Programs at Word of Life International
Feed The Community Program
The Feed The Community Program provides emergency food support to individuals and families at risk of hunger and homelessness. The Food Program operates on Wednesday from 3 pm to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. We also provide services to people that are referred to us from the New York City’s Hunger Hotline. The objective is to provide a consistent source of nourishment for food-insecure community members; to provide referrals and to be a check-point for those who are unable to seek out other human services.
Emergency Clothing
Free weekly distribution of clothes, coats, shoes, etc. to the needy and homeless during program services. The objective is to ensure that clients’ basic clothing needs are met and to provide material goods that will help clients boost their job potential.
Youth Enrichment Program
We work in partnership with Universities, Colleges, Middle/High Schools and several Youth Development Organizations to provide the youth opportunities for empowerment, community service, leadership development and academic support. Every week several youth (including special education students) are engaged in different activities that benefit both the participants and the community. The objective is to provide a safe and warm environment where youth feel welcome to engage in skill-building services that will positively impact their career aspirations and create a community link between generations and support our program services.
Food Stamp/WIC Screening/Referral
In collaboration with Access NYC, we provide on-site Food Stamp Screening and help clients to process their application. We also pre-screen the clients for other benefits they may qualify. The objective is to support a more sustainable solution to food insecurity; to ease the process of documentation for our community and to provide education and counseling for a more independent life.
Kids' Cafe and Fruit Bowl
In partnership with City Harvest For New York City provide food support to families specifically for children 19 years and under Monday through Sunday. The objective is to offer nutritious meals to underserved youth in the South Bronx and to create a safe, healthy environment for youth to turn to during the summer.
Sweat Equity/Community Service Program
Word of Life program services provide an excellent opportunity for people from across the country to volunteer at Word of Life helping us to make a difference in the South Bronx. The Community service program accommodates both individuals and groups. The objective is to create a cycle of “sweat equity” among our youth and adults; to ensure that all programs continue to sustain themselves without outside involvement and to open our organization up for other individuals to be involved in the movement.
Job Screening and Referral
In conjunction with Work Force 1, Bronx Office we provide job screening and referral because our ultimate goal is to get the clients to become self-sufficient or independent. The objective is to be a practical, informative solution for unemployed individuals and to provide contacts, education and skill building that will further each client’s job prospects.
HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis Outreach/Substance Abuse Referrals
The HIV/AIDS Outreach provides workshops/seminars and on-site testing/screening/referral to our community residents. Agencies that participate in this outreach include Bronx Aids Services, Elbert Einstein University Teaching Hospital, Harlem United, Latino Commission on AIDS, National Black leadership Commission on AIDS, etc. The objective is to educate the community and thereby stop the spread of preventable diseases; to support network for individuals that are infected or are substance abusers and to open the conversation of health to a wider group of people.
Health Insurance Education
Our Center works in partnership with health insurance agencies to enroll our community residents with the health insurance of their choice. This program has benefited a lot of immigrants in our community. The objective is to make certain that every individual, regardless of economic or immigration status is insured.
Immigration Services
The immigrant population in our community is high and this program provides information and referrals to clients for their immigration problems. The objective is to create a safe space where immigrant issues can be discussed in confidence and to be a source of information, connections, and support during the process of immigration.
Nutrition Training
We provide nutrition training to children and parents because the populations we serve have a high rate of obesity and diabetes. The program goal is to help clients know how to use the products and produce we provide at the pantry. It encourages positive eating behaviors by helping increase nutrition-related knowledge and changing skills, attitudes, and practices. Families learn together to prepare meals, learn about foods that will positively impact their health, and discover ways to stretch their dollars so they don’t go hungry. The overall objective is to reduce the high rate of obesity, diabetes and other health-related problems that is affecting a large portion of our community; to educate and empower each family to change potential life-threatening habits in a manageable, unique manner and to get to the source of all health related issues and create solutions for a healthier South Bronx.
Blood Pressure Monitoring Program
In partnership with the Department of Health, we provide weekly blood pressure screening to our clients in an effort to reduce the devastating effect that high blood pressure has on our community. After the screening clients that need medical care are referred to their primary care providers or appropriate health facility for follow-up/treatment. Every Wednesday @ 1pm
Senior Wellness Program
The Senior
Wellness Program is a weekly program that provides free health and nutrition
classes, free health screening, free meal and free pantry to adults from 55 and up
on Thursdays from 12 pm – 3pm. This program is provided in partnership with
Cornell University Cooperative Extension and supported by various program partners. The Senior Wellness Program has
a wide selection of weekly activities and community service/volunteer
opportunities for seniors that are seeking to volunteer their time and skills to
stay active and enrich their lives and help make good things happen in the community. Every Thursday @ 12pm - 2pm
