Broadway Community Inc
We serve.
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
For over twenty years the Morningside Heights and West Harlem neighborhoods of Manhattan have been steadily gentrifying. This has forced fixed and low-income people to spend ever increasing percentages of their income on housing leaving less for food, healthcare, and other basic needs. While this population may have access to sufficient calories in their diets, most cannot afford adequate nutrition. Poor nutrition leads to a number of health problems which are exacerbated by the fear of losing their homes (especially for the elderly) or the actual experience of homelessness. Consequently, many of our neighbors suffer from hypertension, diabetes and other chronic diseases as well as mental health challenges. The most basic ways to address these issues are to provide healthy food, access to preventive health care, safe shelter, a nurturing community, opportunities for social and cultural enrichment, and vocational training toward meaningful and well-paying work.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Four-Star Soup Kitchen
We welcome 150 guests each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with healthy, high quality, and delicious meals. Our four-course meals are served with dignity, with guests ordering from menus and being served at their seats. The gourmet meals always include seasonal soup, salad, main course, dessert, and drinks, as well as vegetarian options.
Vocational Food and Nutrition Training and Awareness Program
An eight-week, full-time course that runs several times each year, our Vocational Food and Nutrition Training and Awareness Program (FANTAP) trains low-income women and men seeking to enter or re-enter the food service industry with living-wage employment. The program focuses on four particular areas:
- Food safety and sanitation, with particular attention paid to the requirements for New York City’s Department of Health Food Protection Certificate;
- Work-readiness skills: showing up to work, being part of a team in a high-stress environment, essential behaviors and manners for the kitchen, and necessary food-service vocabulary;
- Fundamental nutrition knowledge, for both the workplace and the home;
- Essential culinary skills, with an introduction to the regional cuisines of the world.
Students spend four full days per week at Broadway Community, alternating between the classroom and our ‘culinary lab,’ the kitchen where we prepare our Four-Star Soup Kitchen meals. After learning culinary techniques in class, students head to the kitchen to practice and develop them by cooking and serving the meals to our guests.
This is an essential component of our program and one that distinguishes us from our peers: students take the lead in preparing real meals for real guests, 150 of them each time. Students don’t just learn how something should theoretically be done; they must put that knowledge to work to ensure that all four courses of the meal are planned, prepared, and served appropriately within the culinary themes they’ve learned.
Health Care
In partnership with the Institute for Family Health, health care professionals provide onsite, consistent health care services to program guests on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Broadway Community Shelter
In partnership with the Center for Urban Community Services, we provide nightly shelter to 15 guests, as well as a nourishing dinner and breakfast.
Where we work
External reviews

Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Pounds of fresh produce distributed per year
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Economically disadvantaged people
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
Through weekly produce distributions over 4,000 pounds of fresh vegetables (summer and winter) were distributed.
Number of clients receiving the grocery shopping services
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Economically disadvantaged people
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
This is the number of individuals (many representing families) served in our monthly supermarket pantry providing shelf stable foods, such as pasta, canned meat, fruit and vegetables, etc.
Number of meals served or provided
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Economically disadvantaged people
Related Program
Four-Star Soup Kitchen
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
More than 30,000 meals were served in the "Four-Star Soup Kitchen" as well as over 1,000 at Community Table which brings together people from all backgrounds for nourishing, four-course, gourmet meals
Number of showers provided
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Homeless people
Related Program
Broadway Community Shelter
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Showers (with towels provided) are available to guests of the Soup Kitchen, as well as those who stay in shelter. Due to COVID, meal service had to be via take-out, so mealtime showers suspended.
Number of bed nights (nights spent in shelter)
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Women and girls, Men and boys, Homeless people
Related Program
Broadway Community Shelter
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Decreasing
Context Notes
In February, 2018, the shelter opened with 13 beds per night. That number was increased to 14 in January, 2019 and 15 in July 2019.
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?
Our goals are stated in our mission statement: Broadway Community gathers around an open table, believing that the feast of justice, dignity, health and wholeness is for all people. We work together to see that everyone is included, breaking down the barriers of poverty, inequity, and privilege. From this feast we serve one another, transforming society until all are fed.
More specifically, we strive to serve our guests nutritious meals in a manner that affirms their humanity and dignity. It is our goal that, through this portal, they access the other services provided, such as basic health care, computers, showers, a shelter, food and clothing pantries, hands-on training in nutrition and food preparation, vocational training, plus free concerts, movies and intergenerational art projects. We intentionally work to develop a community in which staff, volunteers, and guests are equally valued and the lines are blurred as guests become volunteers. It is our goal to recognize that we can all help others and, at some time, we all need to be helped.
Further, it is our goal to help people move from joblessness and poverty to the dignity of work and the further satisfaction of having the stability and capacity to give to their communities, by providing vocational training, experience, and the financial means to receive the credentials needed to obtain work.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Our goals are stated in our mission statement: Broadway Community gathers around an open table, believing that the feast of justice, dignity, health and wholeness is for all people. We work together to see that everyone is included, breaking down the barriers of poverty, inequity, and privilege. From this feast we serve one another, transforming society until all are fed.
