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CIVIC HALL AND THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

CIVIC HALL AND THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP


New York, NY (January 31, 2024)—Civic Hall, the pioneering hub for innovation and training in New York’s tech ecosystem, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with The Business Council of New York State, the state’s foremost advocate for businesses. This collaboration solidifies Civic Hall’s role as the official NYC headquarters for The Business Council of New York State, further enhancing New York’s position as a hub for innovation and economic growth.

 

Located at Union Square in the state-of-the-art Zero Irving building, Civic Hall is an 85,000-square-foot training center, business incubator, and innovation ecosystem with a mission to catalyze innovation, education, and collaboration, it serves as the nucleus for entrepreneurial growth, and educational innovations in NYC’s bustling tech community.

 

The members of Business Council of New York State are driving economic activity and growth in the innovation and tech sector and will partner with Civic Hall to help meet workforce demand in NYC and the rest of the state. The partnership will also as well as provide business incubator opportunities for the Business Council of New York State’s members at Civic Hall’s state-of-the-art facility which is in the heart of the NYC technology ecosystem.

 

“We are proud to have partnered with Civic Hall, a highly respected organization whose goals of fostering and strengthening economic growth and a strong workforce closely align with The Business Council. This collaboration helps us better serve our current New York City members while providing an opportunity to attract new members to help strengthen our pro-business agenda,” said Heather C. Mulligan, President & CEO of the New York State Business Council, Inc.

 

“We are thrilled that the New York State Business Council has joined forces with Civic Hall—New York’s leading innovation and entrepreneurial hub. This powerful partnership will address the pressing workforce demands of the business and industry sectors, propelling sustainable economic growth throughout the state of New York,” said Jim Malatras, Chief Strategy Officer & Senior VP for Education, The Fedcap Group—the parent organization of Civic Hall.

 

ABOUT CIVIC HALL

Civic Hall is a member of The Fedcap Group. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact tenants, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and NYC’s diverse employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind.  For more information about membership opportunities, please visit civichall.org. 

 

ABOUT THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF NEW YORK STATE

The Business Council of New York State, Inc., is the leading business organization representing the interests of large and small firms across the state. With over 3,000 member companies, local chambers of commerce, and professional associations, BCNYS advocates for a healthier business climate, economic growth, and job creation.

 

For media inquiries or more information, contact:

Josh Vlasto, for The Fedcap Group/Civic Hall (josh@joshvlasto.com)

Pat Bailey, The Business Council of New York State, Inc. (patrick.bailey@bcnys.org)

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Hospitality Pathways Joins Civic Hall to Empower Marginalized Communities Through Innovation in the Retail Cannabis Industry

Hospitality Pathways Joins Civic Hall to Empower Marginalized Communities Through Innovation in the Retail Cannabis Industry

New York, NY (January 29, 2024) —Hospitality Pathways, a leading organization dedicated to providing in-demand job skills for members of marginalized communities, has joined Civic Hall. Hospitality Pathways offers training programs that lead to sustainable employment, livable wages, and future growth opportunities within the emerging retail cannabis industry.

 

As members, Hospitality Pathways will leverage Civic Hall’s ecosystem and incubator to drive innovation to strengthen its training and employment pathways for barriered communities. Hospitality Pathways goes beyond technical skills, offering extensive soft skills training in areas such as the culture of hospitality, professionalism, teamwork, prioritizing, time management, industry terminology, work ethic, and conflict resolution. Students are provided with a stipend, a weekly unlimited MetroCard, and daily meals. Hospitality Pathways collaborates with a robust network of employer partners to help connect graduates with jobs in the field.

 

“Our partnership with Hospitality Pathways demonstrates the power of Civic Hall—plugging in a  training provider into a diverse innovation and educational ecosystem broadens opportunities within emerging workforce sectors, with a specific focus on empowering historically marginalized communities,” said Seema Shah, Executive Director of Civic Hall.

