Fordham Bedford Children's Services (FBCS) was developed by Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation, a leader since 1980, in developing low and middle income housing that is safe, sound and affordable. The Housing Corporation developed FBCS based on the belief that providing quality low-income housing, in combination with supportive social services, would preserve families and nurture the healthy development of children.
The Housing Corporation manages nearly 70 buildings, including specialized housing for the elderly, and formerly the homeless. In addition, the organization developed Concourse House, a Tier II transitional residence for homeless women and their children. In 1995 the Housing Corporation and Concourse House opened a community child care center for low-income working families, a second site is in the process of being developed.
Today, Children's Services provides services at two sites located in the Fordham-Bedford and West Burnside neighborhoods. Youth activities at the two sites include after school tutoring, an early literacy project, girls and boys year round basketball leagues, chess clubs, teen groups, a weekend self-esteem program, movie nights, and field trips around New York City. Families benefit from free Parenting workshops, free Citizenship course, and two SHARE New York food distribution sites. The agency publishes both a free neighborhood orientation guide and a children's summer activities resource guide. In conjunction with neighborhood residents, the Morris Avenue Community Garden, and the Friends of St. James Park volunteer groups help restore safe green space in the area. During the summer FBCS organizes boys and girls basketball leagues, children's art classes, summer camps, playstreets, Playground projects, and a children's gardening class.
The Bronx communities served by both organizations are ethnically diverse neighborhoods with large populations of children. Area residents face a daily struggle against the physical and social ills, that frequently affect low-income inner city neighborhoods. Together with the community, both Housing Corporation and FBCS work toward establishing safe, thriving environments for children and their families.
