Loisaida, Inc is a community-based organization founded in 1979 at a time when the neighborhood was confronted with violence, drugs, gangs, and poverty. At that time 126 agencies, businesses, and individuals formed a Task Force to address the problems and make the neighborhood a safe and good place for families. From that Task Force, which included the Chase Manhattan Bank, Con Edison, the New York City Police Department, evolved Loisaida, Inc., with a commitment to develop the community through developing their youth. Over the past 26 years, Loisaida, Inc. has grown into a continuum of services including after school programs, youth development, adolescent pregnancy and HIV prevention programs, ensuring our children and youth will have the opportunities to acquire the skills they need to succeed in life.
Loisaida, Inc. is located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and serves the children, youth and families of this community. This community has many high risk factors that challenge families:
- In 1997 70% of the children born were born into poor families.
- 24% of the population receives some form of income assistance
- 85% of the elementary students in this district receive free lunch
- 17% of the elementary are classified Limited English Speakers
- 63% of the elementary students are Latino and 18% are black
- This school district has the second highest student to teacher ratio in NYC
- 48% of the middle school students are reading below grade level
- 10% of the middle school students are in special education
- Latinas have the only rising teen pregnancy rate in NYC
Latinos have a 23% dropout rate from high school (the highest in NYC) and it is rising. In addition over the last five years gentrification has created a dual community. One of really poor residents who have lived in the community for generations and another one of new, young, middle and upper income residents. On Avenue C there are one-bedroom apartments renting for $2000 a month one block from where a long line of community residents forms hours before the free food distribution begins.
Staffing: Loisaida, Inc. currently has five full-time staff and 10 part-time staff. In addition, volunteers work throughout the year in various capacities at Loisaida, Inc. including fundraising efforts with the People at Loisaida, assisting with special events and projects, such as the Loisaida Carnaval, the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, Webster Hall in the Fall, and as job site supervisors.
Community Relationships: Loisaida, Inc has developed numerous formal and informal relationships over the years. The APPLES Consortium has more than 25 member organizations. Loisaida, Inc. is a key member several groups including the NYC Task Force on Adolescent Pregnancy, Parenting and Prevention, and Community Board #3. The Hispanic Federation is extremely supportive of Loisaida, Inc. in various ways including providing financial and technical support. In addition, we have strong relationships with numerous elected officials including Councilwoman Rosie Mendez, Borough President Scot Stringer, and State Senator Connor. Recently, Loisaida, Inc. acted as a conduit for a new community based organization called the Asthma Free School Zone. They focus on reducing the triggers for children's asthma, which has a very high rate on the Lower East Side. The Asthma Free School Zone recently attained their own 501 c (3) status.
Our Commitment: What makes Loisaida, Inc. unique is that no matter how big it gets, it retains its grassroots commitment and effort that provides a family-like approach to services. We are different than many of the organizations in the community in several ways: first, community people founded Loisaida, Inc and we never lose sight of these community based roots. The People at Loisaida is primarily made up of members of the community and the program serves community residents. This enables the program to identify community needs and find effective solutions that are culturally sensitive. Loisaida, Inc. is committed to helping our youth succeed and reach their dreams.
Loisaida, Inc. 990's can be accessed and viewed by going to: www.guidestar.org
