New Visions Blog

  Volunteers from Moody's served fruit smoothies, made de-stress balls and talked up the benefits of healthy living at Barrier Free Living's (BFL) Wellness Fair this June. The FPWA connected the company to BFL, and Moody's sponsored the fair with a charitable donation. The Moody's volunteers joined the agency's Occupational Therapy team which coordinated the event, along with LeShan Gaulman, shelter director. Activities included chair yoga, booths with… read more

Volunteers from Moody's made-over the Freedom House game room this month, brightening the space for children and teens at the domestic violence shelter. Working with the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA), the Moody's volunteers painted, hung a wall mural and put together a foosball table. The work was made possible due to a grant from Moody's in line with its corporate service day.… read more

Renowned interior designer Kyle Timothy Blood is contributing his expertise to the Aon Global Service Day staff lounge rennovation project at Barrier Free Living on June 11. Inspired by the agency's mission and the passion of it's hard-working team, Kyle and junior designer Haylee Ressa took on the project, supporting the work of Aon Global Service Day. In 2014, Aon colleagues around the world united to support local charities during the firm’s annual day of volunteerism, with over 170 charities… read more

Working with the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, BFL welcomed 25 volunteers to the Transitional Housing program as part of AON Global Service Day on June 12, 2014. The hard-working volunteers painted and refurbished a lounge, offices and a garden area for residents of the shelter.… read more

Popular Community Bank donated Brooklyn Cyclones Aug. 31 game tickets to the residents of BFL's Transitional Housing shelter, and to the agency's Secret Garden program for survivors of domestic violence with disabilities.… read more

BFL’s Freedom House Emergency Shelter held the annual Handprints of the Heart event this May, working with volunteers from Goldman Sachs. Resident families and children took part in crafts, empowerment activities and enjoyed a live performance… read more

On Thursday, May 16th the HOPE Program hosted its second annual A Taste of HOPE event, a celebration of tastings, toasts and transformations at Steelcase in Manhattan. Barrier Free Living's HR/Organizational Development Team attended, joining a packed crowd at the stunning Steelcase venue overlooking Columbus Circle. Guests included the founder of HOPE Deborah Antoine, (pictured with Dr. Clarel Antoine). Taste of Hope featured a host of award-winning partners, including: Inside Park at… read more

The residents of  BFL's Transitional Housing program, formerly homeless men and women with disabilities, were treated to a sumptuous May Day feast this month. The 24 women of the shelter received special Mother's Day gift bags courtesy of The Body Shop. BFL's Occupational Therapy team coordinated the event, which included a baking class and cupcake decorating workshop. The Body Shop choose Transitional Housing as the featured charity in it's 'Another… read more

The Body Shop at New York City's Grand Central (420 Lexington Ave) has chosen BFL's Transitional Housing program as its charity partner for Mother's Day. The Transitional Housing Program is a shelter for formerly homeless men and women with disabilities who are forging  a new life. Body Shop's "Another for a Mother" campaign encourages customers to purchase items for their mother or loved one, as well as… read more

BFL's Occupational Therapy Program Coordinator Patricia Motus,  OTR/L,  and Christina Marino, MS, OTR/L presented "Occupational Therapy with Survivors of Domestic Violence: An Initial Cross Case Analysis for Determining Factors of Success in a Shelter Setting" at the The American Occupational Therapy Association’s 93rd Annual Conference & Expo in San Diego April 25-28. The AOTA Annual Conference & Expo is "the most dynamic gathering  for occupational therapy professionals each year... Stimulating Presidential… read more

On Thursday, May 16th The HOPE Program will host its  second annual A Taste of HOPE event, a celebration of tastings, toasts and transformations at Steelcase, Inc., 4 Columbus Circle New York from 6pm-8:30pm. HOPE empowers New Yorkers living in poverty to achieve economic self-sufficiency through employment and advancement. As one of HOPE's signature programs prepares men and women for careers in New York City's food… read more

A partnership between, The NYC Department of Education, NYC Parks, Wheelchair Sports Federation and Randall’s Island Sports Foundation, the Fourth Annual Paralympic Sport Club New York City Track and Field Open will be held June 3 at Icahn Stadium. All Athletes with Physical Disabilities are welcome: Competition will be divided into groups using Age Groups and Divisions. Events include: 100-400 Meters, Relays, Slalom, Turbo Javelin… read more

The HSC Leadership Awards Reception on Dec. 12 drew a host of leaders and luminaries, applauding the work of the not-for-profit services sector. Honorees and attendees enjoyed a sumptuous buffet and a stunning skyline view from the 35th floor of Mutual of America.… read more

Thanks to a generous donation from the 13th Step Group, the children of the Secret Garden program received backpacks… read more

The AWARE October 18th fundraiser at NYC Bar 13 to benefit Barrier Free Living’s Freedom House raised over $25,000 for disabled domestic violence victims and their families. Pictured, Paul Feuerstein, President/CEO BFL and Isa Martinez, Director, Freedom House. Visit AWARE to view event photos, donate or learn more.… read more

BFL's Lavender & Blue MegaMixer will feature a performance from Opera singer Vivi (pictured). The event will include drink tix, raffle, guest speakers, and an awesome DJ at the XES Club in Manhattan on Oct. 23, 6pm-8pm. XES is at 157 W 24th St… read more

At a press conference on Oct. 2, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer released a report and survey that uncovered the pervasiveness of economic abuse in New York City, shining a light on a form of domestic violence that takes a heavy toll on victims but too often goes unrecognized and unaddressed. The first-of-its kind report “Economic Abuse: The Untold Cost of Domestic Violence” was co-authored with Sakhi for South Asian Women, a domestic violence advocacy group… read more

Peace Kitty, the brainchild of owner Kate Martin, has donated a custom T-shirt to the BFL Lavender & Blue Oct. 23 MegaMixer. Since opening shop, Kate has donated 10% of the profits to local animal shelters in Missouri where she operates, and was inspired by BFLs mission. "I am all about kindness and compassion, especially when it comes to animals. I am a kitty mom and have been a kitty… read more