Author: ltepfer

Overview of Veterans and Active-Duty Initiatives and Programs on Staten Island

Staten Island has the highest per capita concentration of veterans of the 5 NYC boroughs and Sector New York is the largest Coast Guard operational field command on the East Coast. The main staff of Sector New York is located at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island with one thousand active duty and reserve servicemembers. The Army Reserve 353 Civil Service Command also located at Fort Wadsworth organizes, trains, and equips soldiers to mobilize, deploy and conduct civil military operations with a primary focus in the U.S. Africa and U.S. European Command regions.

Although, we have many veterans and active-duty military service members on Staten Island, the civilian and veteran and military communities and services are not as well integrated and aware of each other as they might be.

In March of 2020, Commissioner James Hendon of the New York City Department of Veteran Services (DVS) in collaboration with the Substance and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) held a Crisis Intercept Mapping session at Fort Wadsworth with the goal of creating a community-based Veteran Suicide Prevention program as a pilot for the other four boroughs. This initiative was driven by the fact that the suicide rate for veterans is 1.5 times that of the general population. After the meeting, a partnership was established with the Staten Island Performing Provider System, (SIPPS) to create the Staten Island Veterans Suicide Prevention Collaborative (SIVSPC). SI PPS is the premier solutions-based, data-driven health program in our region, coordinating program delivery to 25,000 Staten Island residents annually. Founded in 2014, SI PPS has brought together the often-disconnected healthcare community to improve services on Staten Island in partnership with 50+ organizations.

Based on the success of the Staten Island Crisis Intercept Mapping pilot collaboration between DVS and SIPPS, similar initiatives were launched in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan.

Since June of 2020, SIVSPC has hosted nine webinars of assorted topics of suicide prevention with an average audience of forty-five participants from the Staten Island Veteran and civilian communities as well as others from Veteran regional and national communities.

In June of 2020, SIPPS received grant funding for 6 SIPPS civilian partner to provide outreach individuals who received services from them and who identified as having served in the military. The civilian partners were Project Hospitality, Richmond University Medical Center, Community Health Action of Staten Island, YMCA, Silverlake Services, Meals on Wheels and Bridge Back to Life. The outreach was to determine Social Determinants of Health needs, i.e., housing, food, employment, medical and behavioral health.

Based on telephone outreach, 252 services were delivered with 125 Veterans were connected to health and social services, forty-eight to food pantries, twenty-three for utility and income support, nineteen for housing or eviction prevention, sixteen for behavioral health. 31,476 meals were delivered to veterans by Meals on Wheels and case workers outreached 150 veterans by phone whose spouses passed away or needed other Covid 19 related support.

This initiative brought home the fact that many veterans on Staten Island were receiving services in civilian organizations but that the civilian organizations were not necessarily considering the impact of the military culture on these individuals. It also brought home the need to provide military cultural competence training to civilian organizations and individuals.

As a result of the DVS partnership, we were connected to Colonel Paul Dietrich, Staten Island representative to the New York City Veterans Advisory Board. Colonel Dietrich participates in many veteran organizations and activities on Staten Island including participating in the Veterans Court as a volunteer mentor with the Staten Island Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). RSVP is a national AmeriCorps organization piloted on Staten Island 57 years ago. RSVP created a Veterans Taskforce in 2016. SIPPS and SIVSPC combined efforts and partners and created the RSVP/SIPPS Staten Island Veterans Taskforce which began meeting on a bimonthly basis in June of 2021. In 2023, we began hybrid meetings with both in person and virtual participants. Participants include DVS, individual veterans, RSVP volunteers, RSVP staff, the Harbor VA Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, the Staten Island VA Community Clinic, the Staten Island Vet Center, Veterans Yoga Project, the College of Staten Island Veteran program, CHASI, Blue Star Families, Staten Island University Hospital, Richmond University Medical Center, the Staten Island Borough Presidents Office, State Assemblyman Tannoukis, State Senator Jessica Scarcella and many others.

In our Taskforce meetings, it became clear that food insecurity was a significant challenge for the veteran and active-duty population. As a result, we formed the Staten Island Veterans Food Insecurity Taskforce which began meeting on a bimonthly basis in September of 2022. Participants include SIUH, Meals on Wheels, Gods Love We Deliver, Harbor VA Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, DVS, New York Military One Source, CHASI, City Harvest and NYC Department of Probation.

