This Giving Tuesday, two local nonprofits teamed up to give back to a historic Brooklyn organization.
On Nov. 28, volunteers with the Federation of Organizations worked alongside Baltic Street Wellness Solutions, a mental health support group in Brooklyn, to beautify the MacDonough Street headquarters of the United Order of Tents, a Bed-Stuy women’s organization that has been serving the community since 1848. Volunteers bundled up on the chilly autumn morning to do some yard work, landscaping, and general maintenance around the Order.
When looking for a place to serve on Giving Tuesday — an annual day dedicated to giving back after the Thanksgiving holiday — Samantha Matkovsky, director of marketing and communications at the Federation of Organizations, said United Order of Tents stuck out due to their outstanding history of service to Brooklynites.
“We wanted to find an organization that was doing good for other people, as that’s our foundation as well,” Matkovsky told Brooklyn Paper. “They’ve helped women, they’ve helped children, they’ve helped families, they tend to the sick — their goals vastly align with ours. And we wanted to have that sort of impact with the community.”
The Order is the oldest Black women’s society in the U.S., and strives to “feed the hungry, tend to the sick, bury the dead, help raise children and care for the elderly,” according to its website. In the Order purchased the historic mansion at 87 MacDonough St. to serve as its headquarters — but the building has fallen into disrepair over the years.
Despite the organization continuously pouring into the community through various support services they have struggled to maintain their space. In 2022, the org was forced to launch a GoFundMe in an effort to raise $200,000 to make needed repairs and renovations.
Matkovsky and her team stepped up to give them the same love and care they have given to the community. She said she hopes the collaboration will create change within the actual community and environment as tons of people pass by this location daily.
“It’s just a matter of supporting those who support others. We wanted to really increase the amount of support that we could give,” she said.
Barbara Faron, CEO of the Federation of Organizations, said the day was an “extraordinary experience” in collaboration, community-building, and supporting others.
“[The Order’s] historic impact is nothing short of profound and their significance continues to grow,” Faron said. “Beyond the act of giving, we share a common mission — to serve our community, advocate for justice, and collectively contribute to creating a better world. Seen on Giving Tuesday and beyond, there is a sense of togetherness that’s irreplaceable when we’re working together as a community.”
Essie Gregory, president and executive board for the eastern district grand tent with the Order, shared her appreciation for the volunteer’s help in sprucing up their property.
“It is exceptional and a beautiful sight to behold. Our property is the most decorated and stand-out house on the block,” Gregory said. “We’re grateful to have others support us on our journey.”
(Update 12/01/2013 at 10:14 a.m.): This story has been updated to allow comment from United Order of Tents.
