NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – BronxWorks, a nonprofit that provides a wide array of services ranging from housing assistance to food security, workforce development, and legal services for immigrants, has been led by CEO Eileen Torres, who has been at the forefront of the organization’s growth and impact, serving the Bronx community for nearly three decades.
A Bronx native with Puerto Rican roots, Torres has always felt a deep connection to her community, shaped by her upbringing and a desire to give back.
“I think I get that more from my father,” Torres told 1010 WINS anchor Lynda Lopez in a special interview for Hispanic Heritage Month. “We were a family in an apartment building with a car, and not everyone had one, so he was always helping neighbors with errands. That sense of community, of supporting one another, was something I grew up with and wanted to carry into my work.”
Torres first joined BronxWorks in 1995, starting out in a legal role. She initially had a different career in mind, planning to work with migrant farmers and defend their rights. “I came to BronxWorks, and it completely changed my life,” Torres said. Since then, she has held several roles, eventually becoming the CEO in 2014.
The nonprofit helps tens of thousands of Bronx residents each year, and Torres has witnessed the organization grow exponentially since she started.
“When I started, we were just beginning to grow,” Torres explained. “We had a few senior centers, two shelters for homeless families, and some walk-in offices. Now, we’ve expanded to serve 60,000 individuals and families a year.”
Food insecurity remains a major issue for the Bronx, something Torres highlighted as a constant challenge. “The Bronx is both food insecure and a food desert,” Torres said. “We try to bring in healthy food through farm stands and partnerships, but access to nutritious food is still very limited.”
In 2023, BronxWorks distributed nearly 40,000 bags of food, serving over 429,000 meals, according to the organization’s website. The nonprofit also helped nearly 7,000 individuals with rent arrears, preventing eviction and ensuring housing stability.
Beyond providing essential services, BronxWorks also has initiatives to inspire and empower the youth in their programs. The nonprofit has hosted prominent figures such as actor John Leguizamo and astronaut Joseph Acaba to share their stories with the children.
“When Joe Acaba came, the kids were in awe. They got to see someone who looked like them and came from a similar background, doing incredible things like going to space,” Torres said. “It’s moments like these that can change a young person’s life.”
Acaba, the first Puerto Rican astronaut, visited BronxWorks after returning from the International Space Station. He shared videos of his experience, including one of him making pizza in space, which the children loved. “He brought parts of his space suit, and the kids were so excited to see it,” Torres said.
For Torres, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing the long-term impact BronxWorks has on the community. “We hope to serve as role models, especially for the young people who come through our programs,” Torres said. “I love hearing from people who came through our programs as kids and are now working here as staff. That’s incredibly rewarding.”
During the pandemic, Torres and her executive team worked in the food pantries when volunteers were scarce. “It was tough, but it was also a reminder of why we do this work. People were so grateful for the help,” she said. “Even something as simple as giving someone a bag of food can make a huge difference in their lives.”
BronxWorks continues to focus on addressing the evolving needs of the Bronx, especially in housing and employment. The organization’s commitment to the Latino community remains strong, with 60% of those they serve identifying as Latino.
“There’s always more to do,” Torres acknowledged. “But I’m proud of the work we’ve done and the lives we’ve touched. Every day, we strive to make the Bronx a better place for everyone, and that’s what keeps us going.”