The Food Insecurity Taskforce supported the development of the Department of Probation Veterans Neon Kitchen program which provides free and nutritious groceries for our Staten Island Veteran and active duty individual and families. The Veterans Neon Kitchen program joined the Food Insecurity Taskforce which supported it by publicizing it through the network. The Veterans Program was piloted in the Bronx and Staten Island in the spring of 2023. The Bronx pilot ended because there was not sufficient attendance, but the Staten Island program has become permanent.

The Food Insecurity Taskforce also provides support to the Blue Star Families Nourish the Service food pantry at the Coast Guard Station. Every other week, 125 military individuals representing five hundred family members obtain food and supplies.

The Taskforce obtained New York State Dwyer funding through DVS to provide weekly Yoga classes to Veterans at the Staten Island Gold Star American Legion Post. The yoga classes are given by the Veteran Yoga Project, a national organization whose mission is to provide free yoga to veterans. There have been 30 classes held since June of 2023. Participants report their pre and post class levels of pain and distress. They report a 81% reduction in distress and 76 % reduction in pain after the class.

The participation in the Taskforce is growing exponentially, currently with over seventy organizations and individuals involved. Because of this growth, we have made significant changes to the Taskforce organization and procedures for 2024.

  • An Advisory Committee has been formed and met for the first time in December.
  • A monthly newsletter will begin publishing in January of 2024.
  • Monthly hybrid Meetings will be held monthly starting in January of 2024 with issues of Food Insecurity, Volunteers and College students covered in each meeting.
  • The Advisory Committee approved a Mission Statement.

 

Mission:

The Staten Island Veterans Taskforce is a collaborative network comprising more than seventy military and civilian entities and dedicated individuals. Its first objective is to identify pressing challenges encountered by Veterans, service members and their families in Staten Island, and to formulate actionable strategies to address these issues. The Taskforce’s secondary objective is information and resource sharing. The third objective is to provide referrals for individuals in need of services to the appropriate agency or Taskforce member for assistance.

Reflections of 2023: A Letter from Our Executive Director

As 2023 concludes, looking back on the achievements and the work ahead helps us frame our goals for 2024. The PPS continues to direct financial and strategic support for its partner organizations, implement population health and work force initiatives that focus on health equity in our community. Nearly 4 years post the DSRIP waiver, the PPS partner organizations continue to distinguish themselves in implementing innovative programs in the most challenging health domains like maternal health, substance use disorder, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, social determinants of health, Veteran and active duty programs, children’s health and prevention services.

The highlights for the PPS and its partners this year made a difference in many people’s lives. They include:

  • Achieving an 81% reduction in overdose and overdose deaths for the 650 individuals engaged in the Hotspotting program, implemented by SIUH, RUMC, CHASI and RCDA team and funded by a grant from Secure Futures Project and Northwell Health funds. Year 2 is underway with very positive results.
  • Becoming a Medicaid Innovation Collaborative grant winner for New York State to implement a program with Healthfirst and tech innovators, Ready Computing and Samaritan, to engage individuals disconnected from care, homeless with chronic disease.
  • Receiving the first ever SAMHSA Grant of $1.6 million for diversion from justice involvement for individuals affected with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder.
  • Social Determinant of Health – completed 10,000 with 7,000 needs closed by partner CBOs’ and connecting 2000 back to primary and behavioral care. Financial, education and housing are among the highest needs and most difficult to fill. We need resources and innovative ways to close these gaps.
  • Receiving the Community Health Worker Grant of $6 million from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), in conjunction with Community Health Center of Richmond,  to train over 400 individuals in community health skills. We will add a Lay Counselor component in 2024 to expand community level behavioral health connections.
  • Training over 100 individuals in apprenticeships roles in Certified Peer Recovery Advocate, Community Health Worker, Home Health Aide and Certified Nursing Assistants under the Apprenticeship Building America Grant of $4 million.
  • Awarding grants, in partnership with the Staten Island Not for Profit Association, to 5 new partner organizations and welcomed them into the PPS network.
  • Participating in community action to bring $12 million in settlement funds to Staten Island alongside Sam Pirozzolo, DA Mike McMahon, Borough President Fossella and our partner organizations.
  • Flourishing  Veterans and active duty programming: In partnership with NYC Veterans’ Commissioner James Hendon and State Senator Jessica Scarcella Committee Chair, a Blue Star Families program at Fort Hamilton Coast Guard base currently provides food and supplies to 120 individuals representing 500 families. Thy Veterans Yoga Project provides weekly classes at the Staten Island Gold Star Post. There have been 9 webinars on Veteran suicide prevention. Our partner CHASI is being grant supported to do buddy checks on vulnerable veterans and food deliveries.
  • A continued academic relationship with MIT, George Mason University, NYU, and CSI and are expanding with Columbia University and Wagner College.
  • The 39-member class of Wagner College Physician Assistants (class of ’26), which has been a great addition to our community health work team. Kudos to Nora Lowy, Program Director for her vision.
  • Several publications accepted in behavioral health, machine learning and quality improvement. PPS achievements have been highlighted in multiple media and staff has presented around the country and in the UK.
  • Developing a learning collaborative with Leeds Integrated Care Board and visiting the UK for 3 days of intense workshops focused on improving quality, access and outcome with an incredibly dedicated team led by Tim Ryley. Many thanks to Martin Charters and Manraj Khela.
  • Welcoming dynamic new partners, including, Mount Sinai Church, Super Health Pharmacy, Air-NYC Asthma Services, SI Not for profit Association, Blue Star Families, A Chance in Life Pantry, A Chance in Life, Celebrate Hope, Health 4 Youths, K Woods Foundation, COJO SI and a returning partner Make the Road NY.
  • Expanding relationships with existing partners to include navigation services, including, Pride Center, PCCS, JCC and El Centro to bring capacity for the 1115 Waiver.