 

“Our collaboration with Civic Hall marks a strategic alliance that enables us to harness the vast innovation ecosystem they offer, unlocking the full potential of social equity within our rapidly evolving industry,” said Beatrice Stein, Founder and Program Director of Hospitality Pathways. “This partnership transcends rhetoric; it’s a commitment to tangible impact. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality training complemented by wraparound support for our students. As members of Civic Hall, we are poised to elevate our program to new heights.”

 

ABOUT CIVIC HALL

Civic Hall is a member of The Fedcap Group. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact tenants, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and NYC’s diverse employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. For more information about membership opportunities, please visit civichall.org. 

 

ABOUT HOSPITALITY PATHWAYS

Hospitality Pathways is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering members of marginalized communities by providing in-demand job skills and opportunities within the expanding retail cannabis industry. Through comprehensive training programs, we aim to bridge the gap and create a pathway to sustainable employment, livable wages, and future growth. Visit Hospitality Pathways for more information.

 

For media inquiries or more information, contact:

Jim Malatras, The Fedcap Group/Civic Hall (Jmalatras@fedcap.org)

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The Women’s Project Awarded Grant from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to Provide Alternatives and Services to Women Facing Pre-Trial Detention and Incarceration

The Women’s Project Awarded Grant from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to Provide Alternatives and Services to Women Facing Pre-Trial Detention and Incarceration

New York, NY (December 11, 2023) –The Women’s Project—a member of The Fedcap Group’s Wildcat Service Corporation—has been awarded $1.4 million by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to provide 60 women annually with an alternative to pretrial detention and incarceration, focusing on connecting women with housing, behavioral health treatment, education, job opportunities, and government benefits to put these individuals on a path to economic sustainability and out of the criminal justice system. The award is for 15-months with the potential for renewal for up to three years. 

 

“We know that ATI programs, such as this one, give justice-involved New Yorkers the life-changing opportunities and services they need to better their lives, which has a positive ripple effect on families and communities,” said DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado.  “We are proud to advance this nation-leading effort to increase public safety and help more women succeed.  We thank Governor Kathy Hochul for providing DCJS with unprecedented resources to promote these evidence-based approaches.” 

 

The Women’s Project was created in 2017 under Wildcat Services Corporation to meet a dramatic need in offering holistic solutions aimed at reducing the population of women and gender-nonconforming individuals in Rikers Island jail and New York State prisons. The dedicated and trained staff at The Women’s Project provides comprehensive care coordination services, court support, and wellness programming designed specifically for the unique needs of the community it serves.

 

“Because of the significant investment by New York State, the Women’s Project will be able to provide an innovative program to provide alternatives to incarceration for dozens of women, allowing economic and family stability,” said Kate McMahon, Senior Director of the Women’s Project. “We appreciate the support of Governor Kathy Hochul, DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado, and the state legislature.”

 

The Women’s Project is one of nine new programs awarded funding under a $6.3 million increase in funding through DCJS, which is currently administering roughly $24 million to support Alternatives to Incarceration.

 

“The merger with The Fedcap Group has enabled Wildcat’s The Women’s Project to broaden the size and scope of programs and services offered,” said Peter Samuels, former Wildcat Board chair and current member of The Fedcap Group Board. “With the significant investment by New York State, we will now be able to expand the program’s reach to more individuals as well as offer a wider range of programs, career tracks, and job opportunities.”

 

This substantial investment by New York State marks a pivotal moment for Wildcat Service Corporation and The Women’s Project, underscoring their commitment to transforming lives and communities impacted by the criminal legal system. 

 

Gene Waddy, current Wildcat Board chair, stated, “Wildcat’s history has laid the groundwork for an extraordinary future. As we continue to provide quality services, we anticipate substantial growth and an even greater impact in the coming years.”

 

For more information about Wildcat Service Corporation and The Women’s Project, please visit https://wildcatnyc.org/womensproject/.

