COMMUNITY MAGAZINE May 2008

74 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Community Chest and specifically for his achievement in promoting education issues in New York. Notably, Greenfield has received awards from Assemblyman Dov Hikind and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for his extensive work advocating on behalf of Yeshiva parents. David Greenfield has been one of New York City’s most out- spoken education activists for many years. At an early stage of his career Greenfield became aware of the financial challenges that parents of school-age children face, as well as the issues that are hindering the ability of children to receive the education that is appropriate for them. Greenfield’s strong commitment, reflected in his political activity, activism, and leadership, has strengthened the ongoing struggle for increased government funding for not only Yeshivas but for Yeshiva parents, as well. In proclaiming him an “Extraordinary Citizen,” Public Advocate Gotbaum, recognized Greenfield as one of a select group of individuals, who has done the most to create a greater awareness and understanding of the needs of Yeshivas, students and their parents. David Greenfield, is widely regarded as one of New York’s preeminent authorities on education policy, and is recognized as a leading advocate on behalf school children. He was a founding board member of TEACH-NYS, a statewide education advocacy organization that has successfully secured tens of millions of dol- lars in new funding for Yeshivas including historic funding for new computers. David is also an active member of the New York City Department of Education Non-Public School Standing Committee. The committee, which is comprised of leaders from the non-public school community who are experts in the field of education, serves as the liaison between New York government and the non-public school community. As a member of the committee, Greenfield plays a critical role in addressing important issues affecting New York’s children who attend non-public schools and advocating on their behalf. Recently, Greenfield launched his much anticipated campaign to succeed Councilman Simcha Felder in New York’s 44th Council District, with Felder’s enthusiastic endorsement and the support of a diverse coalition of respected community leaders. Greenfield has already made history by being the first candidate for NewYork City Council in 2009 to raise all of his campaign funds, thereby freeing him to continue his full-time work on behalf of the community. City Council Honors Nonprofit Helpdesk In one of the first times in its history the New York City Council honored a specific nonprofit organization on March 5th 2008. Government officials and community leaders from across the five boroughs paid tribute at City Hall to the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island’s Nonprofit Helpdesk (NPHD), which provides computer technology and fiscal management capacity building services to nonprofit organizations citywide. Since its inception three years ago, NPHD’s Fiscal Management capacity building program has empowered over 180 nonprofit professionals with a range of nonprofit accounting and fiscal con- tract compliance training, thus enabling numerous New York City nonprofit organizations to function with greater financial integrity and efficiency. The awards were presented by a group of City Council members who actively support NPHD, including the Honorable Gale A. Brewer, Domenic M. Recchia Jr., Michael C. Nelson and Simcha Felder. “With its supe- rior technical knowledge,” Brewer emphasized, “the Nonprofit Helpdesk keeps 80,000 nonprofits in New York City going.” Recchia praised Rabbi Moshe Wiener, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI), for the “visionary leadership role” he took by establishing the Nonprofit Helpdesk (NPHD) in 1992 to increase the capacities of the city’s small to mid-size nonprofit organiza- tions through technology and operations management services, education and advocacy. Government leaders honored for their provision of funding to NPHD were Assemblymembers Rhoda Jacobs and Alec-Brook Krasny, along with City Councilmembers Gale A. Brewer, Michael C. Nelson, Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. and Simcha Felder. The Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island serves more than 1,500 people daily through a network of supportive services to the frail elderly, the vocationally disadvantaged poor, educationally at-risk youth and recent immigrants. “As a result of the valuable assistance of our many supporters, the JCCGCI and Nonprofit Helpdesk will continue to combine 21st century technol- ogy with the timeless values of caring and compassion to strengthen the people and organizations in need of our vital services,” Rabbi Wiener stated. Flatbush Shomrim Apprehend Muggers Three African-American males robbed a person who had appar- ently just made a large withdrawal from a nearby bank on Avenue J near East 12th Street on April 16 at approximately 3:30PM. Flatbush Shomrim were called, and given exact descriptions of the suspects. Within seconds, Shomrim arrived on the scene, and chased the suspects – along with an off-duty NYPD officer – and successfully apprehended two of them a few blocks away on Avenue L and East 12th Street. A third suspect eluded capture, but was spotted breaking into a home on Avenue L and East 13th Street. A heavy NYPD response arrived, surrounded the home, and police found the man hiding inside a second-floor bedroom. He was arrested without incident. The $1000 which was stolen was retrieved as well. Flatbush Shomrim advise the public to be vigilant when making a bank withdrawal, to ensure that no one is watching them. The dedicated men of Flatbush Shomrim – and the NYPD – who put their lives on the line to protect our neighborhood continue to do an outstanding job for which the community is indebted. Left to right: Council Michael Nelson, Rabbi Moshe Wiener, Councilman Simcha Felder