 

For 2024, the long awaited 1115 Waiver remains a priority, but the PPS has embarked on numerous initiatives that will also shape the direction of population health on Staten Island.

  • In January, we will begin testing ways for patients to complete their own SDOH screening with ambulatory practices using mobile technology.
  • We are working on implementing the Diversion Program for individuals with co-occurring conditions with the RCDA, Legal Aid Society, NYPD and clinical partners.
  • Fair Start, Food as Medicine research project will be implemented in collaboration with Columbia University School of public Health and professor Heather Butts, a tireless advocate for Staten Island, and Wagner College focusing food insecurity in Veterans, College students and NYCHA residents.
  • Expanding off of Staten Island is a priority and multiple efforts will come to fruition this year in Hotspotting, Lay Counselor training as part of the CHW curriculum, expansion of workforce efforts with Health and Welfare Council of LI, One Brooklyn Health, Air-NYC and others.
  • We have the Safe Prescribing Pledge event scheduled for March 27th where we expect over 250 prescribers to renew their commitment to judicious opioid prescribing and alternative paths to pain management.
  • Medical support presence at food pantries is a goal of ’24, reaching people “where they are at” starts with consistent presence, coaching and health supports with those most in need.
  • Veterans for Life, a food insecurity program focused on active-duty service members transitioning to civilian life is being launched on Staten Island at the Fort Hamilton Coast Guard base. The program developed in Texas is being piloted in New York on Staten Island in collaboration with Onwards Ops, a national suicide prevention program, Blue Families, a national program supporting military families and Shoprite.
  • Healthy Start is a new initiative reaching into Head Start and other day care programs to develop trust, and create a path for healthy habits in nutrition, obesity prevention, vaccination awareness and active life style.

 

Many thanks to our friends and supporters who have worked with us to access resources, connect with new partners and expand the orbit of our work. There is much to be thankful for in 2023 and we are looking forward to a highly productive 2024 with the help of all our partners and supporters. This is especially so for our parent organization, Northwell Health. When many PPS were closed down in 2020, their commitment, along with the SIUH Executive Director, Brahim Ardolic, to keep the PPS efforts going in this community speaks louder than words.

Congratulations to the Newest Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) Graduates!

Congratulations to the 2023 Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) class! These newly certified CRPAs will go on to make a difference in someone’s life by supporting individuals living with substance use disorder. As part of the program, they will become employed at one of Staten Island PPS’s partner organizations.

The primary function of a CRPA is doing outreach with people currently in a program or considering treatment. Using their recovery experience, professional training and lived experience, peers boost individuals’ engagement in treatment and commitment to recovery.

Thank you to special guest speaker, Stephen Nico, Peer Supervisor at Richmond University Medical Center for sharing his perspective with the class as a peer counselor and for screening this cohort!

