I am deeply honored to be chosen to serve on Governor Hochul’s exploratory committee, joining a remarkable team of leaders from government, sports, and the community-based sector, to assess what a Lake Placid–New York City Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games could mean for New Yorkers.

I’m thrilled to co-chair the Community Engagement Subcommittee alongside James McKenna, Vice Chair and CEO of the Uihlein Foundation, as community engagement will be central to determining whether to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to New York. Before any consideration of a formal bid, our process will include long-term evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and due diligence – with community voice at the center.

This is an exciting opportunity to help explore how an Olympic and Paralympic Games could support our incredible city and state while creating lasting opportunities for communities across New York. On the heels of the Knicks championship and the excitement surrounding the current FIFA World Cup, we at United Way of New York City have seen firsthand how major sports events can strengthen, unite, and energize our communities. 

I look forward to working alongside Governor Hochul, my fellow committee members, and partners across the state to explore how these events can shape a bright future for New York City and New York State. 

See here for more information on the exploratory committee.

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“God’s love brings us together. So, it’s with deep intention that we focus our giving on building strong communities in New York City and across the global church,” said the Rev. Phillip Jackson, rector of Trinity Church. “Our philanthropy takes a multifaceted approach to addressing foundational community needs like housing security, community safety, educational access, and support for immigrants by supporting the organizations best positioned to deliver meaningful change.”

Addressing Growing Health and Housing Crises

As federal funding cuts are implemented, an increasing number of New Yorkers face the challenges of maintaining their housing, accessing food, and obtaining health care. Trinity is committed to funding organizations that respond to the diverse and interconnected needs of our neighbors across the city.

• United Way of NYC was awarded $400,000 to support public benefits enrollment through new technological infrastructure, resiliency hubs and the development of a nonprofit provider network.
• Ali Forney Center received $200,000 to support housing unstable LGBTQ+ young adults by integrating mental health services with housing assistance.
• Lifeway Network received $100,000 to expand transitional housing services and ongoing support for survivors of human trafficking.

“We are deeply grateful to Trinity Church for its partnership and leadership at a time when so many New Yorkers are facing unprecedented economic uncertainty, rising housing costs, food insecurity, and barriers to accessing critical health care and public benefits,” said Grace Bonilla, president and CEO of United Way of New York City. “Trinity’s support will help United Way of New York City strengthen the technology, partnerships, and community-based infrastructure needed to connect people to essential resources and opportunities. Together, we are building a stronger safety net that ensures that every New Yorker — regardless of income, neighborhood, or circumstance — can access the support they need to thrive.”

“A growing number of New Yorkers are struggling to get by in a city where every part of daily life is getting more expensive, and social services are stretched to the breaking point,” said Bea de la Torre, chief philanthropy officer at Trinity Church. “Marginalized and low-income communities have been hit hardest, but even middle-class New Yorkers are starting to feel the bite of the housing affordability crisis and federal funding cuts to essential programs. The programs that Trinity supports are critical resources for all our neighbors regardless of their circumstances.”

Building a Stronger Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion

Trinity is dedicated to building a stronger Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion through the development of church property and courageous leaders. Our grant making touches on every aspect of church stewardship, from growing healthy congregations to creating spaces of service.

• Episcopal Housing Corporation received $400,000 to complete pre-development work on Courtney View Apartments, a 74-unit affordable rental development in Baltimore, Maryland.
• Iona Collaborative was awarded $200,000 to design and pilot a program to strengthen collaboration between clergy and lay leadership in the Episcopal Church.
• The Brazilian Diocese of Pelotas received $350,000 to renovate and modernize the 6,350-square foot Rev. Severo da Silva Institute, which serves as a critical convening and accommodation center for community members.

“Trinity has been instrumental in helping local churches present projects in a way that can be clearly understood, especially given the differences in language and culture,” said The Most Rev. Marinez Bassotto, archbishop of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil. “The Mission Real Estate Development team demonstrates an exceptionally high level of professionalism while also being welcoming, supportive, and approachable. We feel truly blessed by this partnership and are deeply grateful for the collaboration, dedication, and mutual respect that have characterized our work together.”

Pursuing Community Safety Through Education and Advocacy

As New York City’s new mayor identifies new ways to build safer communities, Trinity grantees are ensuring that immediate support reaches those in need. These spring grants renew our commitment to nurturing youth development, expanding restorative justice, and supporting the closure of Rikers Island.

• Freedom Agenda received $400,000 to support the timely closure of Rikers and the expansion of community decarceration efforts.
• Getting Out and Staying Out was awarded $400,000 to partner with people impacted by incarceration on a journey of education, employment, and emotional well-being to support a culture of nonviolence.
• Project Impact at the Borough of Manhattan Community College received $525,000 for a pioneering academic success program for students impacted by the justice system.

“For generations, Rikers Island has been a tragic symptom of our city’s failures to support young people and to achieve racial justice,” said Darren Mack, Co-Director of Freedom Agenda. “Closing the Rikers Island jail complex will force us to become a city that invests in the potential of young people and their communities, instead of criminalizing their struggles. We are grateful for Trinity’s continued support as we get closer to erasing this stain on our city.”

Supporting Immigrant Communities

Immigrants and refugees are particularly susceptible to discrimination and exclusion. Our support helps immigrant communities overcome linguistic and legal barriers to build successful and full lives in their new home.

• The Arab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC) received $140,000 to increase housing access for undocumented and newly arrived immigrants through community outreach.
• Sanctuary for Families received $150,000 to provide legal services to asylum seekers who are survivors of gender-based violence.
• The Interfaith Center of New York received $150,000 to provide technical assistance and coordination to faith communities that offer local support for migrants.

“Trinity Church’s support means that the Arab-American Family Support Center can help families who would otherwise encounter barrier after barrier to housing access by ensuring that language, culture, immigration status, or fear never stands between our communities and the resources they need,” said Randy Ali, AAFSC’s executive director. “AAFSC helped families from 137 countries last year who faced eviction, rental arrears, unsafe or inadequate housing conditions, discrimination from landlords, and the complexities of New York City’s housing assistance systems.”

View the full list of our spring cycle grants by visiting our grantees page.

About Trinity Church

Trinity Church is an Episcopal parish in New York City founded in 1697. We work for justice, serve our neighbors, and bring people together to experience God’s love in community. Trinity’s outreach in the city includes 20 weekly worship services, food assistance seven days a week for people in need, support for asylum seekers, housing for the elderly and people living with disabilities, youth programs, and a wide array of free music and educational events throughout the year. The church also supports communities and ministries serving the world in Africa, Asia, and across the Americas.

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