Patch Picks: Neighborhood Nonprofit Organizations

Here are your weekly Patch Picks.

Not-for-profit organizations are a great resource for any community. Here's our list of five local groups that are serving the community. 

Spanish Speaking Elderly Council, Raices:

This citywide nonprofit has its main office on Atlantic Avenue as well as a at the .  The Council serves to improve the lives of low-income, Hispanic and black members of the community. Each day at the center, breakfast and lunch are served and games and activities are held. Assistance is provided to the seniors in obtaining city services.

The Arab-American Family Support Center, founded in 1994, provides services for Arab-Americans from all over the city. The center's services include adult literacy courses and education assistance, afterschool programs and housing, health care, immigration and legal assistance.

The Fifth Avenue Committee is a community organization that aims to help residents obtain affordable housing and other services. The committee has developed more than 600 units of affordable housing since it was founded in 1970.

The Brooklyn Greenway Initiative has been working to build a 14-mile bike and pedestrian greenway from Greenpoint to Sunset Park since the late 90s. The group works in all aspects of "greening" Brooklyn, and are currently at work on designs for a .

Founded in 1984 and originally called Brooklyn Parents for Peace, this organization is against nuclear proliferation and war. Brooklyn for Peace advocates for jobs, health care and education. The organization holds an annual Brooklyn Peace Fair, which features public awareness activities and cultural events.