Stories of Impact
Testimonies
As a leader in the human services and nonprofit sectors, VOA-Greater New York is committed to advocating for the needs of those we serve and the welfare of organizations in our field, especially in forums where decisions are made regarding key policy and budget priorities. One way we do this is by voicing our experiences, concerns, support and feedback at New York City Council meetings. Below are the written testimonies we have submitted.
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January 30, 2023
Nonprofit Contracting and the Joint Task Force to Get Nonprofits Paid on Time
Testimony to the New York City Council Joint Committees on Contracts, Aging, Youth Services, Governmental Operations and Small Business
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December 12, 2022
Expanding Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors
Written testimony submitted to New York City Council Joint Committee on Women and Gender Equity and Committee on Civil and Human Rights
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October 19, 2022
Requesting that the budget continues to include money for salary parity at 4410 programs
Written testimony submitted for the New York City Council Committee on Education Oversight – Early Childhood Education Programs in NYC.
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September 7, 2022
Welcoming new residential properties that include affordable units
Written testimony submitted for the New York City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises Zoning, Bruckner Sites, Bronx.
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July 1, 2022
Feedback on the Mayor's housing plan called "Housing Our Neighbors"
Written testimony submitted for the New York City Council Committee on Housing & Buildings Oversight — Housing Our Neighbors: A First Look at the Mayor's Housing Plan
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May 4, 2022
Recommendations to support unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness in NYC
Written testimony submitted for the New York City Council Committee on General Welfare – Unsheltered Homeless in New York City.
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March 21, 2022
Increase the salaries of 3-K and Pre-K general education teachers at BELC
Written testimony submitted for the New York City Council Committee on Education Budget Hearing, FY 2023; Oversight – The State of NYC’s 4410 program funding.
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March 14, 2022
#JustPay and Cost of Living Increase for Human Service Workers
Written testimony submitted for the New York City Council Committee on Housing & Buildings; Oversight – The State of NYC’s Housing and Buildings crisis.
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February 25, 2022
A collaborative community response to Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction
Written testimony submitted for the New York City Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction; Oversight – The State of NYC’s Health and Plans to Address the Mental Health Crisis.
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February 22, 2022
Seeking help to break barriers to accessing survivor services in NYC
Written testimony submitted for the City Council to the New York City Council Committee on Women and Gender Equity; Oversight - Barriers to Accessing Survivors Services in NYC.
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June 22, 2021
Urging Council to prioritize funding for affordable housing for seniors
Written testimony submitted for the City Council FY22 Preliminary Budget Hearing, Committee on Aging; Oversight – "Serving Seniors in Senior Residences and Communities During the Pandemic"
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May 25, 2021
Calling for salary parity for teachers of CBO preschool special programs
Written testimony submitted for the City Council Committee on Finance.
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April 28, 2021
Advocating for fair wages for human services workers
Written testimony submitted for the City Council Committee on Contracts.
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April 16, 2021
Bringing attention to the challenges of school age children living in shelter
Written testimony submitted for the Joint Hearing on Youth in Shelters with the City Council Committees on Education and General Welfare.
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March 23, 2021
Advocating for funding to support veterans
Written testimony submitted for the City Council FY22 Preliminary Budget Hearing Committee on Veterans.
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March 17, 2021
Calling for the restoration of funding for the NYC DSS, HRA and DHS
Written testimony submitted for the City Council FY22 Preliminary Budget Hearing, Committee on General Welfare.
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March 10, 2021
Emphasizing the importance of supportive housing for older adults and the need for more funding
Written testimony submitted for the City Council FY22 Preliminary Budget Hearing Committee on Aging.
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March 5, 2021
Emphasizing the importance of supportive housing and the human services sector and the need for funding
Written testimony submitted for the City Council FY22 Preliminary Budget Hearing Committee on Housing and Buildings.
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February 17, 2021
Calling for on-site vaccinations for older adults in our residential programs
Written testimony submitted for the Committee on Health, held Jointly with the Committee on Aging and Committee on Technology; Oversight – "COVID-19 & Seniors: Addressing Equity, Access to the Vaccine & Scheduling Vaccination Appointments Online in NYC."