More specifically, we strive to serve our guests nutritious meals in a manner that affirms their humanity and dignity. It is our goal that, through this portal, they access the other services provided, such as basic health care, computers, showers, a shelter, food and clothing pantries, hands-on training in nutrition and food preparation, vocational training, plus free concerts, movies and intergenerational art projects. We intentionally work to develop a community in which staff, volunteers, and guests are equally valued and the lines are blurred as guests become volunteers. It is our goal to recognize that we can all help others and, at some time, we all need to be helped.
Further, it is our goal to help people move from joblessness and poverty to the dignity of work and the further satisfaction of having the stability and capacity to give to their communities, by providing vocational training, experience, and the financial means to receive the credentials needed to obtain work.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Since its incorporation in 1992, BC (officially Broadway Community, Inc.) has provided lunch three days per week. It has expanded to provide breakfast and distributions of food, clothing and produce. In the late 1990s it began partnering with the Institute for Family Health to provide medical services. It also began providing a weekend women's shelter which expanded to become nightly shelter overseen by volunteers. Early in 2018 a partnership was established with the Center for Urban Community Services to provide nightly shelter for those experiencing homelessness, which includes dinner and breakfast.
Broadway Presbyterian Church continues to be a staunch supporter, providing space, support staff, assistance with regular improvements to the dining hall and kitchen, and Board leadership.
While without a qualified Program Director to provide assistance with social services, BC is grateful to have the assistance of Columbia University students of Social Work to assist our guests with information on benefits.
This work is possible due to generous donations of food from The United Way of NYC, City Harvest, the NYC Food bank, local vendors and individuals, and St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's School which every year before Thanksgiving creates a block long chain of students and teachers to deliver the food and supplies they have collected. Community Impact of Columbia U. provides funding, supplies, staff and volunteers. BC is also supported by foundations, individuals and religious organizations. It benefits from the skill and passion of Chef Michael Ennes and the many volunteers who help prepare and serve meals and work in the food and clothing pantries.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Since its incorporation in 1992, BC (officially Broadway Community, Inc.) has provided lunch three days per week. It has expanded to provide breakfast and distributions of food, clothing and produce. In the late 1990s it began partnering with the Institute for Family Health to provide medical services. It also began providing a weekend women's shelter which expanded to become nightly shelter overseen by volunteers. Early in 2018 a partnership was established with the Center for Urban Community Services to provide nightly shelter for those experiencing homelessness, which includes dinner and breakfast.
Broadway Presbyterian Church continues to be a staunch supporter, providing space, support staff, assistance with regular improvements to the dining hall and kitchen, and Board leadership.
While without a qualified Program Director to provide assistance with social services, BC is grateful to have the assistance of Columbia University students of Social Work to assist our guests with information on benefits.
This work is possible due to generous donations of food from The United Way of NYC, City Harvest, the NYC Food bank, local vendors and individuals, and St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's School which every year before Thanksgiving creates a block long chain of students and teachers to deliver the food and supplies they have collected. Community Impact of Columbia U. provides funding, supplies, staff and volunteers. BC is also supported by foundations, individuals and religious organizations. It benefits from the skill and passion of Chef Michael Ennes and the many volunteers who help prepare and serve meals and work in the food and clothing pantries.
Two important organizational goals are: the employment of a Licensed Social Worker to be consistently onsite and work toward the demographics of our Board better reflecting the demographics of those we serve.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
-
Who are the people you serve with your mission?
Low income and homeless people primarily from the West Harlem, Morningside Heights and Washington Heights neighborhoods of Manhattan.
-
How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Paper surveys, conversations,
-
How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals,
-
What significant change resulted from feedback?
Frankly, most recent changes have been related to coping with the COVID pandemic and keeping our guests, volunteers and staff safe, while meeting the increased need for meals, groceries, fresh produce, shelter, and health care, and then carefully transitioning back to communal service of meals and choice pantries.
-
With whom is the organization sharing feedback?
Our staff, Our board, Our funders, Our community partners,
-
How has asking for feedback from the people you serve changed your relationship?
Building community is central to our mission, so communication and relationships among guests, volunteers, and staff have consistently been part of our practice. We can always do better. The Board has recently added 3 members who greatly help with our diversity, and we are exploring creating an Advisory Committee drawn from guests and former guest/employees.
-
Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
-
What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
Financials
Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Try our 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.
Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
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.
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.
Broadway Community Inc
Board of directorsas of 07/05/2021
Rev. Chris Shelton
Broadway Presbyterian Church
Term: 2012 - 2022
Regina Angeles
Talent Now Solutions
Bradley Campbell
HR, Amazon
William Crawford
Retired Pastor
Cristina Costantini
Kipling Nautica, Inc.
John Donaldson
Columbia University
Kathryn Graybill
Retired development and theatre professional
Patrick Mahaney
Good Shepherd Services
Kimberly Snead
Golden Touch Brand Consulting
Amy Webb
BPC Nursery School
Daniel Yang
Chaplain, NY Presbyterian Hospital
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
-
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? No -
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? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
Disability
No data
Equity strategies
Last updated: 07/05/2021GuideStar 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 review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race.
- We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.