Families
On December 21, 2021, Queens Defenders hosted a Holiday Extravaganza in our Jamaica Justice Center for clients and their families. There was a wide variety of toys, clothes, and accessories for guests to choose from. All visitors received bags of fresh and non-perishable foods to take home for the holidays.
Toys and gifts were donated by Queens Defenders thanks to a grant provided by New York City Council Member Brooks-Powers. Other toys were donated by former clients and community members. All pre-made perishable food bags were provided by Campaign Against Hunger, 9 Million Reasons, and the Promise Church – a partnership with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. The non-perishable food bags were made thanks to JEWELEX and donations from Queens Defenders employees.
Visitors were overjoyed with the items they received at the Holiday Extravaganza. Children were laughing and smiling as they were handed brand new toys and pajamas. Families left with big smiles on their faces, looking forward to a happy and healthy holiday season.
In addition to the giveaways at the Holiday Extravaganza, Queens Defenders hand delivered gifts, food, and other necessities to families impacted by domestic violence.
Queens Defenders Executive Director and Founder, Lori Zeno spent countless hours shopping and planning for this event over several weekends. She said, “It is important to us at Queens Defenders that our support for our clients does not stop when we leave the courtroom. We are incredibly grateful to our generous partners and donors who made this event possible. Our team had a wonderful time celebrating the holiday season with our clients and their families.”
Queens Defenders: Meet our Youth
Meet Kenny:
Over nine years ago, Kenny came to Queens Defenders as a participant in our very first Youth Program. He was arrested for stealing a phone, and joined Queens Defenders as part of his plea deal. Kenny reflects on his experience that summer and says, “Although I didn’t know it then, this is when my life began to change.” Kenny was among twelve other young people in similar situations who came to Queens Defenders to learn positive decision-making skills, as well as participate in some fun field trips along the way. That summer on a field trip to Brooklyn Boulders, he fell in love with rock climbing. Following the program, with the help of staff at Queens Defenders, Kenny returned to school (which he had previously given up on), and ended up graduating with his GED as the program’s Valedictorian for the entire state that year. Now, almost ten years later, Kenny is a husband, a father, a home-owner, and an entrepreneur. Queens Defenders is lucky to have Kenny on our staff as a Credible Messenger, serving as a mentor to young people in similar situations.
Meet Judisa:
Judisa was in our first cohort of youth in the Jamaica Youth Program out of our Jamaica Justice Center. During her time in the program, Judisa worked towards her high school diploma, and ended up graduating early! She then developed a passion for helping young people navigate the college application process. The staff describes Judisa as ‘determined’ and ‘focused.’ Her skills have set her apart and earned her a spot as a Credible Messenger in our Mentoring Program. She works to inspire her peers, helping with professional development, program activities, assignments, and mentoring youth on their next steps.
Meet D'Carlos:
D’Carlos has always been a leader, and when he joined Queens Defenders, he was able to use his leadership skills in a meaningful way. Prior to joining, D’Carlos was not making decisions he was proud of. But when he became a Young Adult Leader, D’Carlos was empowered to join in on many initiatives to help his community and peers. He served as a mentor to younger adolescents in the community, he was an advocate for his fellow Young Adult Leaders, and he worked together with other Leaders to initiate and facilitate weekly young men’s groups. Now, D’Carlos is close to finishing college and just got promoted to Manager at his current job.
Meet Fatu:
Fatu was the very first client in our Credible Messengers Mentoring Program out of the Jamaica Justice Center. Fatu was born in Africa and came to the United States with her mother when she was 10 years old. When Fatu was 16, her mother left. Fatu was moved into a foster care group home, and she eventually joined a gang. Later, she was arrested on three different felony assault and robbery charges. She was represented by Queens Defenders, and her attorney, Anthony Martone immediately saw the light in her. He introduced her to the rest of the staff, and everyone agreed that Fatu had so much more to offer the world. With the help of Queens Defenders, Fatu now has a job, a GED, and people to call family. Fatu says, “I owe everything good in my life to Mr. Martone and Queens Defenders.” She hopes to someday become a lawyer like Mr. Martone – someone with a big heart who is committed to getting the best for his clients.
Meet Hector:
Hector stumbled upon Queens Defenders in the summer of 2018 when we were moving into the Rockaway Outreach Center. When he heard about the programs Queens Defenders had to offer, he was immediately intrigued. At the time, Hector shared that he was making poor life decisions and hanging around with the wrong crowd. Hector wanted to do better for himself and his family, so he started to volunteer for Queens Defenders. After several months of volunteering, Hector was hired as a Young Adult Leader. During his time at Queens Defenders, Hector has grown into a responsible young man who is devoted to helping his community. He represents Queens Defenders at various community meetings and events, and advocates on behalf of youth in the community. Hector is a leader among his peers, and encompasses the phrase, “Far Rock Strong.”
Meet Alliyah:
Alliyah started volunteering for Queens Defenders through the Youth Justice Court program at the Far Rockaway Library for Teens. Immediately, the staff at Queens Defenders could see how bright Alliyah was and how committed she was to helping her peers. After years of volunteering, Alliyah was hired as a Young Adult Leader in the Rockaway Outreach Center. As one of the Leaders, Alliyah has been actively giving back to the Rockaways through community engagement with other youth. She is particularly passionate about helping her peers become college-ready. In partnership with Queens Defenders and our supporters, Alliyah lead a College Readiness Event for the youth of Queens where she facilitated a panel discussion about what they need to know for college - all while being a student at St. John's University. Alliyah is a sociology major and intends to become a lawyer and open her own nonprofit aimed at empowering youth.
Meet Alex:
When Alex first came across Queens Defenders, he was about to age out of the foster care system. Now, he is a Young Adult Leader that specializes in advocacy and foster care services. During his time at Queens Defenders, Alex has supported food justice initiatives in Far Rockaway and Jamaica, as well as adult services. Additionally, Alex assisted several CUNY students when their rights were being infringed on. A consummate professional, Alex recognizes the value in community advocacy and engagement. The sky is the limit for what is in store for the community with Alex involved!
Meet Lastra:
At the start of her junior year at Scholars Academy, Lastra walked into our Rockaway Outreach Center to see what it was all about. From the moment she walked in the door, our staff could see her passion for helping the community. When Lastra was asked if she was interested in volunteering, Lastra took a moment to think about what she could meaningfully contribute to the Center. She ultimately decided that she could offer tutoring services, as she had been tutoring her peers for years. A week later, she had the tutoring program up and running with multiple youth coming in daily for homework help. And now, three years later, the tutoring program is thriving and continues to support many children in the community. Lastra is currently studying Applied Mathematics at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, all while helping her peers and younger children at the Outreach Center.
Meet Andre:
Andre first got involved with Queens Defenders through the Youth Justice Court program while he was a student at Frederick Douglass Academy VI High School. He started off as a volunteer 3 years ago, and is now an active youth mentor on the team. Andre decided to be a volunteer at Youth Court and other Queens Defenders programs because he saw it as a great way to stay out of trouble and help the youth of the community. He proclaims, “What inspired me about being a volunteer with Queens Defenders was it kept me out of trouble and helped me learn life-changing things. Volunteering with Queens Defenders helped me change my mind set in life and to stay on the right path and guide others to do the same.” After graduating high school, Andre became an official employee of Queens Defenders. In the years he’s worked for Queens Defenders, Andre has made a tremendous impact on the community, and he continues to serve as a role model for his peers and younger kids in the Far Rockaway.
Meet Tamara:
Tamara is our newest Young Adult Leader and is described by all staff as a hard worker willing to go above and beyond to help. With the help of the Queens Defenders team, Tamara is learning administrative skills that go hand in hand with our Housing and Food Justice initiatives. She has become an invaluable team member that believes in helping – so much so that she has volunteered her time on several Saturdays to give back to the community at cleanups and the Rockaway Youth Summit. Tamara always wants to help in any way she can. Her work ethic has inspired others with an approach to work until the job is done.
Meet Jaden:
In the Summer of 2020, Jaden joined the Queens Defenders team as a member of the Summer Youth Employment Program. From the very beginning, Queens Defenders staff recognized something special in Jaden. At the end of the summer, Jaden was offered a position at the Rockaway Outreach Center as a Homework Helper. Since then, Jaden’s growth has been tremendous. Through hard work and connections made through Queens Defenders, Jaden completed his Eagle project in which he built a beautiful community green space in Edgemere Park. This project involved raising money for supplies, and working tirelessly to complete the space. In recognition of his hard work, Jaden was awarded with two citations: one from NYS Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson, and the other from NYC Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers. Jaden continues to work towards his goal of helping his community, and he ultimately plans to attend an ivy league college where he will study law and eventually become a politician.
