Spectrum Announces $50K Grant to Far Rockaway Org

Spectrum announced the Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation (OBCDC) has received $50,000 through Spectrum Community Center Assist, the company’s five-year, $30 million philanthropic initiative to revitalize local community centers and invest in job training programs in rural and urban underserved communities where Spectrum operates.

Spectrum kicked-off the partnership on Saturday, Sept. 10, with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers and New York State Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson at a revitalization event at the center, where more than 35 volunteers – consisting of employees, and their family and friends – helped spruce up the organization’s community room and update its technology center. In addition, volunteers were also treated to a special meet -and- greet with Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt, the husband-and-wife duo of HGTV’s “100 Day Dream Home.”

“Community centers like the Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation are hallmarks of our neighborhoods, where people go for support, shared experiences and develop new job skills or find new employment,” said Rahman Khan, Vice President of Community Impact for Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of Internet, TV, Mobile and Voice products. “Through our partnership with OBCDC, Spectrum Community Center Assist will help it provide essential employment training and resources to help the Far Rockaway community in a safe and revitalized physical space.”

Said Borough President Richards, “Ocean Bay CDC is an invaluable asset for the Rockaway community, connecting countless peninsula residents, including families in NYCHA housing, to the diverse array of critical resources and recognition they deserve. Rockaway is a stronger place because of the organization’s tireless dedication to uplifting youth, job-seekers, seniors and more. We are deeply grateful to Spectrum for both its generous donation to support Ocean Bay CDC’s job training program and for going the extra mile to revitalize the organization’s facility.”

Established in 1999, the Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation serves all New York City residents with a priority given to the NYCHA community in Far Rockaway, which is home to more than 10,000 residents in 60 buildings on five campuses, all within a four-mile stretch of Far Rockaway. OBCDC provides its clients with “wrap-around” social services by providing information and referrals to critical resources and services in the community, as well as direct services, including computer training, access to senior services and transportation to local doctors appointments, and community activities.

On Saturday, OBCDC was presented with a check for $50,000 that will be used to enhance the center’s job skills training program and more than 35 Spectrum employee volunteers provided facility improvements, including painting the community room; assembling workstation tables, desks and chairs; and setting up the technology center. Additionally, because broadband is a critical component of a community center’s infrastructure, Spectrum will offer OBCDC its 1 Gig service, at no charge, for the life of the program.

Additionally, Spectrum donated 50 new Chromebook laptops to support the organization’s training and technology programs. Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation will also be dedicating its updated training and technology space with the Spectrum name.

"Providing the next generation with robust broadband connectivity and Chromebooks allows them to have limitless aspirations," said Council Majority Whip Brooks-Powers. "The Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation serves as a community hub, providing invaluable resources and supports, serving as the community's nexus for workforce development and extracurricular activities for both the youth and older adults. I applaud the Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation, under the leadership of Ebony Beatty, and the Spectrum Community Center Assist program, for its commitment to revitalize local community spaces."

According to Assembly Member Anderson, “As the youngest lawmaker in the New York State legislature, I know how essential technology is for upward mobility and economic success. We are thrilled that Spectrum shares this commitment, and through its Community Center Assist initiative, together with our partners at Ocean Bay CDC, will help Far Rockaway’s working-class families to close the digital divide, capitalize on employment opportunities, and compete in the local and global economy. I look forward to continued partnership with Spectrum and Ocean Bay CDC to ensure tech equity, economic opportunity, and workforce sustainability for residents across Far Rockaway.”

Ebony Beaty, Executive Director of OBCDC said, “Ocean Bay CDC continues to be an effective non-profit organization in the Rockaways simply because we listen and cater to the needs of the community. Children and families, young adults as well as aging adults deserve to have the same digital technology, resources, and opportunities that are available to other communities throughout New York City. We’re honored to be recognized and funded for services that we have done for many years and plan to do for many years to come.”

Spectrum launched Spectrum Community Center Assist in September 2021 to benefit local organizations providing critical community services and job training skills in underserved cities and towns across the company’s 41-state footprint. By 2025, Spectrum will invest $25 million plus $5 million of in-kind contributions to improve 100 community centers serving an estimated 50,000 local residents. More information about Spectrum Community Assist is available here.