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Community Information Search

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This Google Custom Search indexes the full text of over 400 websites of city agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide services to residents in our communities. Librarians add sites to the Custom Search related to the topics below. The emphasis is on resources in the boroughs served by the NYPL—The Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island.

  • Links to resources about the GED (General Equivalency Diploma) test, adult literacy classes, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes.

  • Current information on GED (General Educational Development) Tests from the State Education Department.

  • Links to information about a variety of health topics.
  • Located in a number of different US cities, as well as in Canada, Gilda's Club provides a place for those with cancer and their families to find emotional and social support. Website is also available in Spanish.
  • Created by a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. Their mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence, and keep the prevention, treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. Of particular note is the calendar of programs, services, workshops, forums, and other events offered in New York City.
  • Report of the Fiscal Committees on the Executive Budget, Fiscal Year April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006.
  • From the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
  • Rules and regulations concerning visits, mail, commissary, etc.
  • A comprehensive directory of web links and online services for all sectors of the public and private health and human services field. Links to information for and about older Americans, children and families, medical and health services, mental health and substance abuse services, disaster relief, and minority services.
  • A list of links to health and healthcare resources.

  • Information from the NYC Department of Health concerning health care insurance options for people who are jobless, have low incomes or have special needs.

  • Information about health care access and health insurance, including related NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene programs

  • Information about appointing a health care agent to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian.
  • All-inclusive listing of 800 numbers to organizations providing information on topics like AIDS, cancer, mental health, aging, specific diseases and disorders, adoption, substance abuse, surgery, women's health, etc.
  • Information from the American College of Physicians Foundation about how to stay healthy while living in a shelter.

  • Web page for New York State's health insurance plan for adults titled Healthy New York. The plan is designed to help small business owners and individuals obtain affordable health insurance. Information on eligibility, benefits, how to apply and much more is provided.

  • Healthy NY is designed to encourage small employers with 50 or fewer employees to offer health insurance coverage to their employees, dependents, and other qualified individuals. Healthy NY is also available to eligible working uninsured individuals including sole proprietors.

  • HIAS provides an array of assistance to Jewish immigrants to the U.S., including serving as a liaison with immigration officials.
  • The Hispanic Federation (HF) was founded in 1990 to strengthen, support, and develop institutions that advance the quality of life for Latino New Yorkers. Thirteen years later, the HF advocates for increased comprehensive health and human services in the Hispanic community within the tri-state area.
  • The Health Information Tool for Empowerment is an online directory of health and social services specifically for low-income, uninsured and under-insured New Yorkers.
  • Information, including statistical reports, concerning HIV/AIDS in New York City.
  • Homes for the Homeless (HFH) is the nation's largest provider of residential, education and employment training centersserving over 540 homeless families and over 1,100 homeless children each day at four separate sites across New York City. Programs include family support & assistance, adult education & literacy, employment training & job placement, and children's education & recreation.
  • Information about finding a hospice or palliative care program in New York State, including finding care specifically for children.
  • The Consumer Information section includes consumer guides, fact sheets, Hospice Facts & Statistics, and a listing of home care and hospice state associations.
  • Links to both local and national hospice resources.
  • A community organization in Long Island City helping incarcerated mothers communicate with their children and their children's caregivers, help plan for reunification, offers mentoring to children of incarcerated mothers and more.
  • Links to housing resources for people with disabilities.
  • From the Legal Aid Society. Instructions in how to post bail for someone incarcerated in a New York City Department of Correction facility.

  • Rules and regulations concerning bail, visits, mail, commissary, etc.

  • Rules and regulations concerning bail, visits, mail, commissary, etc.
  • Intended to address the questions most frequently asked of the Attorney General's office by New Yorkers who live in cooperatives regarding problems with their Boards of Directors.
  • Intended to address the questions most frequently asked of the Attorney General's office by New Yorkers who live in condominiums regarding problems with their Boards of Managers.
  • Listing of resources includes program descriptions, contact, eligibility requirements, costs, and populations served. Includes health and human services, community resources, additional contact numbers, and special media organizations.
  • From the Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • Key facts about hurricane readiness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • This is the Federal Trade Commissions Website for information about identity theft. It includes steps to take, ways to place fraud alerts, and more. Additional useful links include access to federal and state laws [New York is NOT included], cases and scams.