 

Contact: 

For The Fedcap Group, Jim Malatras, 212-727-4200, JMalatras@fedcap.org.

 

About Wildcat Service Corporation

Wildcat Service Corporation, founded in 1972, is a trailblazing organization dedicated to providing employment and support services to individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. Through innovative programs like The Women’s Project, Wildcat aims to break barriers and create opportunities for those seeking to rebuild their lives. Wildcat Service Corporation a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering individuals impacted by the criminal legal system, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its efforts to support marginalized communities. 

 

About The Fedcap Group

For 87 years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. Serving 340,000 people this past fiscal year, The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training, and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system change—working in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered.

 

About the Women’s Project 

The Women’s Project is a community whose collective work serves as an alternative to pre-trial detention and incarceration. We marry legal advocacy, education and service provision to transform the existing culture in our criminal courts and permanently decrease the number of women detained in our city jails and state prisons. We provide holistic, integrative, culturally competent, and person-centered services to assist women in returning to court and participating in their defense. We are a community of shared expertise and experience. We believe in the power of individual agency and collective engagement. Women come to our space to learn, to grow, and to gather support. We aim to create the space and stop the noise that often prevents women from finding their individual power—the power that will help them to live the lives they want and make their dreams real, no matter what challenges await.    

 

About DCJS

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state’s criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

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Harnessing the Power of Possible Gala Draws People Closer to The Fedcap Group’s Mission

Harnessing the Power of Possible Gala Draws People Closer to The Fedcap Group’s Mission

The Fedcap Group’s Gala celebrated the breaking down of barriers for people who are achieving economic and social well-being.

On Monday evening, hundreds of people filled Cipriani 42nd Street for The Fedcap Group’s Annual Celebration of the Power of Possible Gala. Throughout the captivating event we considered how vision, connection, solutions and hope enable us to Harness the Power of Possible in the lives of those we serve, beginning by taking a look at some of the highlights from 2023. View our 2023 highlights video.

We reflected on the role that vision played in the establishment of the 23 companies of The Fedcap Group, applauded the remarkable community connections that support us in meeting people’s diverse and complex needs, contemplated the impact of our innovative solutions, filling gaps in the service system, and remembering the significance of instilling hope in those we serve. See our company leaders discuss The Power of Possible.

During the evening we honored Craig Newmark, founder of Craig’s List, with our first ever Power of Possible award for his remarkable contribution to Civic Hall at Union Square. Launched in fall of 2023, Civic Hall at Union Square is an 85,000-square-foot digital learning center. Learn more about Civic Hall.

Our featured community partners included The Locker Project of Maine, New York Cares, New York State Fraternal Order of Police, Martha’s Table in Washington DC, SAFE Alliance of Austin TX and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department of Boston – all were thanked for their tremendous collaboration and support of our mutual clients. Watch our tribute to our community partners.

We were also inspired by the courage, humor and tenacity of twin brothers Dylan and Dayton Thomas, born with an extremely rare form of muscular dystrophy, and yet both succeeding in achieving their dreams. Meet Dylan and Dayton. 

We were deeply moved by the story of US Army veteran Jennifer Grubb who overcame incredibly difficult circumstances to get to where she is today, and we were filled with joy in hearing how Fernando Santiago left prison, turned his life around, and celebrates 20 years of employment with Fedcap, overseeing the facility management of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. See a video about Fernando’s journey.

The extraordinary evening concluded with Broadway musician Angela Birchett and the LaGuardia High School Gospel Choir singing a rousing version of Stand Up for Something, leaving the crowed energized and inspired.

What an amazing, heartwarming celebration of the work of The Fedcap Group … making the seemingly impossible, possible!

Gala 2023 Gallery

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The Fedcap Group’s ReServe Team Talks with CBS2 New York on Employment for Older Workers

The Fedcap Group’s ReServe Team Talks with CBS2 New York on Employment for Older Workers

Older workers increasingly are choosing to stay in the workforce well past the traditional retirement age. A New York City program, Silver Corps, connects older workers with skills training, certifications and other support for older individuals who wish to remain in the workforce.

