Programs and results
What we aim to solve
BSVAC was formed in 1988 to address the crisis in emergency medical services afflicting minority communities. BSVAC has been able to bring ambulance response times down to a record-breaking average of less than 4 minutes in its operating area. As a result, BSVAC has been very successfully in addressing the its initial goal; we have saved countless lives and we continue to respond to emergency calls.\n\nUnfortunately, however, minority communities continue to suffer disproportionately poor health, as well as limited educational and vocational opportunities. BSVAC is addressing both these problems through our neighborhood first aid station and youth training programs. By providing training in emergency medical skills to youngsters, BSVAC provides pathways to essential employment. BSVAC also provides health information and health screening at its neighborhood first aid station.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Emergency medical services/disaster preparedness/youth training
BSVAC operates two programs: Medical (emergency medical services/disaster preparedness) and Training (medical instruction/workforce development).
Medical: In continuous operation since 1988, BSVAC is the busiest volunteer ambulance service for its size in the nation, answering over 100 calls per month. BSVAC's primary territory is Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn; BSVAC also responds to emergencies outside of Brooklyn. BSVAC also maintains a neighborhood first-aid station, provides EMT standby throughout NYC and participates in community wellness events.
Training: BSVAC offers a full range of emergency medical care training, from CPR through First Responder, and provides EMT training sponsorshiBSVAC has developed a comprehensive emergency medical training program (including First Responders, Trauma Troopers and Youth Corps), which prepares individuals for full employment as EMTs.
Where we work
Awards
EMS Agency of the Year 2022
NYC REMSCO
External reviews

Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
BSVAC seeks to continue its live-saving and life-changing work, by responding to emergency calls, helping our community learn more about health, and providing training in emergency medical skills.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
BSVAC\u0027s strategies are to continue to build on its proven track record of saving and changing lives since 1988.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
BSVAC operates a certified ambulance service and training programs, with dozens of volunteer EMTs and paramedics devoting their time and skills. Funding is the only limitation; additional funding translates to additional ambulances.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
BSVAC recently purchased another (used) ambulance.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Bedford-Stuyesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Board of directorsas of 02/26/2023
Antoine Robinson
N/A
Term: 2019 -
Tamsin Wolf
N/A
Antoine Robinson
N/A
Vernice Robinson
N/A
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Not applicable -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
Equity strategies
Last updated: 05/22/2021GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization's programs, portfolios, and the populations served.
- We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
- We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.