SOCIAL SERVICES

Our Senior Adult Program offers a community resource program that enables those who are 60 and older, to stay healthy and happy in our community.

The Program offers:

• Assistance with and access to social services, including benefits/entitlements (e.g., SSI, SNAP (food stamps), housing assistance, and more)
• Advocacy, information, and referral services to community and government agencies
• Financial and legal consultations
• Crisis intervention
• Social, educational, and recreational activities, trips
• Volunteer opportunities

For more information about the Senior Adult Program, please contact Irina, the Social Adult Day Care Director at (718) 241-3000 ext. 132 or email [email protected]

CDG and COVID-19 Disparities

In January 2022, the H.E.S. was awarded federal funding to address COVID-19 disparities and to support COVID-19 recovery via a COVID Disparities Grant (CDG). A component of this grant was to create a collaborative approach, by building partnerships within communities heavily impacted by COVID.

The purpose of the project and grant was to launch an organized model for reducing COVID-19 disparities by reducing the risk for COVID-19 infection, building social cohesion, and meeting basic social needs and racial inequities.

The project aimed to:

• Expand the engagement of a Community Health Worker workforce to leverage their deep community roots, institutional relationships, and neighborhood expertise
• Build community resilience
• Catalyze change within systems
• Increase preparedness for future emergencies

For more information about the H.E.S. and the COVID-19 Disparities Grant, contact Dr. Alethea Henry at (718) 241-3000 ext.139 or email [email protected].

Become a part of the H.E.S. family and team!

The H.E.S. is currently hiring for a variety of roles. To see all our current job openings, click here.

Candidates are welcome to apply directly to the H.E.S. by emailing resumes and cover letters to [email protected]. Please ensure to include the position title in the subject of the email.

We look forward to hearing from you.

The H.E.S. has compiled a variety of NYC community resources for you and your family. These resources will be updated regularly as we become aware of new information and programs to share.

General Resources for New York City

1) Tenant Resource Portal helps residential renters access free resources from the City to help prevent evictions and keep tenants stably housed. It brings together resources from multiple city agencies, city-funded nonprofit legal service organizations, and Community Based Organizations together, to better improve and streamline how tenants can learn about the options that may be available to them.

2) SpreadLoveNYC connects New Yorker seeking volunteer opportunities with nonprofits and service projects. Led by Mayor Adams and NYC Service, New Yorkers can volunteer for projects that are 1-2 or 3+ hours. Register as a volunteer or partner organization.

3) If you have been harassed or discriminated against due to immigration/citizenship status, race, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability, contact NYC Commission on Human Rights by calling 311. Call 911 if you are a victim of or witness a hate crime.

4) While Black in NYC: Protections Against Discrimination for Black New Yorkers. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against or harassed because of their race, color, or national origin, call 212-416-0197.

5) NYC’s Immigrant Affairs Department provides an extensive array of legal services, city services and asylum seekers help.

6) Building owners are legally required to provide heat and hot water to their tenants. Hot water must be provided 365 days per year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat must be provided between October 1 and May 31. For more info, go here.

Jobs and Financial Services

1) Filing Taxes for Free. If you earned $80k or less with dependents or $56k or less without dependents, you can file for free with Met Council Helpline. Call  212-453-9532.

2) NYC government job opportunities can be found here.

Mental and Physical Health Resources

1) All NYC-related information about COVID-19, including general vaccine and booster info, finding a testing site, free at-home COVID tests, and the latest data are all located here.

2) For NYC health information and efforts to keep New Yorkers healthy, go the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website.

3) In NYC, access to health care is a right. Enrolling in health insurance can be confusing and hard to navigate. A GetCoveredNYC Specialist from the NYC Public Engagement Unit help you navigate the process. Enroll by the 15th of the month for coverage starting on the 1st of the following month.

4) If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed,  NYCWell can help. Call 1-888-NYC-WELL, Text “WELL” to 65173, or chat online.

5)  If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, or gambling, New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) provides addiction treatment and recovery services.

o   Find a OASAS provider.

o   Call OASAS’s Hopeline to find help and resources 24/7 at (877) 846-7369 or text 467369. All calls are toll-free and confidential.

6) For insurance rights and questions, call the NYS Behavioral Health Ombudsman Office (Community Health Access to Addiction and Mental Healthcare Project – CHAMP) at (888) 614-5400 or email [email protected].