The Fedcap Group’s ReServe subsidiary works with nonprofits and government agencies to fill gaps in staffing with older workers, called ReServists.

CBS2 New York recently spoke with members of the ReServe team about what older individuals seek, and the many benefits to both the individuals and the organizations who hire them.

“Many seniors aren’t looking to rule the world. They’re not looking to climb the corporate ladder. Give them their rung and let them do their thing,” said Diane Cohen, Director of Partnerships for ReServe.

“The initial support at the Department of Aging really set the course for me, because they gave me the technical support, and the mental and emotional support. That’s really key right there. When someone says, ‘You have a dynamic resume. We’re going to help you. You’re going to do well.’So I say maybe I will be okay,” said Kioka Jones, a ReServist.

View the interview on the CBS2 New York website.

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Single Stop Adds LIHEAP to Nation-Leading Benefits Screener

Single Stop Adds LIHEAP to Nation-Leading Benefits Screener

LIHEAP Assists Low-Income Households with Energy Bills and Energy-Efficient Home Improvements

New York, NY– November 8 – Single Stop, a nonprofit organization that helps low-income individuals and families access vital resources and services, has expanded its benefit screener with the addition of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federally funded program that assists low-income households with their energy bills, including expenses such as heating and cooling, furnace repairs or replacements, and insulation improvements.

According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, “low-income families spend a larger percentage of their annual income- three times more on average- on energy costs than other non-low-income families,” – and with soaring energy costs, low-income families face ever greater economic burdens. However, a recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study found that a significant number of eligible households do not sign up for LIHEAP.

“Rising energy costs are squeezing many households financially, requiring families to make tough choices between choosing many essential services,” said Martin Hanna, President and CEO of Single Stop. “As we head into winter, adding LIHEAP as one of the benefits Single Stop screens for will provide critical financial support to families so they are safe and comfortable in their homes.”

Single Stop is a powerful tool that connects individuals and families to a range of benefits and services, including food assistance, healthcare, housing assistance, and more. By answering a few simple questions, users can quickly discover the benefits they may be eligible for and receive guidance on applying.

The addition of LIHEAP to Single Stop’s benefit screener represents another crucial advancement in the organization’s mission to address financial challenges and enhance the well-being of individuals and families with limited economic resources.

About Single Stop

A nonprofit organization founded in 2007, Single Stop’s mission is to equip others to build pathways to an economically sustainable future by leveraging partnerships and technology to connect people to valuable resources. By combining their community networks and cutting-edge technology, Single Stop’s unique one-stop-shop model helps organizations provide their clients with centralized access to tools essential for building a pathway to a sustainable future.

Single Stop is a company of The Fedcap Group. Since 1935, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. The work of The Fedcap Group is structured within four major areas of practice—workforce development, educational services, health services, and economic development— and delivered through a growing number of top-tier companies—each focused on helping people achieve long-term economic well-being.

 

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Fedcap Maine’s Veterans Forward to Host PTSD Help and Healing Forum on November 14th

Fedcap Maine’s Veterans Forward to Host PTSD Help and Healing Forum on November 14th

Event is Open to the Public to Help Communities Deal with Post-Traumatic Stress After Tragic Events on October 27th

Fedcap Maine’s Veterans Forward program will host a PTSD Help and Healing forum dedicated to exploring post-traumatic stress and its profound impact. This important event will take place at Hannaford Hall at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, Maine on November 14, 2023 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

The PTSD Help and Healing Forum will provide a platform for discussing the far-reaching effects of post-traumatic stress, including tragic events in Lewiston. Sharing experiences and resources is essential in the path toward recovery and prevention and the upcoming forum will help the community move forward.

Learn more about this event and the Fedcap Maine’s Veterans Forward program on the Fedcap Maine Veterans Forward website.

