Tom Diffley

Community Service Society of New York

A strong New York is an equitable New York. Every New Yorker, across income levels, race and ethnicity, and background, shares similar goals. We all want economic well-being, the ability to exercise our rights, and to live with dignity. The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) has worked with and for New Yorkers since 1843 to promote economic opportunity and champion an equitable city and state. We center the voices and experiences of communities of color and people facing economic insecurity, striving to create a more secure future. Through a strategic combination of data-driven research, direct services, and people-driven advocacy, we ensure New Yorkers have the power to create change in their lives and the life of our city and state. Our programs, policy analysis, legal advocacy, and campaigns expand access to health care, safe and affordable housing, employment opportunities, consumer debt assistance, and more—making a tangible difference in the lives of millions. We work with a broad coalition of New Yorkers—from community members, activists, and volunteers to government officials and grassroots organizations—to fight for what matters most, especially to those striving to make ends meet. Our collective victories, like stronger tenant protections, paid sick and family leave for working New Yorkers, and one of the strongest "ban the box" laws in the nation, pave the way for lasting change. We won't stop until New York is a place where those most impacted by injustice have a fair chance to not only survive, but thrive. Join us in powering a more equitable New York by visiting cssny.org.