Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. During October, we recognize Polish American Heritage Month. In recognition, we join the Polish & Slavic Center in celebrating 50 years of service to its 40,000 members!

The Polish & Slavic Center was founded in 1972. Located in the heart of Greenpoint, a.k.a. Little Poland, this non-profit organization offers a robust array of cultural, social and legal assistance programs that connect immigrants and other underserved New York communities to services and benefits available through city, state, and federal agencies.

The Center’s facilities, including state-of-the-art performing stages, a fully-functioning kitchen, and community meeting spaces, enable the organization to successfully promote the rich heritage of Poland with a variety of cultural experiences that are hosted througout the year.  They also offer much-needed social services free of charge such as assistance in obtaining benefits related to Social Security/retirement, disability, Medicare/Medicaid, housing, unemployment, and others. You can find more information on these services HERE.

In addition, the Center offers an Immigration and Legal Services Program with the primary goal of helping newcomers from Poland and Eastern European countries in asylum, family-based, and employment-based immigration proceedings. They have also established a scholarship for talented youth of Polish heritage! You can apply for the scholarship or add to the investment with a donation.

With help from the NYC Department of Aging, the Polish & Slavic Center offers both the JOHN PAUL II FRIENDSHIP CENTER and the KRAKUS SENIOR CENTER. These two centers serve the senior community with a full array of social, health, and wellness programming schedule. Other unique programs offered by the Center include ESL classes, a table tennis club, painting classes, and a cafeteria!

The much needed and enjoyed programs offered at the Polish & Slavic Center can only thrive with your help. We encourage you to consider a donation or support the organization as a volunteer.

For more information, you can visit them on Facebook, visit the Center at 176 Java Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222, or call 718-389-0705.