Meet Amari:
Amari started working for Queens Defenders during Summer Youth Employment. There, he stood out as someone who was always willing to help – no matter what. Amari was then hired as a Young Adult Leader, and has continued to give back to his community ever since. Amari is not afraid to learn a new skill if it means he can help more people. He has tutored younger kids, coached basketball teams, assisted clients apply for housing, helped community members complete their taxes, and the list goes on. Amari has more skills than most young men his age, and he completes every task with a smile on his face. Queens Defenders is proud to have watched Amari grow as a Young Adult Leader, and we are lucky to have him on our team.
Meet Benita:
Benita was in Queens Defenders’ first cohort of Young Adult Leaders. She was hired after working for Queens Defenders during Summer Youth Employment. Benita started the summer as a quiet young woman, and by the end of the summer, she had come out of her shell. The staff at Queens Defenders were amazed by her growth and kindness, and knew she had to be a member of the team. During her time at Queens Defenders, Benita worked on many projects. She was pivotal in growing our mentorship program. She was a mentor to both freshmen in high school as well as young basketball players. Benita always leads by example, and her growth throughout the years is extraordinary. Now, Benita is in college during the school year, but returns to Queens Defenders over breaks to help the community in any way she can.
Meet Jermaine:
Jermaine was first introduced to Queens Defenders when he was attending high school at Queens High School for Information, Research, and Technology. He was interested in the programs Queens Defenders had to offer at the Far Rockaway High School Campus. Jermaine traveled to Washington DC with Queens Defenders for the “March for Our Lives.” It was there that his passion for advocating for young people flourished. Shortly thereafter, Jermaine worked for Queens Defenders through Summer Youth Employment, and was ultimately hired in our first cohort of Young Adult Leaders. Since then, Jermaine has graduated high school, started college, and developed into a leader in the community. Jermaine helps in any area he’s asked, and always leads by example.
Meet Mike:
When Mike first participated in Queens Defenders Youth Justice Court, he described his life as "kind of crazy," and he was hanging out with the wrong crowd. Through the help of the Rockaway Outreach Center and mentors at Queens Defenders, Mike was given direction by giving back to his community through volunteering. Now, he works with the Youth of Queens and every day pushes forward with his goal of putting Far Rockaway on the map.
Help Queens Defenders support more young people in the community by donating here.
Queens Defenders Hosts Domestic Violence Awareness Webinar
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Queens Defenders posted a series of resources on social media for survivors of domestic violence, as well as family members of survivors. To conclude the month, Queens Defenders hosted a live webinar that featured a panel discussion about domestic violence, how to recognize the signs, and how to support survivors.
On Wednesday, October 27th, members of the community came together for the panel discussion. Panelists included:
- Marissa Bernowitz, Executive Administrator, Domestic Violence Advocate & Survivor, Queens Defenders
- Saheli Kothari, Social Work Intern & Domestic Violence Advocate, Queens Defenders
- Zena Sawaged, Community Coordinator, Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence
- Angelina Rosado, Survivor, Advocate, Activist, Educator, and Founder & Executive Director, Returning Hope, Inc.
Panelists engaged in conversations to raise awareness about domestic violence. They shared resources in the community for survivors and their family members.
The event was held in memory of Destini Smothers, a 26-year-old mother of two children from Far Rockaway. Destini's aunt, Shareen King, joined the panel to share her experiences.
Watch a recording of the webinar here.
If you or anyone you know need support for domestic violence, you can call the Queens Defenders hotline: (718) 261-3047 ext. 608.
Queens Defenders supports survivors through our Domestic Violence & Empowerment (DoVE) Program. Supported by the New York City Council’s DoVE Initiative and in partnership with Safe Horizon and the NYPD 101st precinct, this program provides intensive, personalized support for survivors of domestic violence and their children and facilitates connections with shelters and support services.
For more information on how Queens Defenders can support survivors of domestic violence, visit here.
Youth Spotlight: Andre
Andre is one of our top youth mentors here at Queens Defenders. He is 21 years old and is currently studying business administration at LaGuardia Community College.
Andre first got involved with Queens Defenders through the Youth Justice Court program while he was a student at Frederick Douglass Academy VI High School. He started off as a volunteer 3 years ago, and is now an active youth mentor on the team. Andre decided to be a volunteer at Youth Court and other Queens Defenders programs because he saw it as a great way to stay out of trouble and help the youth of the community. He proclaims, “What inspired me about being a volunteer with Queens Defenders was it kept me out of trouble and helped me learn life-changing things. Volunteering with Queens Defenders helped me change my mindset in life and to stay on the right path and guide others to do the same.” After graduating high school, Andre became an official employee of Queens Defenders, which was still called 'Queens Law Associates' at the time.
