DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Brooklyn Community Services, one of the oldest and largest human services agencies serving Brooklyn, appointed Executive Director Archana Jayaram on Jan. 5 to take the helm on a new strategic plan. BCS, which is located on Lawrence Street in Downtown Brooklyn, will celebrate its 160th birthday in a gala on May 28 at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, marking a new era for the organization.
When the BCS was founded in 1866, its first project was providing shelter for homeless “newsboys.” Newsboys were young children, mostly from poor immigrant families, who made pennies distributing newspapers on razor-thin margins across New York City. It was common for newsboys to be orphaned and/or homeless, and the BCS brought together local philanthropists, businesses and religious organizations to create shelter spaces for them, becoming one of the first social service agencies in the country.
The BCS has since expanded its mission, addressing a wide variety of needs in Brooklyn’s vulnerable communities with crisis support spanning the Great Depression, the 9/11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the BCS delivers housing, family support, workforce development and community-based programs for over 14,000 Brooklynites each year, with more than 50 programs across 25 sites.
New executive director Jayaram previously served as president and CEO of the Osborne Association. She will replace the recently retired executive director of the BCS, Janelle Farris, and Interim Co-Executive Directors Jodi Querbach and Monae Priolenau-Jones. Jayaram’s career also includes serving as COO of The Legal Aid Society, deputy commissioner for Strategic Planning and Policy at the New York City Department of Buildings, and senior leadership roles in New York City government.
“For 160 years, BCS has been a trusted partner to Brooklyn’s communities, and I’m inspired by the dedication of the staff who carry that mission forward every day,” Jayaram said.
Honoree Elizabeth Christensen, recently retired BCS board member. Photo: BCS
In 2026, the BCS tackles a wide range of modern-day crises, from suicide prevention to food provision, housing support and family therapy. Its Food for Families program, launched just over a year ago, sources produce from New York farms for families experiencing food insecurity. Last week, the program gave out its 10,000th bag of free, high-quality produce for families in Brooklyn.
The BCS gala on May 28 will celebrate the organization’s 160 years of community support, as well as honouring recently retired board member Elizabeth Christensen. Christensen is a Park Slope native and comes from a family with a tradition of philanthropic giving. Her father was philanthropist Henry Christensen III, who co-founded the Prospect Park Alliance.
Gala tickets range from $500 for young professionals to $50,000 for generous sponsors. Last year, the BCS’ annual gala raised over $300,000 to support its ongoing programming. This year, it aims to raise $400,000, with $289,415 already raised by donors.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
