Women’s Center returns to Fort Totten

The Center for the Women of New York, a non-profit resource and referral organization, is getting its own home at Fort Totten … again.
Founder Ann Jawin announced on Monday, December 3, that the group, which has operated out of a small office in Queens Borough Hall for 20 years, had concluded a license agreement with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks Department), for the landmark building at 207 Totten Avenue in Bayside.
Earlier, Jawin’s group had the temporary use of a building in the section of the fort which was eventually taken over by the Fire Department.
After investing a substantial amount of money and time to renovate the structure and make it more welcoming for domestic violence victims, Jawin carried on a long-running but ultimately futile campaign to stay at that location.
“We are very excited,” Jawin said of the agreement, adding, “We have many exciting ideas for this building to act as a strong motivational force and as a “think tank” for important programs for women.”
Jawin said that she would personally thank the many public officials and others who helped her at a formal announcement on December 14, at the Fort Totten Chapel.
Appropriations of some $1.2 million were necessary for renovation, and a pledge of an additional $300,000 for installation of an elevator for the physically challenged had to be made to secure the agreement with the Parks Department.
Jawin has already singled out State Assemblymember Ann-Margaret Carrozza for pledging $75,000 for the elevator and other funding. She also made a special point of mentioning Supreme Court Justice Duane Hart; City Councilmember David Weprin; Assemblymember William Scarborough and Borough President Helen Marshall for their efforts and support.
The new Conference, Resource and Learning Center is in a landmark historical building, and when the renovation is complete, will feature an area devoted to women’s history, workshops on issues important to women’s welfare, job training, educational opportunities, career exploration and support groups.
These include a Job Club, Legal Resource Service, Financial Clinic, Support Group for Women in Transition, Starting Your Own Business and networking opportunities.
There will be a number of offerings available for women in the areas of health, nutrition, and park-related activities, according to Jawin.