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ANNUAL MEETING:
Thursday, May 20, 2010
7:00 PM
Isabella’s Restaurant
107 Main Street
Ossining, NY 10562
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Debra Descloux
914/941-5252 ext. 11
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138 Spring Street
Ossining, New York 10562
(914) 941-5252
www.ifcany.org
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IFCA TO HOLD ANNUAL MEETING ON MAY 28, 2009
OSSINING, New York – May 19, 2008 -- Interfaith Council for Action, Inc. (IFCA) Board Chairs Holly von Bernuth and Linda Levine announced that the organization's annual meeting will be held at 7:00 P.M. on May 28 at Isabella’s Restaurant in Ossining.
This year IFCA will honor Trinity Episcopal Church of Ossining with the Susan B. Eisenmann Award for outstanding service to the Ossining community. This award is presented each year to an individual or organization for steadfast advocacy and commitment to the people of the greater Ossining community. “When we looked at the work of Trinity Church and its congregation, and the Rev. Canon Pridemore, the choice was an easy one,” said June A. Jarvis, IFCA’s Executive Director.
The August Gold Memorial award will be presented to longtime IFCA Board member Kimberlie Jacobs for her dedicated years of service. Ms. Jacobs joined the IFCA Board of Directors in the early 1990’s and will transition off the Board after serving for a total of 13 years. She has been Board Chair, on the Finance Committee, and most recently headed IFCA’s Development & Asset Management Committee.
IFCA is the only not-for-profit housing agency in Ossining, and was recently awarded the Stanley Schear Leadership Award for its contributions to Westchester County over more than 40 years. The announcement was made this month by the Senior Housing and Services Coalition of the county’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS). The coalition initiated the award in 2007 to honor Schear, a leading advocate for affordable housing who passed away in 2006 and had been the coalition’s long-time chairman and guiding spirit.
Interfaith Council For Action, Inc. was incorporated in 1968 under New York State Law. It is the oldest state-chartered Neighborhood Preservation Company (NPC) in Westchester County, and one of the first in the state. IFCA's mission statement is to “sustain community, diversity, and opportunity through affordable/workforce housing and vital social services.” IFCA owns 13 multifamily homes in Ossining and Tarrytown, NY. In addition, the agency manages affordable housing units in Croton-on-Hudson, NY.
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news release
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ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Executive
DONNA GREENE AND VICTORIA HOCHMAN, Directors of Communications
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CONTACT: BARBARA WOLLER
MAIN COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
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(914) 813-6412
(914) 995-2932
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 4, 2009
INTERFAITH COUNCIL FOR ACTION TO RECEIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Recognition honors the late Stanley Schear, affordable housing advocate
An organization known for buying “the worst house on the block,” renovating it and then renting its apartments at below-market value to local working families will receive the third annual Stanley Schear Leadership Award on May 21 for its contributions to Westchester County over more than 40 years.
The Interfaith Council for Action (IFCA) Inc. in Ossining, the oldest state-chartered Neighborhood Preservation Company in Westchester, is also known as a pioneer in developing transitional housing through county grants for people who are making the transition from being homeless to being independent.
The award will be presented at the annual Stanley Schear Award Breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Osborn Retirement Community, 101 Theall Road, Rye. The event is free, but reservations must be made by May 8 by calling (914) 813-6400.
The announcement was made by the Senior Housing and Services Coalition of the county’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS). The coalition initiated the award in 2007 to honor Schear, a leading advocate for affordable housing who passed away in 2006 and had been the coalition’s long-time chairman and guiding spirit.
IFCA has been a steadfast advocate for affordable/workforce housing since it was founded in 1968.
The not-for-profit organization also helps to preserve neighborhoods when it buys, renovates and maintains affordable housing. It has bought and renovated 20 properties, and currently maintains 100 units of safe and affordable housing in Ossining, Tarrytown and Croton.
It also provides extensive community service because it is aware that families in need of assistance for housing often also need help in other areas. Among those are coordinated services in areas of counseling, referrals to local agencies, free tax preparation, educational workshops and programs to benefit children.
Beth Hofstetter, coalition chair, said Schear would be pleased by the recognition of IFCA.
“Stanley Schear was a long-time affordable housing advocate with a special penchant for helping low-income people secure safe and reasonable quality housing,” Hofstetter said. “So it is fitting that IFCA, with its outstanding record will be the latest recipient.”
June A. Jarvis, IFCA’s executive director, said she is accepting the award on behalf of the organization for its work in developing, maintaining and advocating for safe and affordable housing.
“We truly appreciate this honor, and we are gratified to know that our efforts have been recognized,” Jarvis said. “The support and encouragement of IFCA’s colleagues in this community and our Westchester county legislators are what make it possible for us to expand and enrich the services we provide. For this we are truly thankful.”
