Programs

Northfield Community LDC offers a wide variety of programs and services, all with the goal of improving the quality of life of Staten Islanders in Port Richmond, the North Shore and Island-wide.  

We act as a clearinghouse to distribute information about community events and resources in Spanish and English and translate informational materials for community events into Spanish.   A notary public is on staff to assist community members, and VITA tax volunteers are available during tax season to assist with tax preparation.   We also partner with other community organizations to sponsor events such as Family Day and Port Richmond's annual Veterans Day observation as well as educational programming such as ESL classes.

Our Economic and Community Development department partners with local businesses and civic organizations to promote and grow Port Richmond's small businesses and to provide support for start-up and expansion to local entrepreneurs.   This department also focuses on quality of life issues such as graffiti abatement and holiday and other civic events.

Helping community members from young children to seniors to develop the skills to achieve financial independence is the focus of our Financial Literacy department.   Through workshops in English and Spanish, as well as a "Train the Teachers" program in Staten Island high schools, we empower Staten Islanders to create budgets, to save, invest, and to build their futures on solid financial footing.

First-time homebuyers are among those who turn to our Housing department for guidance and assistance.   We provide educational programs on the process of buying a house and sponsor programs that assist qualified low-to-moderate income homebuyers with down payments and closing costs.   Our Housing department also provides foreclosure intervention to help people to remain in their homes.

We act as a clearinghouse to connect seniors with the services available to them through our Senior Services department.   Our staff conduct intake interviews and needs assessments and help seniors to obtain assistance with transportation, medical needs, safe housing, and meals.

Weatherization and energy efficiency services have been an important part of Northfield LDC since 1983.   Our Weatherization department provides weatherization, energy conservation and emergency home repair services through state programs such as WAP (the Weatherization Assistance Program), WRAP (Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program, and RESTORE (Residential Emergency Services to Offer Repairs to the Elderly).

ESL Services Sed de Saber (Thirst for Knowledge) Pilot Program Northfield LDC hosts ESL programs administered by the Staten Island JCC and also offers referrals to other ESL programs. As of fall 2006, and with generous support from The Staten Island Foundation, Northfield Community LDC is introducing the Sed de Saber ESL learning system to Staten Island. Our pilot program has two components, an in-house group of 10 student participants and a partnership with the Staten Island Restaurant and Tavern Association, and other area restaurants and foodservice providers serving up to 40 student participants. Sed de Saber ("Thirst for Knowledge") is a unique and innovative ESL program that utilizes an interactive, self-paced, and take-home format to provide multi-sensory English language learning designed specifically for the Hispanic adult. The initial curriculum is aimed at workers in the food service and hospitality industry and consists of 60% work related vocabulary and 40% general life skills topics such as visiting the doctor and parent-teacher conferences. A curriculum for workers in the homebuilding industry was launched in the spring of 2007. Sed the Saber uses a portable system similar to the Leap Pad learning system for children. A unique and valuable feature is a built-in microphone which allows learners to record and play back their voices, comparing their pronunciation against a model. This enables students to perfect their pronunciation in privacy, increasing their confidence in speaking English. Developed by Retention Education, LLC and LeapFrog Enterprises, LLC, working closely with educators and industry members, the Sed de Saber curriculum is based on research-backed, scientifically proven methods developed and supported by the U.S. Department of Labor (SCANS) and U.S. Department of Education (CASAS) standards. Through our Pilot Program, Northfield Community LDC functions as a clearinghouse and coordinator for participants. For student participants, we provide access to the program, progress evaluation, support, and mentorship through the 4 to 6 month course and beyond. For employers, we provide the infrastructure that allows small local establishments to support their employees’ English learning experience, while maintaining their day-to-day operations. Across the West, South and Southwest, Sed de Saber has a proven track record of rapidly improving students’ English skills, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for promotion, greater intergration into the commnity and increased accessing of community resources. Chains such as Chili’s and Jack in the Box, as well as the Texas Department of Labor use Sed de Saber with their employees and clients. We are proud to be the first organization to bring this valuable program to the Northeast and thank The Staten Island Foundation for their important support.

For further information on any of our departments, please click on the links on the left side of the screen.