“I’ve known Andre since he was in the 5th grade. He’s a good kid and a hard worker. I nicknamed him Benson, after the tv character, because he was always busy doing different tasks and helping people. He never talked back to adults and is a great mentor to youth. He’s all that and a bag of chips.” - Isaac Parsee, Queens Defenders
Andre orchestrated the FDA VI Men's Group, which was a program dedicated to helping young men stay on the right path. He shared his experiences with them hoping they could either relate to or learn from his past mistakes. He assisted in the tutoring program, tutoring kids from 3rd grade and up, as well as building relationships with them. In 2019, he had an active role in the mentoring program, mentoring kids from 9th grade in Far Rockaway High School, making sure they keep their grades up while building a close connection with them. From 2019-2020, Andre took part in some major events such as hosting the Far Rockaway Awards Day with Hector, an event that gave recognition to Community Partners that have a positive influence on the community. He also represents Queens Defenders at Community Board 14 Meetings, as well as several other community events.
The part of Andre’s job that he is most proud of is how well the team comes together to help others, as well as each other. He enjoys giving back to the community and helping kids stay on the right path. His goals for the future are to take care of his family, be successful in life, and make a change in his community. We believe Andre is well on his way to accomplishing these goals!
To support Andre and other youth like him, visit here.
Queens Defenders Awarded Grant from Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz Announces Grants Awarded to 28 Recipients for the Queens Community Youth Development and Crime Prevention Program
November 17, 2021
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz today announced grant funding to 28 community-based organizations for the implementation of her Office’s Community Youth Development and Crime Prevention Project (CYDCPP). The District Attorney’s initiative aims to provide youth activities and wrap around services to help prevent crime and keep young people out of the criminal justice system.
District Attorney Katz said, “Providing meaningful opportunities for our youth is a keen investment in public safety and the future of Queens County. We have to do all we can to make sure that our kids are equipped to make good choices and empowered to steer clear of gangs, guns and crime. My Office is committed to working with the community to develop mentorship, recreational, academic and career development activities in our Borough. The Queens Community Youth Development and Crime Prevention Program will help empower our youth while increasing public safety.”
The request for proposals (RFP) was announced by DA Katz in June 2021. The goals of the Program are to facilitate a collaborative and community-driven approach that will foster positive relationships between the community and law enforcement, reduce youth crime, improve self-confidence among young people, increase exposure to positive adult role models, as well as improve academic performance and school attendance.
The recipients selected for the Program have already established proven strategies with youth development program models and will utilize the funding to develop effective services for Queens-based youth and their families.
The 28 recipients who will receive funding are:
- Queens Public Library
- Service area: Far Rockaway
- Queens Community House
- Service area: Pomonok Houses
- The Child Center of New York
- Service areas: Elmhurst and South Ozone Park
- Variety Boys and Girls Club
- Service area: Astoria
- Queens Defenders
- Service area: Far Rockaway
- Jamaica Y- YMCA of Greater NY
- Service area: Jamaica
- Greater Ridgewood Youth Council
- Service area: 104th Precinct
- Sunnyside Community Services
- Service area: Woodside
- Queens Center for Court Innovation- Queens Community Justice Center
- Service areas: Jamaica, Cambria Heights, Rosedale, Hollis, Springfield Gardens, Ozone Park
- Catholic Charities
- Service area: 101st Precinct
- Community Mediation Services
- Service areas: Jamaica and Far Rockaway
- Queens Center for Court Innovation- The Rockaways
- Service areas: 100th and 101st Precincts
- Martin de Porres Youth & Family Services
- Service areas: 103rd, 105th & 113th Precincts
- Garden of Hope
- Service area: Flushing
- Korean American Family Service Center
- Service area: Flushing
- The Fresh Air Fund
- Service areas: Jackson Heights and Corona
- SAYA
- Service area: South Ozone Park
- Rosedale Jets Football Association
- Service areas: Rosedale, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, Cambria Heights, Jamaica
- 4Ward Inclusion Consulting
- Service areas: 103rd, 105th & 113th Precincts
- Rabenstein Learning Center
- Service area: Far Rockaway
- Global Kids
- Service area: 106th Precinct
- Urban Upbound
- Service areas: Queensbridge, Astoria, Ravenswood and Woodside Houses
- Share 4 Life
- Service areas: Astoria and Ravenswood Houses
- Greater Springfield Community Church
- Service area: 11433 Zip Code
- Rochdale Village Social Services
- Service area: Rochdale
- Community Center of the Rockaway Peninsula
- Service area: Far Rockaway
The Project will operate under the general guidance of the Youth Empowerment Unit within the Community Partnerships Division at the Queens District Attorney’s Office. The total funding for the Program is anticipated to total $2,750,000 over two years.
