With a new school year now underway, on Saturday, September 10, Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Commissioner Seth Diamond joined 160 parents and children from the Auburn Family Shelter at a luncheon, hosted by Fenimore Church in Brooklyn.

In addition to enjoying a buffet-style lunch, prepared by the church’s own Chef Lola, attendees received new backpacks and school supplies, toiletries and gently used clothing. Entertainment and prizes were also provided on-site.

More than 25 parishioners from the Lefferts Gardens church volunteered their time to make the event a success. However, the unexpected generosity of one young New Yorker lent a special touch to the undertaking. 

Woodside, Queens seventh-grader, Melanie Jelen, collected nearly 100 backpacks from friends and neighbors, as part of a community service prerequisite for soccer camp. Then, going above and beyond her requirements for the sport, she stuffed every bag with school supplies, which she purchased from the earnings she accrued as a dog-walker and cat-sitter.

“I know people who have things and there are lots of people who don’t,” Melanie explained. “It’s good to give back.”

Melanie is the daughter of Fabienne Jelen, a fourth-grade teacher at PS 151.

Coordinated by DHS’ Office of Communications & External Affairs, the event was one of 50 hosted by Fenimore Church throughout its 12-year partnership with the agency. In addition to back-to-school events, the congregation has served approximately 5,000 children and parents from shelter at celebrations tied to Christmas, Easter and other occasions. 

Auburn Family Shelter is one of four sites directly operated by DHS, as opposed to being managed by a non-profit social services provider. The shelter presently houses 73 families, including 360 children. In 2010, DHS completed an $8 million capitol window project to install new storm windows and exterior envelope ceilings at the facility.

“The luncheon is a great opportunity to start the school year off on a positive note,” said Commissioner Diamond. “DHS understands the importance of regular school attendance and wants every student to feel adequately prepared for academic success, regardless of their housing situation. We thank Fenimore Church for sharing this goal with us, and making education a priority within its community.”