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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Karla Rodriguez-Pimentel, KHCC Connect Program Coordinator at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC)
6:30:05
ยท
162 sec
Karla Rodriguez-Pimentel testifies on behalf of Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC), highlighting their multi-service support for immigrant families in the Bronx. She emphasizes KHCC's diverse programs, including English classes, case management, and assistance with basic needs, while also noting the challenges they face due to increased demand and reduced funding.
- KHCC provides services to over 300 adult immigrants annually, including ESOL classes, food pantry, housing services, and mental health support.
- In 2024, KHCC Connect has supported 671 individuals across 2,391 case management sessions.
- Current challenges include long waitlists, reduced ESOL classes due to funding cuts, and increasing housing and food security needs among immigrant communities.
Karla Rodriguez-Pimentel
6:30:05
Hello.
6:30:06
My name is Carla Rodriguez Pimentel.
6:30:08
I'm the KCC connect program coordinator with Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, KCC.
6:30:14
Honorable council members, thank you for the opportunity to submit my testimony on behalf of Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, KHCC.
6:30:23
As a multi service agency deeply rooted in the Bronx, KHCC is uniquely equipped to support immigrant families through a wide array of services, including early head start classes, a weekly food pantry, housing services, long term therapy, and after school programs.
6:30:42
Our commitment is further exemplified by providing free English classes to over 300 adult immigrants annually, catering to diverse nationalities like The Dominican Republic, Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, and Egypt.
6:30:57
We strive to accommodate the schedules of our community beyond traditional business hours with services offered on weekday, evenings, and Saturdays.
6:31:05
KCC's impact extends beyond the classroom through KCC Connect, our comprehensive manage case management program.
6:31:13
We primarily assist Spanish speaking immigrants and asylum seekers addressing their immediate needs such as clothing, food, and toiletries, and providing support through microgrants, food pantry access, childcare, housing assistance, immigration workshops, and mental health services.
6:31:29
In 2024 alone, KHCC Connect has supported 671 individuals across 2,391 case management sessions.
6:31:41
However, without additional funding, KHCC cannot meet the growing needs of the immigrant community.
6:31:48
The need for these services has increased significant significantly in the past year, oftentimes leading to long waitlist and follow-up times.
6:31:56
Despite the growing demands for ESOL classes, KHCC had to eliminate four classes due to the reduced funding.
6:32:03
Our spring semester is currently at capacity, and we have a waitlist of over 100 community members for our fall semester.
6:32:11
Other present needs among the immigrant community include housing and food security.
6:32:16
KHCC receives calls or emails every day from the community members needing housing services.
6:32:23
Despite the community members making every effort to go through and navigate systems independently to obtain a rental assistance, they need more support.
6:32:31
We've seen many clients being discriminated by landlords, more recently as landlord are using immigration status against tenants.
6:32:38
The lack of food is another major issue, especially when families don't qualify for public assistance programs or have children who do or are fearful about accessing services.
Manuel Castro
6:32:48
Thank you for your testimony.