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The Fedcap Group Launches Civic Hall at Union Square Website

The Fedcap Group Launches Civic Hall at Union Square Website

Website, civichall.org, is a one-stop shop for prospective students, organizations, and innovators for the NYC region’s leading tech training and innovation ecosystem.

New York, NY (October 18, 2023) – The Fedcap Group today launched civichall.org for its new project Civic Hall at Union Square located in the Zero Irving building at 124 East 14th Street in New York City.

Civic Hall at Union Square will provide a comprehensive offering of digital skills and tech training programs to meet the New York City tech sector’s growing workforce needs. In collaboration with training providers that include LaGuardia Community College and The Data School New York, the facility will primarily train individuals from underserved communities to place them in well-paying, sustainable tech jobs, to provide financial stability and well-being.

Civic Hall at Union Square will also serve as the central meet up space for tech innovators and entrepreneurs to develop new cutting-edge digital applications and advancements, as well as serve a place for discussion of emerging issues in technology, such as artificial intelligence.

“We are excited to launch our new website as we move toward launching our new programs at our state-of-the-art facility in the Zero Irving building,” said Seema Shah, Civic Hall Executive Director. “In addition to outlining the programs available for individuals to get the skills they need to successfully excel in tech sector, our new website lays out the various membership opportunities and benefits available to individuals, entrepreneurs, organizations, nonprofits, public agencies, and educational providers wishing to be a part of our leading innovation ecosystem. We’re also excited to launch our space rental capacity, which is also described in detail on the website.”

The organization’s signature sponsorship initiative is the Employers Circle which enables corporate and private sector partners to recruit from and partner with providers in the space, with Civic Hall facilitating those connections.

About The Fedcap Group
For 87 years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. Serving 340,000 people this past fiscal year, The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system change—working in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered.

About Civic Hall
Civic Hall is a member of The Fedcap Group. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Located in the heart of the NYC tech community at Union Square, Civic Hall will be a new, 85,000-square-foot learning and training center at the new state-of-the-art Zero Irving building. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact tenants and workforce training partners to work collectively to meet the needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. For more information, visit http://www.civichall.org or email Seema Shah, Civic Hall’s Executive Director, at seema@civichall.org.

Contact:
Susan Walsh, The Fedcap Group
swalsh@fedcap.org

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Mayor Adams, NYCEDC, Partners Open Civic Hall at Union Square, New Hub for Tech Jobs

Mayor Adams, NYCEDC, Partners Open Civic Hall at Union Square, New Hub for Tech Jobs

Focus on Digital Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Will Build Inclusive Talent Pipeline for City’s Tech Sector

Part of Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Tour,” After City Set All-Time Total Jobs Record and Recovered All of Nearly 1 Million Jobs Lost During Pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2023
CONTACT: pressoffice@cityhall.nyc.gov, (212) 788-2958

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today was joined by New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball, The Fedcap Group, and elected and community partners to celebrate the opening of Civic Hall at Union Square, a tech and digital hub training New Yorkers and creating an inclusive talent pipeline for family-sustaining jobs in the city’s tech sector. Civic Hall at Union Square will help drive the growth of New York City’s tech ecosystem by combining accessible entrepreneurial space with digital skills training for diverse and traditionally underserved communities to allow all New Yorkers to participate in the opportunities this sector offers. It is expected to serve approximately 750 people in the first year.

The opening of Civic Hall at Union Square marks a key stop on Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Tour,” continuing to create jobs and power New York City’s economic recovery after the city set an all-time job high record with 4.7 million total jobs, recovering the nearly 1 million private sector jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With over 355,000 people working in the tech sector, New York City is the second largest technology hub in the world,” said Mayor Adams. “And with tech and digital training hubs like Civic Hall providing skill-building and world-class educational training to New Yorkers in diverse and traditionally underserved communities, we are aiming for number one. Today’s announcement marks another stop on our Working People’s Tour, and it proves we did not recover nearly 1 million jobs by accident.”