The CRPA program is one of four free apprenticeship programs sponsored by Staten Island PPS. To learn more about the program and how to become a CRPA, visit statenislandpps.org/certified-recovery-peer-advocate.

[Press Release] Staten Island PPS Issues $50,000 in Awards to Staten Island Organizations Addressing Social Determinants of Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

For more information, contact:
Lauren Tepfer
ltepfer@statenislandpps.org
(917) 830-1149 

 

Staten Island PPS Issues $50,000 in Awards to Staten Island Organizations Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Staten Island PPS has awarded $10,000 to each of 5 nonprofit organizations to support capacity building and enhanced service provision in addressing critical social determinants of health for Staten Islanders.

Staten Island, NY, October 2023 – Staten Island PPS has partnered with Nonprofit Staten Island (NPSI) to identify five local nonprofit organizations addressing key community needs and award $50,000 in support of their work. This partnership has engaged organizations who have historically been disconnected from healthcare systems and networks.

The connectivity initiated through this opportunity better positions providers who possess valuable expertise and approaches to more effectively address social determinants of health, which have been well-documented as pivotal in shaping community health outcomes. By addressing these determinants comprehensively, in partnership and across sectors, SI PPS and their partners at NPSI aim to tackle the root causes of health disparities and promote holistic approaches to healthcare.

Awards have been issued to A Chance in Life, Celebrate Hope, The Council of Jewish Organizations (COJOSI)/Igud Harrabonim, H.E.A.L.T.H. 4 Youths, and K Woods Foundation. The proposed projects increase resources available to the community and assist these organizations in strengthening the sustainability of their services.

“Building capacity among community-based not-for-profit organizations is critical to addressing health equity issues. The SI PPS and SINFP collaboration generated widespread enthusiasm among our Staten Island-based CBOs,” said Joseph Conte, PhD, the Executive Director of the PPS. “We are proud to be able to award 5 grants and at the same time, disappointed we cannot support all the amazing applications that were received. The winners will add great support for the PPS and Northwell Health ongoing effort to address disparities in the community. Those not selected will be invited to create relationship with the PPS to support the SDOH needs of the community.”

“Through this collaboration with Nonprofit Staten Island, SI PPS has not only fostered connectivity but also harnessed the expertise and innovative approaches of these organizations,” added Tatiana Arguello, Executive Director of Nonprofit Staten Island. “Together, we are challenging the norms of the nonprofit sector and taking actionable steps in furthering equity, strengthening access, and promoting wellness across our Staten Island community.”

Tal Jasmin, Chief Operating Officer of K Woods Foundation added, “This partnership is a game-changer, challenging the limitations of the non-profit industrial complex and paving the way for transformative change. We are all in when it comes to championing equity, justice, and wellness across Staten Island. Together we are creating a brighter, more equitable future for our community.”

Gabriele Delmonaco, President and CEO of A Chance In Life, said,  “This invaluable support not only ensures that we can continue to offer culturally sensitive food options and nutrition services to our fellow Staten Islanders, but it also underscores the significant role that education, employment, housing, nutrition and access to quality healthcare services together have on an individual’s health and well-being.”

Mark Santo, President of Celebrate Hope Recovery Center, noted, “As a small, grassroots organization doing everything we can to help our fellow Staten Islanders recover from the trauma and pain of substance abuse, we are deeply appreciative of Staten Island Performing Provider System and Nonprofit Staten Island for recognizing the value in our work, and providing us with this invaluable platform to let others in our borough know who we are and what we do.”

Rabbi Mirocznik, President of the Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO SI) shared, ” Our collaboration aims to tackle the intricate, integrated, and interconnected social structures, policies, and economic systems that significantly impact health and quality of life outcomes.” Rabbi Mirocznkik continued, “We eagerly anticipate the positive impact and meaningful changes that will result from our joint efforts.”

Co-founder of H.E.A.L.T.H. 4 Youths, Heather Butts, said, “We hope that our project, which seeks to support youth, college students, veterans, and NYCHA residents, has a positive impact on those communities, as well as the greater Staten Island population. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with SI PPS collaborating on the incredible work that they do to address the health and wellness of communities throughout Staten Island.”

Projects funded by this opportunity will be implemented between October 2023 and March 2024, and both SI PPS and NPSI look forward to strengthened and sustained relationships with all awardees to continue the important work of addressing social determinants of health across Staten Island.

