Newtown Creek Alliance
Reveal, Restore, Revitalize
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
NCA serves communities in Brooklyn and Queens that surround Newtown Creek and are in its sewershed/watershed. Many of these neighborhoods are environmental justice communities, struggling with extreme environmental burdens and a legacy of pollution that still loom large in daily realities; they are also faced with managing extremes of climate change including increasing flood risks and vulnerabilities associated with the urban heat island effect. Lack of greenery is a major issue in many of the areas immediately adjacent to the waterway because of its industrial nature and the legacy of environmental disregard.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Water Quality Sampling
Improving water quality is key to the revitalization of Newtown Creek. Through our water quality monitoring programs, in conjunction with the Environmental Science department at LaGuardia Community College, we track parameters like bacteria and oxygen levels at various Creek locations, while also analyzing factors like rainfall and temperature to understand where water quality varies and why.
Where we work
Photos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of students educated through field trips
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
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?
NCA sees an opportunity to integrate restoration efforts into the communities around the Creek; thriving ecosystems and urban industry should not be mutually exclusive in the 21st Century. NCA is well suited to understand the nuances and challenges with creating and maintaining green open space, in particular, in the areas surrounding the waterbody. We work with businesses, industries, schools, cultural and civic organizations, community boards, elected officials, and other partners to create new and meaningful opportunities to engage in the holistic health of these environments both physically and culturally. Our work is aimed to be directly responsive to these issues; they are built into our mission and are reflected in our efforts as an organization.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
NCA has a successful history of engaging the community through meaningful projects, events, volunteer opportunities, and programs that offer unique access and hands-on learning about the Creek. We are the only organization in the community focused on providing these offerings related to the Creek.
Since 2018, NCA has offered a range of environmental education programming for NYC public schools. Targeted schools are located within the Newtown Creek watershed/sewershed, but we often host schools from around the city, confirming that our content is relevant citywide. We focus on traditional environmental themes including water quality and local flora and fauna, while also delving into local history, environmental justice, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. More information about specific programs is available on our website where educators can choose to request field trips with specific themes or work with us directly to develop classroom specific content. Educators have options to utilize virtual content including videos, interactive web-based activities, or downloaded curriculum.
In 2023, we will be opening a new education space in partnership with Hunters Point Park Conservancy in Long Island City, allowing us to reach new schools and audiences. We look forward to outfitting the space to be an effective learning environment for local residents and students.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
-
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
-
Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We act on the feedback we receive
-
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.
Newtown Creek Alliance
Board of directorsas of 03/08/2024
Natalie Vichnevsky
Evergreen
Jan Mun
Parsons School of Design
Tom Mituzas
MCR
Moe Magali
Public Works Partners
Ray Laszczych
Jay Kaplan
Waste Management
Annel Hernandez
NYC Environmental Justice Alliance
Rafael Espinal
Freelancers Union
Mike Dulong
Riverkeeper
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 ? Yes -
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? Not applicable
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
Transgender Identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data