Our Mission

UJCES is a nonprofit umbrella organization providing human services and community programs through various 501(c)(3) entities, serving as a coordinating body for neighborhood, secular, civic, and fraternal organizations.

Formed in 1971 by neighborhood leaders and residents, the UJCES works to preserve and stabilize the Lower East Side of Manhattan community through the provision of a wide range of human services and community development programs.

  • Three Older Adult Centers

    Serving 800 older adults a day with nutritious meals, wellness and art classes, and social services.

  • A Home Care Agency

    Serving over 400 patients so they can stay safely at home and age in place with dignity.

  • Two Food Pantries

    Feeding 3314 individuals with 199,171 lbs of food each year, and delivering to older adults.

  • A Meals on Wheels Program

    Delivering 77,683 meals a year rain or shine to bedridden older adults.

  • Housing Assistance

    Helping dozens of homeless families find a dignified place to live.

  • Supportive Housing

    For formerly homeless people struggling with mental illness and substance abuse issues.

  • A Multi-Service Center

    Serving everyone in need with government benefits and entitlements.

  • A Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program

    Serving 106 holocaust survivors with case management.

Our Impact in 2022

Pounds of Food Distributed

199K

77K

Meals Delivered

Holocaust Survivors Assisted

106

16K

Dollars in Cash Assistance

Social Services Hours

30K

Served Lunches

2K

Wellness and Art Classes

77K

Home Care Hours

7K

Families Placed in Affordable Homes

80+

“What differentiates us is that we have personal relationships with our clients. We know everyone by name. We don’t turn people away, we take everyone. There’s follow-up, there’s accountability. These people are a part of our lives.”

- Betsy Jacobson, Executive Director

Our Funders