The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) is an independent, nonprofit organization established in 1939. Originally formed as a charity providing direct assistance to the poor, its mission has evolved include research and advocacy

Advocacy

Advocacy is a political process by an individual or a large group which normally aims to influence public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions; it may be motivated from moral, ethical or faith principles or simply to protect an...

 as well as legal and informational support services for other organizations that work with low-income individuals. It is one of the seven organizations supported by the New York Times Neediest Cases Fund.

History

The Community Service Society was formed in 1939 by the merger of two of New York City

New York City

New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...

's most prominent social welfare organizations, the Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor, organized in 1843 and incorporated in 1848, and the Charity Organization Society

Charity Organization Society

The Charity Organization Societies also called the Associated Charities was a private charity that existed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a clearing house for information on the poor. The society was mainly concerned with distinction between the deserving poor and undeserving poor...

, founded in 1882.

Purpose

CSS tackles poverty

Poverty

Poverty is the lack of a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. About 1.7 billion people are estimated to live...

 on many fronts, bringing a unique perspective to the field of urban poverty. From Government agencies to elected officials; from grass roots advocacy groups to major media outlets, CSS works to raise awareness about, and provide solutions to the problems facing low-income New Yorkers.

The Community Service Society:

• Conducts research that helps shape public policies concerning poverty.
• Advocates for low-income New Yorkers at all levels of government.
• Provides direct services and technical assistance to individuals and organizations.
• Engages volunteers who help build stronger communities.

Programs

CSS works independently and in coalition with other organizations on issues of urban poverty in the areas of health care

Health care

Health care is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers...

, affordable housing

Affordable housing

Affordable housing is a term used to describe dwelling units whose total housing costs are deemed "affordable" to those that have a median income. Although the term is often applied to rental housing that is within the financial means of those in the lower income ranges of a geographical area, the...

, the labor market, public benefit programs and properly financed public education

Public education

State schools, also known in the United States and Canada as public schools,In much of the Commonwealth, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, the terms 'public education', 'public school' and 'independent school' are used for private schools, that is, schools...

. The coexistence of CSS's program and policy work have resulted in the creation of model programs such as the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Conceived on Staten Island

Staten Island

Staten Island is a borough of New York City, New York, United States, located in the southwest part of the city. Staten Island is separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull, and from the rest of New York by New York Bay...

 in 1967 with 23 volunteers, RSVP now is one of the largest volunteer programs for older adults in the United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

, with 9 000 men and women volunteering in agencies throughout the city.

CSS has also engaged in Community development

Community development

Community development is a broad term applied to the practices and academic disciplines of civic leaders, activists, involved citizens and professionals to improve various aspects of local communities....

 initiatives: Through employment projects, tenant associations, health care and civic participation that engaged the residents in finding innovative ways to fortify their community, the Gates Avenue project helped to revitalize a neighborhood in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...

.

CSS's Social Services Department serves individuals, families and seniors who are undergoing a temporary emergency with a range of services from eviction prevention, financial assistance to housing and job searches.

In November 2009, CSS acquired City Limits Magazine.

External links

• Community Service Society of New York Homepage