It’s been 150 years since the start of Brooklyn Community Services and Janelle Farris is paving the way as the organization’s first Black executive director.

"I'm proud to be here in this position. When young people tell me how excited they are to see me in this role, it is life-affirming,” said Farris.

She says BCS faced massive budget cuts in 2020 and had to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic,  turning most of their programs virtual.

She says the organization has managed to push through those challenges and continue its efforts to help people in need.

"We opened stations across Brooklyn in order to serve people better during this time, and to help them to make it through what continues to be a very difficult time,” said Farris.

In this role, Farris is making a difference in her community through the numerous services provided by BCS and a new task force that aims to boost public trust in the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Vaccine hesitancy is real, especially among people of color. People who have learned through years of knowledge and life experience to distrust the health care system. Our task force is designed to help people to gain confidence through knowledge,” said Farris.

Farris says she hopes to continue to create change in the future.