Needham A. Mayes is the founder of New Concepts Community Support Services. His responsibilities include but are not limited to R eferrals, A dvocacy, C ounseling, E ntitlement, and S ervices. Dr. Mayes has dedicated himself to empowering the community in which he resides (Bed-Stuy / Brownsville / East New York) Brooklyn . On most days he can be found distributing condoms to anyone who will receive them. When he is not meeting with a client, Dr. Mayes is attending community meetings to gather information and disseminate it throughout the neighborhood.

For nearly two decades Needham A. Mayes have been instrumental in fighting for social injustices. Every since he was a young boy growing up in New Bern North Carolina , he has witnessed the down falls of society. The very same problems that existed then continue to plague us today. Lack of quality health care, poor health conditions/disease, crime and poverty are still alive. These problems are not distant. They dwell right outside, and in some instances inside of our own homes.

Dr. Mayes' dedication to making change starts with himself. He overcame many obstacles in his life. Met with much resistance, he maintained his steadfast focus. His efforts to revise the status quo embarked his persistence. At the age of 40, Needham defied the odds and completed his education. He obtained his (AS) Associate of Arts in 1977 from Adelphi University , (BA) Bachelors of Arts in 1979 from Adelphi University , (MSW) Master of Social Work in 1989 from Adelphi University , and his (PHD) Doctor of Philosophy w/ distinction in social work in 2000 from Suffield University . In addition, his post graduate education consists of studies at: Brooklyn College , Medgar Evers College , New York Technical College, Boriqua College , New York Connection, and South Oaks. He holds several certificates as well. Certified Social Worker, Diplomat- American College of Professionals, South Oaks Institute on alcohol Studies and Alcoholism Counseling, Addiction Practicum - Albert Ellis Institute, Master Social Work Addiction Counselor (MSWAC) Community Society of New York , Joint Public Action Committee for Older Adults (JPAC), Institute for Senior Action Leadership Training (IFSA), Certified Clinical Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJIS) Education Provider - National Association of Forensic Counselors (NAFC)

While completing his education was key to paving the way for a better today, Needham took a hands on approach to combating the ills of racism, disease, crime and poverty. He held several jobs at organizations that upheld the same values pertaining to quality of life issues. He was employed at the Association of Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT), where he was a consultant and provided individual Psychotherapy, advocacy, and referrals. He also worked as a Social Worker for New York City Affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism. Prior to that he was employed as a Counselor for Bedford Stuyvesant CMHC (HALFWAY HOUSE), His extensive resume is a reflection of his works and his skills, and dedication to helping people. Dr. Mayes' esteemed work is exemplified in his willingness to give of himself daily. He attributes much of his deeds to his parents and his affiliations; Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Ordained Deacon - Siloam Presbyterian Church (USA), Alcoholics Anonymous, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ( NAACP ) .

ONIDA COWARD MAYERS

Ms Mayers is the Executive Director/Coordinator of the New York City Voter Assistance Commission. VAC is the first government agency in the country created to fulfill the nonpartisan mission of promoting voter participation.

Ms. Mayers is responsible for designing and implementing voter initiatives for the City of New York. Partnering with government agencies, good government and groups along with corporate leaders Ms. Mayers enhances the quality of voter participation in the New York City electoral process such as addressing the growing language access issues affecting voting New Yorkers, creating strategic initiatives to benefit underserved communities.

In 2006, Ms. Mayers created and launched with major support from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg the City’s first ever Voter Awareness Month (VAM) program a five-borough coordinated campaign to promote voter education, awareness and participation. Now in its fourth season, Voter Awareness Month continues to hold civic engagement forums and voter registration drives aimed at encouraging New Americans, Young New Yorkers and Underrepresented Populations to become more civically involved and to exercise their right to vote.

In 2005, Ms Mayers launched with major support from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg the City’s first ever-Video Voter Guide (VVG) program. The Video Voter Guide is an exciting and new way for voters to access information about those candidates seeking to represent them. Helping New Yorkers connect to the democratic process central to the mission of VAC and the VVG will be particularly helpful to voters looking for information in the races for citywide, borough wide and borough based seats. The program transmitted on NYC-TV was provided in English, Spanish, Chinese and Korean.

Prior to joining the NYC Voter Assistance Commission, Ms. Mayers was the Founding Director of Brooklyn Community Access Television BCAT where she led the design, construction, launch and daily management of the 10,000 square foot multi-media television station along with its four channels.

In November of 2003 Ms. Mayers guest curated “Our Journey, Our Stories, Our Panama”, an art exhibit designed to celebrate the Afro Panamanian Experience. The exhibit featured the works of nine extremely talented Panamanian artists. Over 500 people visited the exhibit and payed homage to the 100,000 Caribbean men and women who traveled to Panama to play a significant role in Panama’s history and future.

Ms Mayers is the married to Gregorio Mayers, Esq. a senior policy advisor for the Office of the Mayor. They live in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, with their two young children, Carlos and Lavoneia. Ms Mayers holds an MBA from Bernard Baruch College and a B.A. in Communications from Buffalo State College.

Blondell Lighty has worked with  Senior Level Corporate Officers for many years, and is currently employed with Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc, in the Office of the Chairman. Prior to joining Con Edison , Ms. Lighty served in various capacities in the Media Industry. She worked with organizations such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Broadcast Music Inc (BMI) and American Online. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Civic Engagement Committee for the NAACP , Brooklyn Branch.  The Civic Engagement Committee works to increase participation of African Americans in the democratic process through the elimination of barriers that impede their full civic engagement.

Ms. Lighty is also Co-Chair of the Community Relations Committee of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, New York Metropolitan Area Chapter (AABE-NYMAC). AABE is a non-profit, national organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with chapters throughout the country.  It is an association of energy professionals dedicated to ensuring the input of minorities into the discussion and development of energy policies , regulations, R&D technologies, entrepreneurial opportunities and environmental issues.  The Community Relations Committee of AABE-NYMAC is responsible for developing strategies for marketing events and activities for the membership and other interested persons or organizations outside of the Chapter. The Committee is also involved in mentoring and other community service projects .

Ms. Lighty is also currently involved with The White House Project .  The White House Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that aims to advance women's leadership in all communities and sectors—up to the U.S. presidency—by filling the leadership pipeline with a richly diverse, critical mass of women Blondell Lighty received a Bachelor's Degree from the New York Institute of Technology , and a Master's Degree in Organizational Psychology from Brooklyn College .

Ms. Lighty is originally from Hartsville, SC, and is a member of the Butler Heritage Foundation .  She currently resides in Brooklyn, NY and is a member and volunteer staff of the Christian Cultural Center .