IFCA was founded with a coalition of local faith-based institutions, but it does not maintain any faith-based alliances. With the exception of rents, IFCA relies solely on private donations and available government funds, which it noted have been “decreasing at an alarming rate year after year.”
DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter praised the coalition and IFCA for focusing attention on the affordable housing issue.
“Affordable housing is one of our most crucial needs,” Carpenter said. “IFCA has been a strong, long-time advocate for its work in helping to fill this area.”
Schear, as part of his work with the coalition, helped to bring more services, activities – and in some cases, service coordinators – to senior apartment buildings.
He was a founding board member of the Housing Action Council, Inc., which received the first Stanley Schear Leadership Award in 2007. He was also a community activist who championed the needs of the homeless and fought to ban racial discrimination in housing. In addition, he founded and directed the Bridge Fund of Westchester, which enabled those at risk of becoming homeless to stay in their homes.
In addition to DSPS, breakfast sponsors are the Wartburg Adult Care Community, the Osborn Retirement Community, Westhab, State Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer, the Community Housing Resource Center, the United Hebrew Geriatric Center, the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services, Sunrise Senior Living and the Housing Action Council.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2009
Contact: Debra Descloux,
Deputy Director
914/941-5252 ext. 11
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138 Spring Street
Ossining, New York 10562
(914) 941-5252
www.ifcany.org
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IFCA WINS MULTIPLE NEW YORK STATE AND
WESTCHESTER COUNTY GRANTS;
PUBLIC FUNDING TOPS $312,000 IN THREE MONTHS
OSSINING, New York – January 29, 2009 -- Interfaith Council for Action, Inc. (IFCA) Executive Director June A. Jarvis announced that IFCA has been awarded six public funding awards totaling $312,000. Awards are from New York State; Westchester County; and EmPower New York, a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority program.
“These awards will enable us to provide better living conditions for our tenants,” says Ms. Jarvis, who assumed the position 18 months ago at the request of IFCA’s Board of Directors. At that time, Debra Descloux was appointed Deputy Director; she serves as the agency’s Director of Development and Property Manager. Ms. Descloux was lead grant writer for the awards and will manage the building renovations. Assembly woman Sandy Galef, representing the 90th New York State Assembly District, said, “During tough economic times, affordable housing is such a critical area of need. I am so excited New York State is able to help IFCA make possible these enhancements in our area. It will help to improve the entire neighborhood.”
Late in 2008, IFCA received a $45,000 in-kind grant from EmPower New York, which provided energy efficient upgrades for a 17-family building on Spring Street. In January, New York State Division of Housing & Community Renewal announced its Rural Area Revitalization Program awards, and IFCA’s $165,000 proposal to renovate a property on Edward Street in Ossining was approved.
IFCA received a triple nod when it received approval for its Westchester County Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) submissions. IFCA will receive $95,000 over three years to renovate various buildings in Ossining. Through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, CDBG provides funds for community development.
IFCA also received notice of $7,000 in funding from Westchester County for tax site coordination services for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. IFCA has run a free tax preparation site for low income taxpayers at its main offices for the past five years, and this year the agency launched a mobile tax unit that will serve Peekskill, as well.
“The Village is very excited that, in awarding these grants, the State and Westchester County recognize and encourage the many services IFCA performs for the Ossining Community,” says the Hon. William R. Hanauer, Mayor, Village of Ossining. “In sobering economic times, these funds will also provide jobs to local workers, thereby adding to the economic well being of the Village. Bravo IFCA!”
Interfaith Council For Action, Inc. is a not-for-profit agency launched in 1968 by local business and religious leaders, and serves all members in the community. It is the oldest state-chartered Neighborhood Preservation Company in Westchester County, and one of the first in the State. IFCA owns 14 multifamily buildings in the Village and one in Tarrytown, NY, and manages affordable units in Croton, NY. IFCA's mission is to “sustain community, diversity, and opportunity through affordable/workforce housing and vital social services.” For more information go to ifcany.org.
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Trinity Church Honors IFCA
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OCT 2007
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The Sixth Annual Spirit of the Community Award was presented to IFCA at Trinity Church’s Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony, on Saturday, October 13, 2007. IFCA was chosen in recognition of “its staff and volunteers’ tireless efforts to provide affordable housing and social services for the most needy in our community.” Acting IFCA Executive Director June Jarvis accepted the award on behalf
of the orgznization.
Held at Potter Hall, Main Street, Ossining, The Rev. Canon Charles P. Pridemore officiated at the event, which included presentations by Sandra Galef, New York State Assemblywoman; William Burton, Westchester County Legislator; Martha Dodge, Councilwoman, Town of Ossining;
and Catherine Borgia, Deputy Mayor, Village of Ossining.