  • ITRC is a national non-profit organization focused exclusively on identity theft. Includes resources for victims, consumers, and law enforcement. Also includes information on scams as well as consumer alerts.
  • Immunization and medical requirements for New York City schools
  • A wealth of information for families who are homeless, recently were homeless, or are in danger of becoming homeless. Resources include information about where to find food, clothing, and shelter.
  • A 10-week program that teaches leadership and advocacy skills to older adults offered by the Joint Public Affairs Committee (JPAC) for Older Adults, sponsored by Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA). Nominal fee is charged. Limited scholarships are available.

  • This Department of Consumer Affairs publication describes what to look out for with auctions, travel, credit repair and other online services

  • A service of Beth Israel Medical Center, the Jacob Perlow Hospice, a program of the Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, is committed to providing specialized care to patients with end-stage disease. The hospice is Medicaid-certified. It was also the first major U.S. hospice to offer a program for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
  • The Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA) and its affiliates offer a range of services -- including social services, home services, housing assistance, and legal services -- to older adults in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Nassau and Suffolk counties.
  • JASA offers the following elder abuse services to older adults living in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Nassau and Suffolk counties: counseling and legal representation for elderly abuse victims by attorney/social work teams, development of safety plans, and support groups.
  • JASA and its affiliates develop and manage housing for 2,600 persons over age 62 in seven residences, offering opportunities for secure, independent living at affordable rents. Apartments are equipped with special safety features. Group activities and social services foster a community atmosphere. Developments are located in Far Rockaway, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
  • JASA provides counseling and legal representation for victims of elderly abuse by attorney/social work teams. In addition, Legal Services For The Elderly in Queens (LSEQ) provides representation and consultation on housing, entitlements, and home care matters. Also, training and consultation with social service agencies and community groups on legal rights of older adults.

  • JASA offers case management at 21 social service offices throughout NYC and Long Island. Services include help in securing services such as home care, EISEP, transportation, and long term care.

  • JASA delivers hot kosher meals to approximately 1,300 older adults living in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Nassau and Suffolk counties daily.
  • JASA offers the following services to older adult immigrants living in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Nassau and Suffolk counties: assistance with naturalization, English and civics classes, and cultural programs.
  • Included in JASA's range of social services offered to older adults living in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Nassau and Suffolk counties are mental health services and caregivers respite services.
  • JPAC, a grassroots senior advocacy group sponsored by Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA), advocates for programs and protections that benefit older adults and their families. JPAC encourages seniors to get involved and offers a 10-week training program -- Institute for Senior Action -- to teach leadership and advocacy skills.
  • General information for jurors in New York State. Includes the juror handbook, orientation video, laws and rules pertaining to jury duty, and questions and answers about jury duty.
  • Eight information sheets created by the NY State Department of Education to help parents understand the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. Topics include an overview of the NCLB Act, School Report Cards, and Teacher Qualifications. Available in English and Spanish. Other languages available by contacting the NYS Department of Education.
  • This free database created by the Childrens' Committee for Children of New York, Inc. provides statistical information on the well-being of children in New York City. Searches can be done by borough, community district, or school district. Statistics cover 200 different indicators, including child care, youth issues, and education.
  • From the New York State Council on Children and Families, the Kids' Well-Being Indicators Clearinghouse presents statistics regarding children's health, education, and well-being. Information can be accessed by indicator or by region.
  • The mission of KCS is to support and assist members of the Korean community, as well as others. KCS provides various professional social services in the areas of Community, Aging, and Public Health.
  • The Latin American Integration Center (LAIC) was established in 1992 as a non-profit and non-partisan community based organization. For over 10 years, LAIC has worked to strengthen New York Citys low-income Latin American communities.
  • LawHelp contains information to help New Yorkers with low and moderate incomes find legal resources.
  • Provides information on the rights of people who have been charged with or convicted of a crime.
  • The League of Women Voters of the City of New York is a nonpartisan organization whose purpose is to promote informed and active citizen participation in government. Find out who represents you by entering your street address.
  • Links to legal information resources.
  • Lists community organizations, health care facilities, counseling and support groups, recreational and cultural opportunities, houses of worship, and other resources and contacts in the New York City Metropolitan Area. Published by the New York City Comptroller's Office.
  • The Long Term Care Community Coalition of New York State (formerly the Nursing Home Community Coalition) is a non-profit watchdog and advocacy coalition that works to improve the lives of long term care consumers by strengthening regulation, surveillance, and enforcement. Information is available on assisted living, managed long term care, and nursing homes. In addition, publications may be ordered or, in some cases, downloaded from the website.
  • Information for immigrants and agencies about employment, public benefits, public schools, housing, and small business services from the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.
  • Site offers a publications list, services for victims (including police, courts, housing, counseling), and special issues (victims with disabilities elder abuse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender immigrants and teenagers).
  • Booklet describing all services and benefits provided by Medicare.
  • Links to resources for more information on Medicare, Medicaid, and SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

  • Provides free counseling to people with Medicaid problems or questions. Easy-to-read publications discuss Medicare basics.