“This is an exciting stop on the Mayor’s Working People’s Tour. I am thrilled by the opening of Civic Hall and energized by what’s in store in the new world-class space,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “In one of Manhattan’s most transit-dense neighborhoods, Civic Hall will become the model for talent development and career advancement, offering industry-informed instruction and skill building, networking and career coaching, and pathways to well-paid careers in New York City’s tech ecosystem for all New Yorkers.”

“The opening of Civic Hall at Union Square marks a huge milestone in New York City’s tech and innovation ecosystem as this hub will play a critical role in creating a more equitable tech sector by building robust training and skill-building programs, while generating cutting-edge innovation,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “As New York City surpasses pre-pandemic employment numbers, the launch of Civic Hall presents the perfect opportunity to usher in a new generation of tech jobs, that is accessible for all New Yorkers. We look forward to further collaboration with partners at Civic Hall, The Fedcap Group, and local elected officials, as we launch this critically important milestone for New York City’s tech industry.”

Civic Hall at Union Square occupies 85,000 square feet across seven floors in RAL Development’s Zero Irving Building, with flexible classrooms and workspaces, convening spaces for the nation’s leading skills and training organizations, and a customizable conference and events center. It will be supported and operated by Fedcap, an international leader in educational services, vocational training, and job attainment. It will also serve as a central space for tech innovators and entrepreneurs to develop new, cutting-edge applications and advancements, while driving dialogue around advancements in key areas like artificial intelligence.

In collaboration with high-impact tenants and leading training providers — including LaGuardia Community College, part of the City University of New York system, and London-based The Data School New York — this cutting-edge facility will offer an array of best-in-class tech training programs and courses on topics ranging from cybersecurity to data analytics. Many of these opportunities will be offered at no cost or at low, affordable rates to ensure that New Yorkers can pursue their educational and professional goals without financial strain. Civic Hall’s partners include Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Google, Amazon, Booth Ferris Foundation, Bread Financial, and the Ford Foundation.

Its opening builds on the Adams administration’s ambitious efforts to position New York City as the national leader in technology jobs. The city is ranked as the number two global tech ecosystem in the United States and is home to over 25,000 tech-enabled startups supported by a robust ecosystem of over 200 co-working spaces and 100 accelerators and incubators. The tech ecosystem employs over 300,000 people, having grown by over 30 percent in the last decade. Despite the city’s robust growth in tech, the industry still presents barriers to entry for entrepreneurs and workers from historically disadvantaged groups. Earlier this month, NYCEDC launched the Venture Access Alliance, a coalition of more than 70 New York City startup investors with the goal of continuing to increase diversity in the city’s tech and venture ecosystem. The alliance will work to develop diverse workforces; source deals from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and female founders; rethink due diligence practices; track improvement in diversity data each year; and directly mentor founders.

“I applaud today’s opening of Civic Hall, which will help cultivate the next generation of tech professionals here in New York City,” said U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler. “I look forward to seeing the impact of this cutting-edge facility in Union Square that will support learners of all levels at little or no cost for many programs.”

“I congratulate Civic Hall on their grand opening and appreciate the hard work that goes into this type of endeavor,” said New York State Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick. “After a lengthy and at times contentious planning process, it is good to see a space for innovation and education come to fruition. I look forward to seeing the ways in which Civic Hall will contribute to the community through workforce development and programming that is free and open to the residents of the Lower East Side and the East Village. Robust community engagement is essential to ensuring that this cutting-edge tech hub becomes an inclusive and accessible resource for all.”

“Expanding access to opportunities in New York City’s tech sector is crucial to the growth of our economy and the success of our communities,” said New York City Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The opening of Civic Hall at Union Square will bolster the invaluable contributions of this sector by opening doors for talent from historically underserved communities. The resources and training offered at this hub will advance our commitment to equity and diversity in one of the city’s rapidly growing industries. I look forward to seeing the impacts of these efforts to shaping a more innovative and inclusive future for our tech ecosystem.”

