CAMBA recently celebrated an exciting milestone at the VanDyke Community Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling a brand-new Community Resource Room — a dedicated space designed to expand access to technology, learning, and creative opportunities for the community.
The Community Resource Room was created to provide public access to essential tools that many individuals and families need to thrive in today’s digital world. The space includes computers, Wi-Fi, and audio/visual equipment, making it a valuable hub for residents seeking support with everything from job readiness to remote learning.
A standout feature of the new space is the CAMBA Podcasting Studio, which will offer youth the chance to explore digital storytelling, build media skills, and flex their creative muscles through hands-on audio and video production. At the same time, adults will be able to use the room to brush up on existing technology skills or expand their knowledge through workshops and guided learning opportunities.
“It is great to have the new room open. There’s so much possibility here for the community — it’s a great resource and we want to see it used,” said Valerie Barton-Richardson, President and CEO of CAMBA/CAMBA Housing Ventures. “We’re really happy to have partnered with DOS to make this room possible. We also want to thank NYCHA and DYCD for their longtime partnership and collaboration.”
CAMBA was also honored to welcome several community partners and supporters to the ribbon-cutting celebration, including Thresia Harris, Assistant Commissioner of Community Centers at the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, whose presence underscored DYCD’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community-based resources for New Yorkers.
This new space was made possible thanks to a $50,000 grant from the New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development. The goal of the funding is to remove barriers for individuals who need technology access for career advancement, educational opportunities, social service applications, and other essential digital needs.
At CAMBA, we know that access to technology is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Whether someone is applying for a job, enrolling in classes, navigating benefits systems, or pursuing a passion project, reliable resources can make all the difference. The Community Resource Room is one more way CAMBA is working to ensure that New Yorkers have the tools and support they need to move forward.
Here’s what the Community Resource Room looked like before the renovation:
CAMBA is proud to partner with the community and the State of New York to create spaces that empower residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and open doors to new possibilities.
To learn more about CAMBA’s Cornerstone Community Centers, click here.