The money awarded to Queens Defenders will go towards our Rockaway Community Justice Center. To learn more about the RCJC, click here.
Justice 456 Initiative Continues Impact on Community
Mani Tafari, Staff Attorney, and Nick Hillary, Education Specialist, are the proud co-founders of the Queens Defenders Justice 456 Initiative. Since their last outreach event in June 2021, they have been busy keeping the wheel of pro-justice turning.
In July 2021, Justice 456 was featured on the television program, Brooklyn45, to promote the Initiative’s mission. The mission is to inform the community of their rights, in particular, the rights provided under the 4th, 5th, and 6th amendments of the US Constitution. During this television appearance, Nick shared a summary of his story about his encounter with law enforcement, and the five-year battle between him and the Justice System. It was this five-year battle that led to the creation of Justice 456. Mani shared his legal knowledge regarding the importance of knowing the rights afforded us by the 4th, 5th and 6th amendments.
In September 2021, Justice 456 held a virtual Constitutional Day event in the form of a panel discussion. The Constitutional Day event was the Initiative’s first interactive public event where the people of Queens and other communities had the opportunity to ask questions of the panel and provide their feedback in real time on the information shared during the session. This event will be an annual event for Justice 456, as it continues to achieve its mission:
- Call awareness to the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution, with simplification of the 4th, 5th and 6th amendments for a the average person
- Educate community members about their rights afforded to them by the U.S. Constitution, and
- Empower our community via their rights under the constitution
It is truly Nick’s simplified knowledge of the 4th, 5th and 6th amendments of the U.S. Constitution that gave him the confidence he needed, even under distress, to make difficult life changing decisions during his fight for freedom.
The Justice 456 Jingle:
I will not consent to a search today,
I have nothing to say,
my lawyer is on the way!
Learn more about the Justice 456 Initiative here.
Youth Spotlight: Jaden
In the Summer of 2020, Jaden joined the Queens Defenders team as a member of the Summer Youth Employment Program. From the very beginning, Queens Defenders staff recognized something special in Jaden. At the end of the summer, Jaden was offered a position at Queens Defenders’ Rockaway Outreach Center as a Homework Helper. Since then, Jaden’s growth has been tremendous.
Throughout his time at Queens Defenders, Jaden has been inspired by the versatility of the organization. He is fascinated at the many different ways that Queens Defenders assists the community, and this made him want to devote his time to Queens Defenders. Jaden is passionate about helping the community, and is excited at the future of opportunities. He is a proud member of Queens Defenders’ BLANK Project, and loves any chance to fight for social justice.
Outside of his time spent working at Queens Defenders, Jaden has worked diligently to complete his Eagle Project. In August 2021, Jaden completed his project in which he built a beautiful community green space in Edgemere Park. This project involved raising money for supplies, and working tirelessly to complete the space. In recognition of his hard work, Jaden was awarded with two citations: one from NYS Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson, and the other from NYC Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers.
Jaden dreams big when it comes to both present and future. He is 16 years old and attends Channel View School for Research at the Beach Channel High School campus. He plans to attend an ivy league college where he will study law and eventually become a politician.
Jaden’s ambition and positive mindset are an asset to Queens Defenders, and we are proud to watch Jaden grow and achieve his goals. Jaden’s impact on the community is just beginning.
Queens Defenders Food Pantry Continues to Serve Rockaway and Jamaica Communities
The Queens Defenders Food Justice Program remains committed to serving the borough of Queens. With the generous support of 9 Million Reasons, The Campaign Against Hunger, Food Bank for NYC, and Fresco, our team has distributed over 7,000 food packages since June of 2021.
On a weekly basis, we have been able to distribute nonperishable foods such as rice, beans, pasta, quinoa, and various canned goods. We've also given away fresh foods such as potatoes, onions, cabbage, celery, lettuce, apples, pineapples, kale, pears, and cucumbers. On an average week, 400 families receive packages of food from on food pantry.
Do you or someone you know need food support? Come to one of our weekly food distributions.
Jamaica Justice Center: Every Wednesday at 2:00 PM
148-02 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica
Rockaway Community Justice Center: Every Wednesday and Friday at 2:00 PM
1922 Mott Avenue, Far Rockaway