June 4, 2020, Letter to the Editor from Judy Zangwill, Executive Director of Sunnyside Community Services
Letter to the Editor,
We as a nation, community, organization, and individuals are deeply hurting and, once again, deeply enraged. Emotions are raw right now, and most of us are in pain. For some, that pain is very personal and frighteningly real. The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Abrey are brutal reminders of the evil racism that exists. The racist incident in Central Park could have easily had just as deadly an outcome. Tragically, none of this is new. There have been countless atrocities perpetuated where people have screamed; enough is enough. But we are still failing the most vulnerable. In 2020, and with heavy hearts, we are still enraged. Enough is enough!
We are still in a pandemic that has particularly impacted black and Latino communities. There are so many things that need to be examined and addressed, so this nation can truly live up to its ideals.
Our vision and mission at Sunnyside Community Services envisions diverse, inclusive, and caring communities where all people thrive and reach their fullest potential; to enrich lives and strengthen communities through services and engagement of individuals at all ages, beginning with those most in need. Never has the mission of SCS been more urgent in ensuring the needs of dignity, respect, safety, opportunity, being valued, heard, and seen.
With many of us working and learning from home, it is even more difficult to vent and share our feelings. I am especially concerned about the young people we serve. While this is happening, we are also fighting against budget cuts to our programs that engage our community in meaningful ways. It is going to take all of us to be part of a movement to effect real change, address systemic inequalities, and acknowledge that Black Lives Matter.
Sunnyside Community Services stands ready to be part of the conversation and solution.
Judy Zangwill
Executive Director, Sunnyside Community Services
*** Judy Zangwill has been the Executive Director of Sunnyside Community Services since 1990. SCS serves more than 16,000 people of all ages in Queens and throughout New York City with 175 in house staff, 2,000 home care workers and field staff, and almost 400 volunteers. Learn more at www.scsny.org.
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