Best of the Web: Community Information

List of State Assembly 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.

Mail and street addresses of all New York State Department of Correctional Services Facilities.

Information about the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) is available from the home page of the New York State Board of Elections. HAVA is a package of reforms that will ensure meaningful access to the democratic process for all New Yorkers. New York has developed a plan to implement the Act's provisions and access the federal funds needed to ensure compliance. The draft plan and public hearing schedule, as well as additional information regarding the law is available.

The New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) provides vocational rehabilitation and other direct services to blind and visually impaired New York State residents, including children, adults, and elderly persons.

The New York State Statistics website is designed to provide extensive statistical information about New York State and its people for the use of government officials, businesses, academics, the media, and interested citizens. It contains information covering demographics, economics, elections, government finance, public safety, housing, education, health, energy, and much more.

Information available in the following areas: business, employment, education, outdoor recreation, living in NY, state government, healthcare, visiting NY, and government agencies.

Profiles, programs, open houses and financial aid information.

Describes the voting rights of parolees, probationers, and others who have been involved with the criminal justice system. Also includes information on how to register to vote and where to go for help if you encounter difficulties.

Extensive listing of afterschool activities in all five boroughs

Information about NYC day care centers including how to choose a good day care program, researching day care centers in your area, and registering to be a day care provider.

From the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, a list of community resource links to government and private organizations that provide information to people with disabilities. Includes links to information on housing, transportation, advocacy and independent living and more.

From the New York City Commission on Women's Issues, this online guide provides information about child care, health insurance, nutrition, tax credits, and supplemental services.

Designation reports for individual landmarks, historic districts, and interior landmarks, as well as agency forms, guidelines, and brochures and information sheets are all available here.

From the NYC Dept. of Education, search for schools by name, number, or zip code. You may also search by region using the map or clickable links. Information about high schools, charter schools, alternative and special education programs is also available.

Map of the New York City subway system

A one-stop shop of city agencies and nonprofit organizations providing services for women and families.

Links to housing information and services for the homeless.

A number of different DMV publications are available here including the Driver's Manual, Road Test Tips, and Child Passenger Safety. Many publications are also available in Spanish.

The Osborne Association offers treatment, educational, and vocational services for prisoners, former prisoners, and their families in the greater New York area.

ParentJobNet offers job networking programs, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, and other free programs and resources for parents and caregivers.

Listing of current Cabinet members

Project Vote Smart (PVS) is a citizen's organization dedicated to serving all Americans with accurate and unbiased information for electoral decision-making. Information about New York State available.

Hours and days of service for branches of the Queens Borough Public Library

A citywide household preparedness campaign that offers a comprehensive suite of tips and information designed to help New Yorkers better prepare for all types of emergencies.

An independent, not-for-profit organization, RCSN provides information and referral, case management and support, individual and systemic advocacy, parent and professional training, library and information services to NYC parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and special needs and to the professionals who work with them.

Safe Horizon is the largest provider of domestic violence services in the country. Services include those for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, rape, and sexual assault survivors of state-sponsored torture or human trafficking youth involved in abusive relationships and homeless/street-involved youth. Legal representation is available for low-income and indigent victims of domestic violence for some legal proceedings.

From the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services

From the National Center for Education Statistics, the School District Demographics website provides access to geographic and demographic data for school districts nationwide.

Information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration in Spanish

A database of self-help groups throughout the world

The Department for the Aging's Senior Employment Services (SES) assists New York City residents 55 years of age and older who are seeking work opportunities. SES workshops offer classroom training, job search techniques, and part-and full-time job placements. All SES programs offer employment contact and placement assistance for low to moderate income mature adults.

Information about Red Cross services available to those affected by the September 11th attacks. The American Red Cross will continue to offer a variety of direct and indirect support through 2007.

The Safer Monroe Area Reentry Team (SMART) website offers a list of re-entry resources and services available in the Rochester/ Monroe County area. Comprehensive reentry services are listed along with specific sections on housing, healthcare, jobs, family services, legal services, clothing, and banking.

This site provides a searchable database of subsidized housing units, also known as Section 8 housing. Search by location (state, county, city), housing type, and number of bedrooms. From the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration

Spanish language version of Your Rights as a Hospital Patient in New York State, which outlines the rights and protections guaranteed to you by the state and federal governments. Includes information on hospital care, admittance and discharge, complaints, medical records, health proxies, Medicare, domestic violence, and provides a patient's bill of rights.

From the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, this site offers information about Alzheimer's disease, as well as a resource locator to find doctors and other services in your area.

Offers free services to young people aged 12-21, including educational, health, nutritional and counseling programs, and legal services for young people in need of civil legal representation.

Services offered include information and referral services, assistance and advocacy, connections to hospice care, support groups and bereavement counseling. Contact information for Regional Care Centers is also provided.

Free classes in English for speakers of other languages are offered at branches of The New York Public Library in association with the Riverside Language Program, Inc. Classes in Manhattan are held three times a year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and are for beginner and intermediate levels only.

Created by the Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled (CIAD) and the Nursing Home Community Coalition of New York State (NHCC), this guide is designed to help seniors research assisted living facilities and find the one that is right for them. Included are questions to ask as well as checklists to assist in assembling information about various facilities.

The Tourette Syndrome Association offers support groups for people affected by Tourette Syndrome, counseling, information & referral, advocacy services, and physician referrrals. They also organize social get-togethers and mixers for young adults with Tourette Syndrome.

Links to transportation resources, including New York City transit information.

Database of many private and public organizations that provide health, as well as other, services in the New York City area.

List of US Representatives serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Includes links to each representative's home page, contact information, and which NYPL branches are in each representative's district.

Information for consumers from the New York State Public Service Commission on a range of issues related to utilities (electricity, gas, water, phone, and cable tv). Includes information on dispute resolutions. Site is available in English and Spanish.

Developed and maintained by the Board of Elections in the City of New York, this site explains how to register to vote, gives upcoming election dates, locates polling places, and provides candidate lists and other information about New York City elections.