Since 1984, non-profit organization Overcoming-Love Ministries (OCLM) has proudly served New York City communities, directing individuals to housing, meals, recovery services, medical care and general assistance.
Launching its partnership with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) in 1999, OCLM now operates two Brooklyn-based shelters, serving 40 homeless families every night. At these shelters, parents and children receive a range of supports, including comprehensive case management, links to public benefits, employment services and assistance with their housing search, as they work to return to the community in homes of their own.
Beyond traditional shelter services, OCLM also proudly operates the Liberty Café - an innovative restaurant and soup kitchen that serves approximately 400-500 nutritionally-balanced, hot lunches daily to the East New York area, free of charge. This year alone, the Café will provide approximately 90,000 meals, with more than one-third of those served coming from as far as Manhattan and Staten Island - demonstrating the operation's widespread impact on low-income New Yorkers.
Since its opening in 2009, the Café has not only aimed to promote proper nutrition, but has also functioned as a critically-important neighborhood hub, evaluating the needs of its patrons and referring them to appropriate services and programs in the community. The Café also educates households about DHS' Homebase homelessness prevention program, helping them to realize that shelter is not their only option. In addition, it refers guests to physical fitness centers for youth, educational programs for adults and rehabilitation services for those with histories of substance abuse or law enforcement involvement. With on-site visitations from New York State-certified dieticians/ nutritionists, and a physician, the Liberty Café seeks to improve the health and well-being of the whole person, making it a true asset to those in need.
Building on its commitment to health and wellness, OCLM also opened its Research Center for Allergies and Asthma Clinic in May 2013. Located in Brooklyn, the walk-in facility has already treated hundreds of adults and children, reducing their asthma symptoms and offering valuable medical assistance.
DHS is proud to partner with OCLM, as it carries out its mission on a daily basis and demonstrates its commitment to homeless and low-income New Yorkers.