About Staten Island Performing Provider System

In 2014, Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS) formed an integrated network of medical, behavioral, and social services agencies under the New York State Department of Health Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP). Our founding goals included improving the quality of care, reducing costs, and improving health outcomes for Staten Island’s Medicaid and uninsured populations. By the end of the DSRIP Program, we exceeded our goals and maintained our network to continue enhancing and refining the transformative work built in the Staten Island Community.

Today, we continue to work with our partners to improve population health outcomes, address social determinants of health, grow our network, and reduce health disparities. We are dedicated to improving health equity by holding conversations with our community, creating educational and workforce opportunities for youth, and bridging connections with non-traditional service providers to meet people where they are in the community. Learn more at www.statenislandpps.org.

About Nonprofit Staten Island

Since 2005, the Nonprofit Staten Island (formerly known as SINFPA) has provided resources, support, and advocacy for the borough’s nonprofit community. Through year-round educational workshops, coalition building, affinity groups, networking opportunities and resource sharing, Nonprofit Staten Island (NPSI) strives to ensure nonprofits have what they need to continue being service providers, employers, and active members of the Staten Island community. NPSI membership includes over 150 cultural institutions, faith-based organizations, health care providers, senior & youth service providers, and local community groups that provide critical services and meaningful programs for our diverse Staten Island individuals, families, communities, and neighborhoods.

Through its work, NPSI is prioritizing and elevating equitable and intersectional response from the nonprofit sector to both long-standing and emerging community needs. By upholding and working in service to the core pillars of Community Voice, Community Response, and Community Building, NPSI strives to foster meaningful collaboration and culturally responsive service provision across the borough and New York City. Learn more at https://nonprofitstatenisland.org/

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[Press Release] Staten Island PPS and Partners Show Success with AI-Based Analytics Program to Combat Record Overdose Deaths

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

For more information, contact:
Lauren Tepfer
ltepfer@statenislandpps.org
(917) 830-1149 

 

STATEN ISLAND PPS AND PARTNERS SHOW SUCCESS WITH AI-BASED ANALYTICS PROGRAM TO COMBAT RECORD OVERDOSE DEATHS
 

Staten Island, NY, September 2023 – In the first year of the program, which launched in March of 2022, the Hotspotting the Overdose Epidemic program has shown great success. There was an 81% reduction in non-fatal overdoses for those clients engaged in the program. More importantly, there were two overdose-related deaths in the engaged group compared to 11 in the non-engaged group. These initial results suggest a strong impact of participation in the multiple levels of service that the program provides.  

The Hotspotting Program is an evidence-based, data-driven overdose prevention and outreach initiative that aims to leverage predictive analytics to identify individuals at the highest risk of overdose and engage them before an adverse event, using a person-centered care management model. The predictive analytics model was developed in collaboration with the MIT Sloan School of Management’s Initiative for Health Systems.    

Other outcomes of the first year of the program include 100% of clients having a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) assigned to them at the initial point of engagement; from the prevention aspect, 84% of clients received harm reduction services (e.g., Narcan, an overdose reversal agent, screening for hepatitis, fentanyl test strips, and clean syringes); and from the social aspect, 91% completed screening for social care needs, with 78% of those needs met by community-based partners. The overall reduction of emergency room and inpatient care demonstrated that coordinated care could improve outcomes and ultimately impact the cost of care. A thorough analysis of visits that were specifically related to overdose and substance misuse showed that the engaged group had a reduction of 56.2% and 42.6% for ER and inpatient utilization, respectively.   

Dr. Brahim Ardolic, Executive Director of Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell said, ”Nearly 7,000 New Yorkers died from overdose in the past 12 months, over 150 from Staten Island alone; we need innovative programs to reverse this tragic trend. The Hotspotting Program that SIUH and other dedicated providers on SI are implementing, is the first comprehensive strategy that offers hope. With dedicated providers, peer advocates and innovative technology, Hotspotting is saving lives and we believe can do so elsewhere.” 

Former New York Congressman and The Secure Future Project Senior Advisor, Max Rose notes, “The opioid overdose epidemic is one of our nation’s greatest public health crises. The incredible work done in two years by the Hotspotting Program is a testament to the fact that this does not have to be the case. It is now imperative that managed care organizations and governments nationwide step up to scale this proven model.”  