“Civic Hall at Union Square is poised to become a beacon for the New York City tech community, serving as a catalyst for innovation and inclusion. This visionary initiative will provide a space where creativity, entrepreneurship, and learning converge,” said New York City Councilmember Carlina Rivera. “As we finally mark the opening of Civic Hall, we must ensure that all New Yorkers have access to opportunities that build skills to meet the challenges of a changing economic landscape. I look forward to further collaboration in supporting our neighbors and community through investments like this one.”

“The grand opening of Civic Hall at Union Square is a testament to The Fedcap Group’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive growth and technological advancement in partnership with the mayor and NYCEDC within New York City,” said Christine McMahon, president and CEO, The Fedcap Group. “Civic Hall at Union Square will help bridge the digital divide, train the workforce of the future, and ensure that all New Yorkers can access the opportunities presented by the ever-evolving tech industry. I want to thank The Fedcap Group team, and our great partners including Mayor Adams, NYCEDC, Cross Management, Gensler, Ira Schuman, and so many others for their hard work and dedication to make this essential project happen.”

“I’m extremely excited to be part of the team launching Civic Hall today. The promise of Civic Hall is to create the first full-service ecosystem in the world collaboratively catering to the needs of educational institutions, civic and social entrepreneurs, and industry partners, as well as to build a model for an interlocking, integrated, workforce system that works harmoniously to support students and adult learners,” said Seema Shah, Executive Director, Civic Hall. “We are grateful to the training providers who have already joined us in our mission to foster innovation, education, and collaboration in New York City’s tech economy with a commitment to expanding opportunities for all. We look forward to serving the New York City innovation and technology economy for years to come.”

“From its beginning, the vision of Civic Hall has been to create a new model for a 21st Century community center where learners, makers, and sharers could meet and collaborate to advance themselves and the common good,” said Andrew Rasiej, founder, Civic Hall at Union Square. “With this new facility, built in the heart of New York City’s tech ecosystem, we will ensure that thousands of people from underestimated populations will get the training, the connections, and the supportive resources they need to build a better future for themselves and a better future for all.”

“The official opening of Civic Hall at Union Square as a critical program element of Zero Irving, marks a major milestone for this development team that set out in 2015 together to deliver a ‘new type of development’ in response to the NYCEDC’s RFP,” said Spencer Levine, president, RAL Companies & Affiliates, LLC. “This ribbon cutting is a testament to the time and passion that the entire team put into this project, which delivers and supports a vertically integrated ecosystem of uses, creating and sustaining the 21st century workforce in New York City and beyond. We could not be more proud of the physical space and pedagogical ambitions that the Civic Hall and Fedcap team have and will continue to deliver.”

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The Fedcap Group Receives $250,000 from Bread Financial to Launch Single Stop Benefits Screening and Financial Literacy Programs at Civic Hall at Union Square

The Fedcap Group Receives $250,000 from Bread Financial to Launch Single Stop Benefits Screening and Financial Literacy Programs at Civic Hall at Union Square

Grant Will Also Support Job Fairs to Connect Individuals Trained at Civic Hall to Jobs in the Tech Sector

New York, NY (October 17, 2023) –The Fedcap Group today announced it has received $250,000 from Bread Financial to make the Single Stop benefits screening platform available when Civic Hall at Union Square opens this fall. The grant will also support the launch of a financial literacy program at Civic Hall as well as job fairs to connect individuals to jobs in the tech sector.

The Single Stop platform provides easy, seamless access for individuals to check their eligibility and begin the application process for dozens of essential government benefit programs. The generous financial support by Bread Financial will ensure Single Stop is accessible to every individual who walks into Civic Hall, including those in educational partner programs, community meetings, and other public events, including job fairs.

Civic Hall at Union Square will provide a comprehensive offering of digital skills and tech training programs to meet the New York City tech sector’s growing workforce needs and serve as a hub for tech innovation and entrepreneurs. In collaboration with training providers that include LaGuardia Community College and the Data School New York, the facility will primarily train individuals from underserved communities to place them in well-paying, sustainable tech jobs, to provide financial stability and well-being.

