Our Current Work

Central Welcome Project

In response to the global refugee crisis, Central has partnered with HIAS and Commonpoint Queens to develop the Central Welcome Project, an initiative to support families seeking refuge in New York City. Over the last two years, Central has resettled four refugee families in the NY area. Email Emily Bogdan for more information. 

Supporting Asylum Seekers and Hotel 46

Central is working with the NYC Office of Faith-Based Partnerships to address the material needs of the growing number of asylum seekers in NYC. Through the city and in partnership with Project Rousseau (http://www.projectrousseau.org/), we have been paired with Hotel 46 and are collecting clothing, toys, and books for the families who are currently housed there. You can purchase items through our Amazon Wishlist.

Team TLC and the Little Shop of Kindness

Central is proud to partner with Team TLC and the Little Shop of Kindness to support people seeking asylum in NYC. To volunteer with Team TLC or donate clothing to new New Yorkers, visit their website: https://www.ttlcnyc.org/. Email Emily Bogdan to hear about opportunities to volunteer with other Central members at the Little Shop of Kindness.

We are grateful to organizations like Emma’s Torch and The Center for Family Life for supporting refugees and asylees in NYC, and for working with the Central Welcome Project to help resettle our new friends. 

Advocacy Initiatives

In 2019 and 2020, Central Synagogue advocated for legislative change with other Reform Jewish congregations in our state as part of RAC-NY to support undocumented New Yorkers. You can learn more about the Protect Our Courts Act, Green Light Act, and additional RAC-NY legislative advocacy here.