NYC, Monday, August 24, 2015
Mostly sunny across the state and a chance of showers in Western New York. New York City, high 85 Albany, high 87; Buffalo, high 73.
Top News
Brooklyn Nonprofit Health Care Provider Settles Fraud Case For $6 Million
Empire State Home Care Services, Inc., a Brooklyn home health care service, agreed to pay $6 million in a settlement with the New York attorney general over Medicaid billing, which comes amid heightened scrutiny in a growing sector, The Wall Street Journal Reports. Empire allegedly incorrectly reported salaries and benefits for direct service providers, leading to inflated Medicaid reimbursements. Read more.
Immigration Crisis Moves to New York Courts
The New York Times outlines New York's unique place in the current immigration crisis, including a $1.9 million legal aid fund created in the state by a coalition of nonprofits agencies, private philanthropy and local politicians to provide services illegal immigrant children. Read more.
Fast Food Wage Fight Inspires Ulster County Employees
In a growing cross-sector movement, Ulster county legislators and employees are pushing for a $15 an hour minimum wage for county employees, the latest push by progressive advocates in the state to influence the state labor commission, the Times Union reports. Read more.
NYN Buzz
Hartley House Chosen as New York Junior League’s 2015 Community Improvement Project Site
Hartley House has been selected as the site of the New York Junior League (NYJL) Community Improvement Project for 2015. The goal of the Community Improvement Project (CIP) is to create a one-year partnership with a selected organization to increase the NYJL’s community impact. The Project includes $50,000 in supplies and in-kind services for capital improvements, as well as a trained team from the NYJL’s more than 2,600 women volunteers to complete the project. In addition, the NYJL offers other enrichment services to the community partner’s clients, including tutoring and workforce development.
Hartley House, a community service hub located in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, is one of the only settlement houses in NYC that remains in its original, 120 year old facility comprised of four interconnected brownstones which require extensive maintenance. The NYJL will renovate three rooms that were used daily by the Hartley family before the turn of the last century which now serve as creative learning spaces for Hartley House’s clients – youth and adult learners, recent immigrants, and art students of all ages.
Due to the overwhelming nature and expense of the repairs needed, Hartley House has not been able to move forward on this essential renovation – until now.
“We are so honored to have been chosen by the NYJL for this incredible support," said Hartley House executive director Nicole L. Cicogna. "This project will enable Hartley House to finally be able to embark on a complete makeover of the space, giving us the opportunity to serve all of our neighbors in a warm, welcoming, and learning-conducive environment for years to come.”
For more information, visit the Hartley House website.
Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program Receives Grant
For the 12th year, the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program is a beneficiary of the Long Island 2 Day Walk To Fight Breast Cancer, receiving a grant of $25,000. This grant assists the breast cancer program with its Sisters United in Health program that educates and provides support for underserved women.
Since its inception in 2004, LI2DAY has raised and donated over six million dollars for community-based programs that provide help to Long Islanders affected by breast cancer.
Political Bulletin powered by City & State
* Nearly $10 million in Nassau County contracts have been awarded in recent years at amounts just below the threshold for legislative approval and many went to politically connected companies, Newsday reports. Read more.
* New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s team may be trying again to wrest control of the state Senate from the GOP, as evidenced by a campaign operative filing freedom of information law requests, the Post’s Fred Dicker reports. Read more.
* Business executives with ties to Gov. Andrew Cuomo are discussing bankrolling an effort to go after de Blasio in a bid to weaken him before 2017 elections, the Daily News’ Ken Lovett reports. Read more.
Nonprofits in the News
Nonprofit Sets Sail With Underserved Youth
Hudson River Community Sailing, a Chelsea-based boating organization that works with underserved youth, partners with public high schools to help students who need support in math and science through hands-on experiences, DNAinfo reports. Read more.