“We are grateful for the support from Bread Financial to help us achieve our mission to have Civic Hall serve as New York City’s leading tech training, innovation, and entrepreneurial hub,” stated Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “We believe supporting our students and the Union Square community extends beyond the classroom and want to ensure that anyone who walks through our doors gets the support they need to grow and live their dreams. Having Single Stop as part of our suite of wraparound services has always been a core part of our plan for Civic Hall, and we are looking forward to launching this fall.”

“Bread Financial is proud to partner with The Fedcap Group to create pathways to economic equity for underserved populations of New Yorkers,” said Dana Beckman, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Bread Financial. “This groundbreaking new facility will provide community members with valuable support that further ensures the likelihood of completing job training programs and securing employment. From job fairs to childcare, these programs will help individuals gain access to higher wages, and build a more competitive, inclusive workforce. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these programs make in the community.”

“Civic Hall will be the driver of NYC tech ecosystem serving as a hub of innovation, entrepreneurism, and high-quality tech training especially for communities too often left behind,” said Seema Shah, Civic Hall Executive Director. “By pairing our training with Single Stop’s comprehensive benefits screener and job fairs we will help our community of learners, practitioners, and professionals persist through and build long-term financial stability. We are honored to receive this grant from Bread Financial to help make that happen.”

“Single Stop is honored to be part of this transformative initiative at Civic Hall. We believe that access to essential government benefits and community supports can be a lifeline for individuals striving for economic stability,” said Martin Hanna, President & CEO of Single Stop. “Thanks to the generous support from Bread Financial, we are excited to make Single Stop services readily available to everyone who walks through Civic Hall’s doors. Together, we’re not only building a competitive tech workforce but also ensuring that no one is left behind on their journey to financial well-being.”

In 2022, Single Stop connected 87,500 individuals to $374 million in eligible benefits. Below are the grants on the Single Stop platform:

Federal
1. Pell Grant
2. Lifetime Learning Credit
3. Free Tax Preparation
4. Affordable Connectivity Program (Broadband)
5. Child Tax Credit
6. Earned Income Tax Credit
7. School Lunch Program

State/City
1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
2. Earned Income Tax Credit
3. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
4. Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
5. Free Essential Plan II
6. Low-Cost Essential Plan I
7. Emergency Medicaid
8. Medicaid
9. Free Child Health Plus
10. Subsidized Qualified Health Plan
11. NYC Earned Income Tax Credit
12. Low-Cost Child Health Plus
13. Medicaid for Aged, Blind & Disabled

About The Fedcap Group
For 87 years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. Serving 340,000 people this past fiscal year, The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system change—working in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered.

About Civic Hall
Civic Hall is a member of The Fedcap Group. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Located in the heart of the NYC tech community at Union Square, Civic Hall will be a new, 85,000-square-foot learning and training center at the new state-of-the-art Zero Irving building. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact tenants and workforce training partners to work collectively to meet the needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. For more information, visit civichall.org or email Seema Shah, Civic Hall’s Executive Director, at seema@civichall.org.

About Bread Financial
Bread FinancialTM (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company providing simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions. The company creates opportunities for its customers and partners through digitally enabled choices that offer ease, empowerment, financial flexibility and exceptional customer experiences. Driven by a digital-first approach, data insights and white-label technology, Bread Financial delivers growth for its partners through a comprehensive suite of payment solutions that includes private label and co-brand credit cards and Bread Pay™ buy now, pay later products. Bread Financial also offers direct-to-consumer products that give customers more access, choice and freedom through its branded Bread CashbackTM American Express® Credit Card and Bread SavingsTM products.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Bread Financial is powered by its 7,500+ global associates and is committed to sustainable business practices. To learn more about Bread Financial, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:
Susan Walsh, The Fedcap Group
swalsh@fedcap.org

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