  • Spanish language version of Medicare & You, a booklet describing all services and benefits provided by Medicare.
  • Provides detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the United States, including inspection result information. In English and Spanish.
  • The Michael Callen-Audre Lorde Community Health Center provides quality health care and related services primarily to New York's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community regardless of ability to pay. To further this mission, Callen-Lorde promotes health education and wellness and advocates for gay, lesbian, and transgender health issues.
  • Links to Metropolitan Transportation Authority maps of subway, bus and Staten Island Railway routes.
  • Founded in 1979, NAMI-NYC Metro provides support, education, and advocacy services to individuals with mental illness and their families. The Helpline is staffed Monday through Thursday, noon-7 pm and Friday, noon-6 pm. The number is (212) 684-3264. Helpline line staff are also available at helpline@naminyc.org.
  • Consumer Information section offers lots of resources for finding a home care provider, including an agency locator, types of services provided, standard billing and payment practices, patients' rights, accrediting agencies, and state resources.
  • The Common Core of Data (CCD), a program of the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics, is a comprehensive, annual, national statistical database of information concerning all public elementary and secondary schools (approximately 95,000) and school districts (approximately 17,000).
  • Established as the National Coalition for Haitian Refugees in 1982, NCHR works to assure that Haitian asylum applicants receive fair hearings in the United States and to educate the U.S. public about the political and economic causes of the Haitians' flight from their homeland.
  • NFCSP programs in New York City (arranged by borough)
  • This site includes state-specific governmental agencies and community-based organizations to assist people with criminal records, practitioners, researchers, and policy makers.
  • The National H.I.R.E. Network (Helping Individuals with criminal records Re-enter through Employment) website includes state-by-state lists of government agencies and community resources of interest to formerly incarcerated people.
  • Search under "Find a Provider" for local services including grief counseling, hospice services, palliative care programs (including pediatric palliative care), and pre- and post-hospice support programs. Some information is also available in Spanish.
  • Information on how to select a hospice program as well as how to find a local program.
  • Information on active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Includes section on Hurricane Awareness.
  • NRSF promotes safe driving through public awareness. Select Products to download a free copy of NRSF's publication "Flesh, Metal and Glass."
  • A non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of homeless men and women through a variety of services, including food, clothing, counseling, health care, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, and vocational and educational training. Serves Manhattan Community Board #8.
  • The New York Asian Womens Center helps battered Asian women overcome violence and govern their own lives, free of abuse. The Center also works to raise public awareness about domestic violence, advocate for the rights of battered women, and create an agenda for social change. Information is available in a number of Asian languages.

  • 311 provides access to non-emergency City government services. All calls to 311 are answered by a live operator, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and services are provided in over 170 languages. Dial 311 from within the City or (212) NEW YORK outside of the five boroughs. TTY service is also available by dialing (212) 504-4115.

  • The New York City Coalition Against Hunger represents the more than 1,000 non-profit soup kitchens and food pantries in NYC, and the more than one million low-income New Yorkers who are forced to use them. The Coalition works to both meet the immediate food needs of low income New Yorkers, and enact innovative solutions to poverty to help them move "beyond the soup kitchen" to self sufficiency.
  • List of City Council members serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Includes links to each member's home page, contact information, and which NYPL branches are in each member's district.
  • Birth certificates post-1910 and death certificates after 1949.
  • Search by book and case number or name. Includes detainees held on Rikers Island and other city jails.
  • The New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is the nation's largest crime-victim service agency for the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV-affected communities. AVP assists victims of bias and pick-up crimes, domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, and HIV-related violence. Legal services are available. A 24-hour hotline offering help in English and Spanish is available at 212-714-1141.
  • A list of links to resources about New York City government.
  • A list of links to resources about New York City's public schools.
  • Map of the New York City subway system
  • The official site of the New York City government, contains links to all city agencies and departments, the mayor's office and other elected officials, and much more.
  • The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization for approximately 150 groups in NY State that work with immigrants and refugees. As the coordinating body for organizations that serve one of the largest and most diverse newcomer populations in the United States, the NYIC has become a leading advocate for immigrant communities on the local, state and national levels.
  • Program allows individuals with disabilities to work and keep Medicaid.

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