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Club Fit OutFits Kids for School
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SEPT 2007
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Children living in IFCA homes continue to benefit from the “Back to School Clothes for Kids” Program, which was started by Connie Kennedy 21 years ago to ensure that all children in the community have new clothing and appropriate school supplies each September.
Club Fit has been a major sponsor for IFCA’s “Back to School Clothes for Kids” Program for the past three years, and this year sponsored 10 children. Each child received three new outfits, sneakers, and a new backpack. Club Fit also donated an abundance of school supplies. We would like to thank everyone at Club Fit who participated, and we applaud Melissa Lawrence for her hard work and dedication to this project.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2007
Contact: Debra Descloux,
Director of Development
914/941-5252 ext. 14
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138 Spring Street
Ossining, New York 10562
(914) 941-5252
www.ifcany.org
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June A. Jarvis Named Interim Executive Director
of Interfaith Council for Action, Inc.
Ossining, New York – August 20, 2007 -- Interfaith Council For Action (IFCA) Board Chair Kimberlie Jacobs announced today that June Jarvis has been named interim Executive Director of the agency. Ms. Jarvis assumes this role with the departure of IFCA’s previous Executive Director, Gordon D. Albert, who has left to pursue other interests.
Ms. Jarvis joined IFCA in 1989 and from 1993 to 2003 she served as the organization’s CFO. After a year as Controller for Berger, Lehman Associates in Rye, New York, Ms. Jarvis retuned to her true calling in the not-for-profit sector as IFCA’s Deputy Director in 2004. “The Board of IFCA is very pleased to have Ms. Jarvis accept this position,” says Ms. Jacobs. “Her years of experience and industry knowledge will serve the agency well as the community development landscape continues to evolve.”
Ms. Jarvis holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from Iona College, and spent six years as a staff accountant for IBM in Armonk, NY while earning an MBA in Financial Management at Pace University. In addition to being a Certified Credit Compliance Professional in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program Compliance,
Ms. Jarvis successfully completed Pace University’s Land Use Leadership Alliance Program. She also received her IRS Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Assistance (VITA) Certification. A lifelong resident of Westchester County, Ms. Jarvis lives in Ossining with her family.
Mr. Albert became Executive Director of IFCA in October of 2004. Prior to that appointment, he spent nine years as Director of the Neighborhood Preservation Program for Human Development Services of Westchester (HDSW) in Port Chester, New York. Over the years he has been an active presence in Westchester County on housing and community issues. He is a former president of the Rye Town, Port Chester and Rye Brook Council of Community Services, and has served on the board of the Carver Center/Community Action Program.
Interfaith Council For Action, Inc. is a not-for-profit membership organization incorporated in 1968 under New York State Law. It is the oldest state-chartered Neighborhood Preservation Company (NPC) in Westchester County, and one of the first in the state. It is the only not-for-profit affordable housing agency in Ossining, owning 12 multifamily buildings in Ossining and one in Tarrytown. In addition, the organization manages affordable housing units in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. IFCA's mission is to “sustain community, diversity, and opportunity through affordable workforce housing and vital social services.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2007
Contact: Debra Descloux,
Director of Development
914/941-5252 ext. 14
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138 Spring Street
Ossining, New York 10562
(914) 941-5252
www.ifcany.org
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IFCA TEAM POSTS RECORD-SETTING TAX SEASON:
NEARLY $300,000 RETURNED TO LOCAL RESIDENTS
THROUGH IRS VITA PROGRAM
Ossining, New York – June 18, 2007 -- Interfaith Council For Action (IFCA) executive director Gordon Albert announced today that IFCA has achieved record-setting results through its participation in the IRS’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program. IFCA is a not-for-profit, affordable housing agency, which also provides support services to the community. For the 2006 tax season, the IFCA team prepared Federal and local tax returns for 200 low-income families at no charge. These families received refunds totaling over $230,000 from Federal income taxes and earned income tax credits. New York State refunds added up to $59,000.
The VITA Program, sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, operates out of several sites located around Westchester County. The program is run primarily by volunteers who, after completing IRS training, prepare Federal and New York State tax returns at no charge for low-income individuals, families and seniors from January to April. This year, the IFCA site, which is staffed by one IFCA employee and five local volunteers, produced the greatest results with the smallest tax team, compared to all other County locations.
“Without our VITA Program, many of our clients would pay an average $200 for tax preparation services,” says Mr. Albert. “In addition, these low-income workers often sign up for refund anticipation loans to get their tax refund on the spot. For this they are charged a very high interest rate.” VITA clients pay no fees, no e-file charges, and they get their direct deposit refund in about 10 days.