National and CDC Health Information

1) CDC- Tips on Managing and Coping with Stress

2) The National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center

3) U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Mental Health Services

4) U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Resources to Support Adolescent Health

Pathways to Empowerment

October 8, 2026 – May 20, 2027

Groups Meet Thursday from 6:30 PM -7:30 PM, Via Zoom

Join us for a series of welcoming support groups designed to uplift, connect, and empower. Our three unique groups offer a safe space for open conversations, meaningful connections, and shared resources to support you on your personal journey.

It Takes A Village | Supporting Parents Through the Journey: 1st Thursday

• Join a warm and welcoming space to connect with fellow parents! Share experiences, build meaningful relationships, and support each other through the joys and challenges of parenting

Journey Through Grief | Pathway to Healing : 2nd Thursday

• A compassionate space to share, heal, and find strength with professionals and peers. Join us on your journey to healing.

Navigating the Journey | Supporting Families with Disabilities : 3rd Thursday

• Connect with a compassionate community prioritizing unique abilities—find support, resources, and understanding for the diverse needs of families with disabilities.

All families are welcome to join and no reservation is required to join by Zoom.

For more information about our Parent Support Groups email [email protected] or call (718) 241-3000 ext. 135.

Street Fair 2026

A day of fun, laughter, and community brought families together for the H.E.S. Annual Street Fair on Sunday, June 7, 2026. The community enjoyed an afternoon filled with music from a live DJ, games and prizes, food, bounce houses, demonstrations, raffles, giveaways, and activities for children and families of all ages. With free admission and something for everyone to enjoy, the Street Fair was a wonderful opportunity for neighbors, families, and H.E.S. members to come together, make memories, and celebrate the strong community spirit that makes H.E.S. feel like home.

Jewish & Chinese Food & Culture

On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the H.E.S. Auditorium came alive with food, culture, and community during our Jewish & Chinese Food & Culture event. Hosted by H.E.S. with support from JASA and CPC, older adults came together to prepare traditional dishes, share stories and family traditions, and learn more about one another’s cultures. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with great food, meaningful conversations, and new connections—all through the simple joy of coming together around the table.

Israel Day Parade 2026

Community, tradition, and togetherness came to life on Sunday, May 31, 2026, as the H.E.S. community joined the Israel Day Parade in New York City. Participants gathered to walk together and be part of one of the city’s largest annual celebrations in support of Israel. The day offered an opportunity for H.E.S. members, families, and friends to connect with the greater New York community while celebrating Jewish culture, heritage, and unity. From gathering together before the parade to marching along Fifth Avenue, it was a memorable experience centered around connection, community spirit, and sharing the moment together.

Juneteenth: Day of Service 2025

This year’s Juneteenth Day of Service brought out an incredible turnout as volunteers came together to honor the spirit of community and unity. The day began with a Street Beautification project along Seaview Avenue, where participants helped clean and revitalize the area. We then marched to Bildersee, where volunteers and community leaders gathered for a meaningful luncheon filled with connection, reflection, and celebration.

Street Fair 2025

This year’s Street Fair was a fun-filled celebration for the whole community! Families enjoyed an exciting day packed with activities for all ages, including colorful bounce houses, creative face painting, and a lively arts and crafts station that brought out everyone’s inner artist. Our talented Pre-School Ballet students wowed the crowd with a special showcase, and kids got active on our mini basketball court—perfect for friendly games and big smiles. It was a day full of laughter, creativity, and community spirit that brought everyone together for unforgettable memories.

Youth and Family Day: Together We Shine

What an incredible time we had at this year’s Youth and Family Day! It was a fun-filled experience packed with exciting activities, laughter, and unforgettable moments. From engaging trial experiences to hands-on adventures, everyone had a blast exploring, learning, and making new friends. The energy was high, the smiles were endless, and the memories made will last a lifetime!

MLK Day 2025 

This MLK Day was filled with community, kindness, and giving back! We had a wonderful time coming together to make Challah bread and hearty vegetable soup, sharing fun and warmth in the kitchen. Our coat donation drive was a huge success, with an incredible number of coats collected to help those in need during the cold season. We also worked on care packages for the community and packed bags for the food pantry, ensuring that essentials reach those who need them most. It was a day of love, service, and honoring Dr. King’s legacy by making a difference in our community!

July 18, 2024

The H.E.S. marched alongside family, friends and community members at the 718 Walk for Life, in honor of Nico, a young artist who was killed by gun violence in 2020. It was a powerful gathering and the youth came out in numbers! Thank you to those who came out to support!

