First Corinthian Baptist Church, Union Provide Supplies And Jobs For Harlem Families

First Corinthian Baptist Church and District Council 9 held their fifth annual Hope for Harlem block party and community service event over the weekend.

The groups donated thousands of groceries, hygiene products, and back-to-school supplies and offered employment opportunities and health resources to members of the local community. NYS Senator Cordell Cleare and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine attended and supported the efforts.

The Hope for Harlem initiative adopts a holistic approach to community service, addressing the mind, body, and soul of Harlem’s residents. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, this annual event has become a cornerstone for the neighborhood, demonstrating the enduring strength and unity of the community.

“Serving our community is integral to who we are,” stated Joseph Azzopardi, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of District Council 9. “Each year, our members enthusiastically join the Hope for Harlem event, assisting local families in their preparations for the upcoming school year and job opportunities. We extend our gratitude to First Corinthian Baptist Church for partnering with us for the fifth year of this meaningful event.”

“At FCBC, our commitment to service goes beyond our church and reaches into our community and the world. We strive to be catalysts for change, driven by our faith. Hosting an event of this scale, in partnership with so many organizations and sponsors, exemplifies our collective effort to support those in need. Thank you to all who joined us in our efforts to uplift our community,” stated Bysheena Jackson, First Corinthian Baptist Church Director of Community Engagement.

“Harlem’s strength lies in its sense of community and resilience,” stated New York State Senator Cordell Cleare. “The Hope for Harlem event is a testament to that strength, offering not just supplies but opportunities and resources that empower our residents. I’m honored to support this initiative and commend District Council 9 and First Corinthian Baptist Church for their unwavering commitment to our community.”

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“Hope for Harlem is a prime example of what our community can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose,” stated Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “The generosity and dedication of District Council 9 and First Corinthian Baptist Church in supporting Harlem’s families reflect the very best of our city. I am proud to stand with them and all the volunteers who continue to drive real, lasting change in our neighborhoods.”

First Corinthian Baptist Church

First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC), located in Harlem, was first organized in 1933. FCBC is an ever-evolving community of visionaries, dreamers, and doers who are on a mission to live the lives they were created to live; love beyond the limits of prejudices and honor the commission to serve. FCBC has a strong footprint supporting the Harlem community through initiatives like our food pantry, clothing drives, and annual public facing events. FCBC is focused on providing a sanctuary for Harlem’s residents in the forms of the arts, theater, and music, as well as providing resources for leadership development, economic empowerment, and mental health support.

DC 9

District Council 9 is a chapter of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, an organization of painters, decorators, wall coverers, drywall finishers, sign painters, metal polishers, bridge & structural steel painters, civil service painters, lead abatement workers, glaziers & architectural metal glassworkers, paint makers and allied trades. The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades is dedicated to securing and improving wages, benefits, and overall working conditions for its members.

For more information on DC 9’s continuing efforts to provide pathways to the middle class for New York’s residents visit www.districtcouncil9.net

Photo credit: 1) Community Members Enjoy the Hope for Harlem Event. 2-3) First Corinthian Baptist Church Members and Event Sponsors Volunteer at Hope for Harlem Event. 4-5) Community Members Enjoy the Hope for Harlem Event. 6-7) District Council 9 Members Volunteer at Hope for Harlem Event.