Cost
Free - No cost to families
Hammel Community Center
Free Cornerstone program for ages 5-18 in Rockaway, Queens, provided by The Child Center of NY
The Child Center of NY’s Hammel Community Center serves as a vital community hub for children, teens, and adults in the Rockaway Peninsula. This free Cornerstone program provides a safe and fun place for community members of all ages to come together in a healthy, enriching environment through education, recreation, and the arts. Working especially with young people (ages 5-18), the center builds character and helps set lifelong goals. This is truly a place to grow, featuring afterschool programs for grades K-5 plus teen and family programming.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 81-14 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Queens, NY 11693 |
| Borough | Queens (Rockaway Peninsula/Hammels) |
| Provider | The Child Center of NY Inc |
| Website | childcenterny.org |
| Phone | (718) 651-7770 |
| info@childcenterny.org |
Age Range
Ages 5-18 (Grades K-12)
Program Type
Cornerstone Community Center
Category
Youth Development
The Child Center of NY’s Cornerstone centers provide comprehensive programming that strengthens children and families:
For Elementary Students (K-5):
- Afterschool programs with homework help
- Educational enrichment activities
- Arts and creative expression
- Recreation and physical activity
- Character building and social skills
- Healthy snacks provided
- Safe supervision until parent pick-up
For Teens:
- Leadership development opportunities
- Community service projects
- Career exploration and planning
- Social and emotional support
- Arts, music, and creative programs
- Sports and recreation
- Safe space with caring adults
For Families & Adults:
- Family events and activities
- Parent workshops and support
- Community connections and resources
- Intergenerational programming
“Strengthening children and families with skills, opportunities, and emotional support to build healthy, successful lives.”
Historical Foundation:
- Founded 1953 as a children’s counseling center in Queens
- Originally focused on mental health services for children
- Expanded over 70+ years to comprehensive family services
- Now one of NYC’s largest providers of youth and family services
Today’s Impact:
- Nearly 60,000 children and families served annually
- 70 locations across NYC plus virtual programming
- Comprehensive services from birth through adulthood
- Evidence-based programs with proven results
- Trauma-informed care throughout all programs
Core Services:
Behavioral Health & Primary Care:
- Individual & family counseling
- Substance use disorder treatment
- 0-5 Early childhood mental health
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)
- OnTrackNY for first episode psychosis
- Military family services
- Primary health care
Early Childhood Education:
- Early Head Start (infants/toddlers)
- Head Start (preschool)
- ParentChild+ home visiting
Youth Development:
- Afterschool enrichment programs
- Summer learning opportunities
- Community schools
- Alternate high schools and internships
- Positive character development
- In-school counseling
Health Homes & Integrated Care:
- Care coordination for complex needs
- Home visiting programs
- Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
Prevention & Family Support:
- School-based early support
- JOBNET employment program
- Benefits access assistance
Residential Services:
- For youth needing higher level of care
Cash+Community Works:
- Direct cash assistance pilot program
- Reducing generational poverty
Recognition:
- GuideStar Gold Transparency
- BBB Accredited Charity
- CCBHC certification
- Numerous foundation and government partnerships
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Visit Hammel Community Center Stop by 81-14 Rockaway Beach Boulevard to tour the facility and meet staff.
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Call The Child Center of NY Contact (718) 651-7770 to inquire about current enrollment and program availability.
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Explore their website Visit childcenterny.org to learn about comprehensive family services.
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Interested in mental health services? Call (718) 358-8288 for behavioral health intake if your family needs counseling or treatment.
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Complete enrollment forms Fill out registration paperwork with emergency contacts and health information.
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Submit required documents Provide proof of age, address, and immunization records.
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Attend orientation Participate in program orientation for youth and families.
Directoryenrollment-packet/
- Youth registration form
- Emergency contact information (minimum 2)
- Medical/health information
- Immunization records
- Proof of age (birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of Queens address
- Photo release consent (optional)
- Pick-up authorization with valid IDs
- IEP or special needs documentation (if applicable)
Rockaway Peninsula location with transit access:
- Subway: Rockaway Park-Beach 116th Street Station (A, S trains) - 1.0 miles
- Bus: Q22, Q35, QM16, QM17 routes serve Rockaway Beach Blvd
- Beach access - Steps from Rockaway Beach
- Bike: Rockaway Beach Boardwalk bike path
- Car: Free street parking; residential neighborhood
Rockaway Beach & Boardwalk
Miles of beach and boardwalk with playgrounds, sports courts, and ocean swimming - right outside! One of NYC’s greatest natural assets.
Seaside Library
Queens Public Library branch at 116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard with programs and resources (1.0 miles)
100th Precinct
NYPD at 92-24 Rockaway Beach Boulevard with community policing (0.7 miles)
FDNY Engine 268
Fire station at 137-45 Rockaway Beach Boulevard (3.5 miles)
- Key Food - 108-20 Rockaway Beach Boulevard (1.8 miles)
- Food Town - Arverne area
- Waldbaum’s/Stop & Shop - Nearby shopping centers
- Rockaway Beach Blvd Shopping - Local shops and services
- Cross Bay Bridge - Access to mainland Queens shopping
The Hammel Community Center serves families on the Rockaway Peninsula, a unique barrier island community in Queens. This beach neighborhood offers:
Unique Community:
- Beach Living - Only beachfront neighborhood in Queens
- Tight-knit Community - Strong sense of identity and resilience
- Seasonal Character - Bustling summers, quiet winters
- Recovery & Renewal - Community rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy (2012)
- Diverse Population - Mix of longtime residents, new families, and service workers
Natural Assets:
- Rockaway Beach - Miles of Atlantic Ocean beach
- Boardwalk - Walking, running, biking path
- Gateway National Recreation Area - Federal park land
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge - Nature preserve
- Water sports - Surfing, kayaking, fishing
Community Resources:
- Improving schools
- Growing number of community organizations
- New developments and businesses post-Sandy
- Strong volunteer networks
- Community gardens and green spaces
Challenges & Resilience:
- Hurricane Sandy Impact - Community devastated in 2012
- Rebuilding Efforts - Significant progress in recovery
- Economic Challenges - Working-class neighborhood
- Geographic Isolation - Limited transit connections
- Community Strength - Remarkable resilience and mutual support
For Families:
- Beach access year-round
- Outdoor lifestyle opportunities
- Strong community bonds
- Growing services and programs
- Affordable compared to other beach communities
The Hammel Community Center serves as a crucial anchor institution, providing stability, support, and opportunities for families in this unique beachfront community.
Last Updated: November 25, 2025