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Nonprofit Finds Permanent Home to Connect Generations in Brooklyn

 Nonprofit Bailey's Cafe is moving into a permanent location on Malcolm X Boulevard. The organization provides after school, arts, and community service programs for the youth and elderly residents of Central Brooklyn.
Nonprofit Bailey's Cafe is moving into a permanent location on Malcolm X Boulevard. The organization provides after school, arts, and community service programs for the youth and elderly residents of Central Brooklyn.
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Bailey's Cafe

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — An educational nonprofit aimed at bridging the gap between Brooklyn's children and elderly residents has found a permanent home in Bed-Stuy.

Bailey’s Café, which offers after-school, arts and community-service programs, will open its own space on Malcolm X Boulevard for the first time in 11 years. 

“After years of searching for a place to call home, we had actually given up,” said Stefanie Siegel, the organization’s executive director and founder.

“Now we’re in a moment of real excitement, looking forward to having a space where people can be comfortable, inquisitive and creative.”

The nonprofit currently operates out of local schools and senior centers, including an arts residency at Gotham Professional Arts Academy and services at the Fort Greene Senior Citizens Council.

Bailey’s Cafe’s new location will provide a place of solace for locals, Siegel said.

“The idea is to finally have a gathering for folks in the community and connect generations to nurture individuals,” she added.

The 1,800-square-foot storefront at 324 Malcolm X Blvd. will allow the organization to bring back their inter-generational performance group and choir, as well as create a venue for cultural workshops.

Through Bailey’s programs, students as young as 9 are able to foster bonds with older residents, Siegel said. Small groups meet for mentoring pow-wows, which include sessions that pair boys with veterans to share life experiences.

Teens are also encouraged to participate in community-service activities like Errands for Elders, where youth assist residents with day-to-day chores.

In anticipation of the April 25 grand opening, the organization launched an online campaign to raise $30,000 for equipment and renovations to the new headquarters.

For more information, visit the Bailey’s Café website.