“At first, some community members were hesitant about participating,” notes Valerie Canosa, IFCA’s Director of Program and Services and lead tax preparer at the IFCA site for the past three years. “Many believed they would owe the government even more money. The reality is that the overwhelming majority of those who seek our help are due refunds.” The average refund at the IFCA site was over $1,500 per family.
“IFCA’s success is bittersweet,” notes Board Chair Kimberlie Jacobs. “VITA has put a significant financial burden on the agency since IFCA receives absolutely no government funding for the program. We estimate that VITA costs nearly $20,000 a year to administer, an amount that IFCA can no longer fund without help.” The IFCA program’s sole business sponsor is Robison Oil, whose president, David Singer, recently pledged $2,500 toward the 2007 tax season. “I hope that other area businesses will join me in supporting this worthwhile cause.”
Interfaith Council For Action, Inc. is a not-for-profit membership organization incorporated in 1968 under New York State Law. It is the oldest state-chartered Neighborhood Preservation Company (NPC) in Westchester County, and one of the first in the state. It is the only not-for-profit affordable housing agency in Ossining. IFCA's mission s tatement is to “sustain community, diversity, and opportunity through affordable workforce housing and vital social services.”
As defined by New York State, IFCA's target area in Ossining stretches from Snowden Avenue on the north to Liberty Street on the south, and from the Hudson River on the west to Route 9 on the east; it includes the old Main Street business district and its crescent of vintage buildings. IFCA owns 12 multifamily buildings in Ossining and one in Tarrytown. In addition, the organization manages affordable housing units in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2006
Contact: Gordon Albert; 914/941-5252
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138 Spring Street
Ossining, New York 10562
(914) 941-5252
www.ifcany.org
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IFCA Increases Affordable Housing Inventory
Three new affordable/workforce housing units were officially welcomed in the Village of Ossining with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8 Broad Ave. on Thursday, May 25 at 6 pm. Soon-to-be Village of Ossining Mayor, Trustee Miguel Hernandez cut the red ribbon to the cheers of many local officials, partners, advocates, and residents.
Through diligent efforts by IFCA Board members and staff, the three-family house was purchased by IFCA in February 2006 with renovations now completed on two of the three apartments. Two families are expected to move in by end of June. The third apartment will be made ready by summer’s end and other improvements will include new siding, roof, porch, rear stairs, sewer attachments, lighting, and fencing and security elements.
“This is a true milestone for IFCA in that it is the first time in seven years that IFCA has purchased a new property,” said Reginald D. Bush, Chairman of the Board who was key to the successful acquisition of this property. This brings IFCA total housing units owned to 91 with plans to add many more as opportunities arise, explained Bush.
IFCA Operations Manager Robert Giordano and his staff of two were also honored for their dedication to preservation of the historical home. “Their workmanship is incredible,” said Bush.
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Soon-to-be Village of Ossining Mayor Miguel Hernandez readies to cut the ribbon at the opening of a new three-family home owned and maintained by IFCA at 8 Broad Avenue. Joining him on the front porch are (from left to right) Mark J. Seiden, IFCA partner and sponsor, Deborah DeLong, Housing Director, Westchester County Department of Planning, Bill Cowan, affordable housing advocate, and Kimberlie Jacobs, IFCA Board Member, Executive Committee.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2005
Contact: Gordon Albert; 914/941-5252
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138 Spring Street
Ossining, New York 10562
(914) 941-5252
www.ifcany.org
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Mosaic Unveiled
The final group artwork created by 19 Ossining children who participated in a mosaic workshop was unveiled last week at IFCA headquarters at 138 Spring Street. The children worked eagerly with Yonkers artist Haifa Bint-Kadi, community volunteers Patti Bassak, Ann Palm and Aracelly Martinez, and Fordham social work interns Jennifer Pelletier and Sam Beavers during eight Wednesday afternoon classes held September 14 to November 9.
Participants learned about the history of mosaic as an art form, artist tools and materials, and completed individual tile, glue and grout projects. As a group they designed the IFCA mosaic, which depicts IFCA’s unifying effect on the community and tenants in its more than 100 units of affordable/workforce housing.
Organized by Valerie Canosa, IFCA’s Director of Programs and Services, the program was funded by a grant from the Westchester Arts Council Arts Partners Program and the Westchester County Department of Social Services. The Arts Partners Program joins community based organizations with local artists with a goal of providing access to the arts to underserved communities.
IFCA is the oldest neighborhood preservation organization in Westchester County incorporated in 1968 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. IFCA has been active in the ownership, rehabilitation and management of low and moderate income housing since 1972. IFCA is an organization that has invested in the revitalization and growth of Ossining and its surrounding communities.
Children who participated in creating the IFCA mosaic unveil their masterpiece with artist Haifa Bint-Kada. The artwork hangs in the IFCA offices.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
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