Joseph Conte, PhD, Executive Director of the Staten Island PPS said, “With the latest CDC data showing that over 111,000 Americans, among them 6,849 NY residents, lost their lives to overdose in a 12-month period ending April 2023, it is time for a radical change in passive strategy to active pursuit of patient facing, CRPA led and technology enabled solution like the PPS Hotspotting Program– data doesn’t lie- the Hotspotting program saves lives and reduces overall OD rates for engaged community members.” 

Staten Island District Attorney, Michael E. McMahon adds, “From my first day as District Attorney, saving the lives of those battling addiction illness has been an essential mission of the men and women of my office. We are so proud of the innovative work we have done in conjunction with the NYPD, health professionals, treatment providers, and especially the Staten Island PPS. The Hotspotting Program is a common-sense, life-saving approach to saving those at serious risk of a fatal overdose, and we are thrilled that the hard work of our Alternatives to Incarceration Unit and the PPS team have paid such immense and immediate dividends in our quest to prevent overdoses in our communities.” 

Robert Kent, Esq. former General Counsel, White House of National Drug Control Policy and President of Kent Strategic Advisors, LLC noted “The Hotspotting Program is a game changer!  The first-year results are validation that when we invest our time and resources in helping those who are struggling with addiction; the results can change lives!  We must continue this important work and explore opportunities to expand its reach!” 

 

 

About the Hotspotting Program    

The program consists of four main components: Predictive analytics, a person-centered care management model, contingency management, and value-based outcomes. 

Consistent with the National Drug Control Strategy calling for evidence-based models of care, the program incorporates Contingency Management (CM) for Medication Assisted Treatment patients. CM uses the science of behavioral economics to help individuals develop and maintain healthy habits and care plan routines. It is a proven intervention that is effective in increasing treatment retention rates, improving treatment compliance, and reducing substance use in a cost-effective way.   

The program also focuses on value-based payments to providers to incentivize comprehensive and value-based care, as opposed to current fee-for-service models (outcomes vs. encounters). It focuses on reducing harm and promotes a continuum of care leading to sustained recovery while avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations.  

The Hotspotting Program is funded by a $3 million grant from a private foundation, The Secure Future Project, and $1.5 million from Staten Island PPS/Northwell Health.  

 

About Staten Island Performing Provider System 

The Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS) is an integrated network of medical, behavioral, academic partners and social services agencies. Our founding goals included improving the quality of care, reducing costs and improving health outcomes for Staten Island’s Medicaid and uninsured populations. Originally formed under the DSRIP program, we continue enhancing and refining the transformative work with our partners to improve population health outcomes, address social determinants of health, grow our network and reduce health disparities. We are dedicated to improving health equity by holding conversations with our community, creating educational and workforce opportunities for youth, and bridging connections with non-traditional service providers to meet people where they are in the community.

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Governor Hochul Announces $150 Million New York Forward Loan Fund 2 to Provide Flexible Loans to New York State Small Businesses

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the New York Forward Loan Fund 2 program for qualifying small businesses and nonprofits. After expanding criteria for qualifications and with even greater resources allocated for the program, the enhanced fund represents an even bolder commitment to New York State’s small businesses. Qualified recipients with fewer than 100 employees and less than $5 million in gross annual revenue can apply for loans up to $150,000 with affordable, fixed-rate interest rates. Part of New York’s broader State Small Business Credit Initiative efforts led by Empire State Development, the fund will be in place for the next eight years and will focus on helping small businesses and nonprofits, particularly those in low-income and historically underbanked communities and rural areas access flexible working capital to cover a wide range of expenses, from payroll and marketing to facility renovations. Additionally, free support services from experts will work with businesses throughout the life of the loan. Learn more here.

MicroGrant Opportunity Available for Staten Island Nonprofits!

A micro-grant opportunity designed to support direct service programming that addresses social determinants of health is currently available for a short time. This Request for Proposals (RFP), being made available through Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS), aims to establish new partnerships with organizations across Staten Island, fostering greater collaboration and innovation in improving health outcomes for individuals in need, while providing resources for internal capacity building that will improve service provision to communities in need.

  • This opportunity, including full RFP and application templates can be found at this link.
  • FAQs are available on the website, and by PDF here.
  • Recording about this RFP and how to apply is available here: https://youtu.be/V9jxlzp-0EU

If you have any questions or trouble accessing any of these materials, feel free to email our Director of Programs & Development, Michelle Bascome, at michelle@sinfpa.org.