June 5, 2024

We are deeply honored and grateful to the @ujafedny for recognizing H.E.S. for our volunteer engagement efforts. This award is a testament to the incredible dedication and passion of our amazing volunteers who tirelessly support our community through our food pantry, community events, and so much more.
A special shoutout to Karen Delzine, one of our regular volunteers who was awarded for outstanding volunteerism, whose unwavering commitment to service exemplifies the spirit of our volunteer program. Karen, your selflessness and hard work inspire us all!

June 2, 2024

The H.E.S. was proud to march in the annual Israel Day Parade on 5th Avenue. The parade celebrated the world’s largest expression of unity and support for Israel! It was an unforgettable day with over 40,000 marchers, vibrant floats, and captivating Jewish and Israeli musical performances!

June 9, 2024

It was a joy to see our community come together for a day full of fun, laughter, and amazing activities at our Annual Street Fair. From music, to carnival games a bouncey house, soccer, karate demos, BBQ, live DJ, face painting, a man on stilts. There was something for everyone to enjoy. What more can you ask for! So much fun!

April 4, 2024

A heartfelt thank you to Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and the 69th Precinct Community Council, along with Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, and Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse for their invaluable partnership in making this year’s Job Fair a monumental success. Over 1,000 attendees came with hopes and left with opportunities, a testament to what we can achieve together. Your commitment to our community’s growth and prosperity shines bright.

January 15, 2024

MLK Day of Service 2024 was a huge success! 🙌 Volunteers of all ages and walks of life came out to give back to the community and together we were able to achieve incredible impact.

Volunteers were able to assemble:
– 800 PPE Kits
– 500 Filled Pencil Cases
– 400 Care Packages
– 300 Baked Goods
– 200 Containers of Soup
– 100 cleaned and dried Coats

We were able to distribute items to local shelters, senior centers, to migrant students and their families from local schools and even soldiers in Israel.

A heartfelt thank you all the volunteers, our partner and sponsor @ujafedny. A special shout out to the jazz band that livened our lobby, to the talented steel pan group, Genesis Pan Groove at P.S. 233 who helped close out our day and to our outstanding staff for leading and facilitating the day.

September 7, 2023

Attorney General Letitia James along with Met Council Executive Director David Greenfield, Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse (46th district), and Councilwoman Farah Louis (45th district) joined us for our annual Rosh Hashanah Holiday food distribution from our pantry. We had a great turnout and we can’t thank our partners and community leaders enough for sharing this wonderful experience with us.

SHARE YOUR H.E.S. STORY WITH US

The H.E.S. has welcomed the Brooklyn community and beyond for well over a hundred years, and served thousands of individuals and their families within that time.

Please share your personal connection to the H.E.S through our new storytelling mission – H.E.S. Stories where we celebrate you, YOUR stories and your journey at the Hebrew Educational Society.

Do you have a family history at H.E.S.? Did you meet your best friend or spouse here at H.E.S.? Are you a camper who became a counselor? We want to hear about it!

Whether you are new to the building and want to share the experience you’ve had with us so far, or an amazing, decades-old moment you’ve always remembered, complete the short form below to share your name and story with us.

The H.E.S. is proud to provide Food Pantry services to our Brooklyn community. ALL are welcome. You must register first, before ordering.

How to Register (New Registrants):

1) Visit market.metcouncil.org to begin. Click “Order Food” and choose “Sign Up”

2) Register yourself and your household members and wait to hear from your Pantry Manager

3) Once you hear from your Pantry Manager, log in at market.metcouncil.org and start ordering!

4) Choose a pick-up time during Pantry hours

5) Check email for confirmation and your receipt

How to Place Your Order Using Market:

1) Visit market.metcouncil.org to begin. Log in with your email address or phone number. Use PASSWORD Market@9502

2) Start shopping for items

3) When ready to place an order, click the shopping cart icon

4) Choose a pick-up time during Pantry hours

5) Check email for confirmation and receipt

H.E.S. Pantry Guidelines:

You can utilize our Food Pantry once a month. You must come at your scheduled appointment date and time.  Please understand that no boxes will be held past your appointment date.

Pick Up Days and Hours:

Mon, Wed, Thur | 9:30 am – 2 pm

Tues | 1 pm – 6 pm

Pick up of pre-ordered boxes only.

For more information about the Pantry, please email [email protected] or call Armani Llewelyn at 718-241-3000 ext. 124.

In partnership with Met Council, all meals provided are Kosher certified.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides monthly benefits that can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and some online retailers. SNAP helps millions of New Yorkers keep and supplement food on their tables.

The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) can determine if you may be eligible for SNAP. H.E.S. can also help you complete and submit your application.

Contact NOEP for a free and confidential assessment of your eligibility.

For more information, contact NOEP by phone at (347) 880-2922 or email [email protected].