Alex Bustillo

9/29/14

HUS 2307

KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY: TWENTY ONE QUESTIONS

1. What is your home zip code?

My home zip code is 11435.
2. Does your community has a name? If so, what is it?

My community does not have a specific name.
3. What is the number of your community board? Briefly state its purpose

I am part of the community board 12 which includes the neighborhoods of Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans, Springfield Gardens, Baisley Park, Rochdale Village, and South Jamaica. The purpose of the community board it’s to consider and address issues dealing with land use and zoning matters, the city budget, municipal service delivery and other concerns relating to the community welfare.
4. Who is the president of your community board?

Adrienne E. Adams is the president of community board 12.
5. Who is the district manager of your community board?

Yvonne Reddick is the district manager of my community board.
6. Who is your current New York City council member, what communities does s/he serve, what council committees does s/he serve on?

Ruben Wills is my current New York City council member from district 28^th which also covers sections of Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, and Rochdale.
7. Who is your New York State assembly member?

David I. Weprin is my New York State assembly member.
8. Who is your New York State senator?

My New York State senator is Malcolm A. Smith
9. Who are your U.S senators?

Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer are the U.S senators.
10. Who is your U.S congressional representative? 

Gregory Meeks is my U.S congressional representative.
11. What are the basic demographics of your community (total population, gender, age levels, race/ethnicity, income levels; household sizes, education levels) 

Population demographics by race and gender:

African American 17,929 (33%)

Asian or Pacific Islander 7,785 (14%)

Indian 396 (1%)

Mixed Races 4,296 (8%)

Others 9,078 (17%)

White 14,393 (27%)

Female 28,042 (52%)

Male 26,122 (48%)

Population by Education Level

High School or less 10,880 (31%)

High School Graduate            14,513 (41%)

Bachelors or Associate Degrees 6,843 (19%)

Graduate Degrees 3,054 (9%)

Population by Age

6 Years Old or Under 5,727 (11%)

7 to 18 Years Old 8,480 (16%)

19 to 24 Years Old 4,667 (9%)

25 to 39 Years Old 14,427 (27%)

40 to 64 Years Old 15,938 (29%)

65 Years Old or Over 4,925 (9%)

Household Income Levels

Less than $30,000 6,245 (35%)

$30,000 to $74,999 8,185 (46%)

$75,000 to $149,999 2,990 (17%)

$150,000 or More 368 (2%)

Household Size Distribution

1 Person 1,160 (19%)

2-3 Person 2,447 (40%)

4-5 Person 1,701 (28%)

6 or More Person 771  (13%)
12. What is the health status of your community? 

According to the New York City department of health and hygiene, “People are good at rating their own health. In general, when asked to rate their general health as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor, those who say “fair” or “poor” are more likely to have health problems than those who report better health. In Jamaica, 1 in 5 resident’s reports being in fair or poor health (20%).”(Take Care Jamaica, Pg.3). Also, diabetes is a huge concern in Jamaica as stated in the Community Health Profile, “The death rate due to diabetes is higher in Jamaica than in New York City overall, and the community also has higher rates of avoidable hospitalizations for diabetes-related conditions”(Second Edition: Jamaica, Pg.14).
13. What are the crime statistics for your community? 

According to Area Vibes, “The estimated Jamaica violent crime rate is 8% higher than the New York average”. (NY Crime Rates and Statistics, Par.2)
14. Briefly describe the educational/cultural resources (ex: schools, libraries, theatres, museums, movie houses, etc.) of your community. 

There are plenty of public schools in my neighborhood like Hillcrest High School, P.S 86 elementary school, Junior High School 217 Robert A. Van Wyck, and P.S 182. Theatres and libraries are close by within walking distance. There is a need for museums because there aren’t any in the community.
15. Briefly describe the recreational resources (parks, sports centers, facilities, public pools, etc.) of your community. 

Parks and sports centers such as the YMCA can be found in the community. There are tons of gyms in the area as well. Public pools are hard to find in my neighborhood.
16. Briefly describe the religious/spiritual institutions of your community. 

Due to the population demographics in my community, there is a strong diverse of religious institutions. Through my walkabouts, I noticed a number of catholic and protestant churches and Jehovah Witnesses and Islamic centers. 
17. Briefly describe the financial and business institutions in your community( ex: banks, check-cashing businesses, supermarkets, small groceries, real estate agencies, brokerages, travel agencies, clothing stores, drug stores, etc.). 

Many banks can be located in the community and this is a good thing because, if for instance, anyone needs to make a withdrawal from their bank account, they can go to their local bank and do so without having to pay extra fees by using a random ATM. Check-cashing businesses can be found in abundance, as well as supermarkets, clothing stores, drug stores and travel agencies.
18. Briefly describe the infrastructure of your community (ex: roads. Sidewalk and street pavements, street furniture, street and traffic lighting fixtures, tree care, air quality, buildings, etc.)

I truly believe my neighborhood has improved in the last couple of years. The buildings have new landlords and they have done a fantastic job renovating their premises to make it a better place for its members to live in. A concern my community can definitely work on addressing is the garbage dumping issue; with the garbage just being dumped on sidewalks and streets.
19. Based on your research and walkabouts, identify 3 of your community’s strengths or assets:
1) Hospitals
2) Public schools
3) Parks
30. Based on your research and walkabouts, identify and prioritize 3 issues of concerns to you about your community
1) Fast food restaurants
2) Garbage dumping
3) Poverty
21. Human services ethical standards speak about our profession’s concern for individuals, families, communities, and society. Why should human services professionals care about communities and society? 

Any issues happening within communities and society can affect the well-being of individuals and families, therefore, it’s essential for human services professionals to care about the environment in which clients live. Being informed of current problems will assist the helper identify important resources and also advocate for the rights of all members in society.

Pleased:

Troubled: