Robin Sirota Bassin, LMSW is Southside United HDFC-Los Sures’ longtime Social Services Director. She recently served as the organization’s Acting Executive Director.
Robin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Spanish from Georgetown University in 1989. She volunteered with returning exiles in South Africa then returned to New York City, working at an American Red Cross-operated homeless shelter. She studied Community Organizing at Hunter College School of Social Work, earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work, in 1994. Shortly thereafter, she joined the staff of Southside United HDFC-Los Sures, a community-based organization serving the predominantly Latino community in the South side of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Robin created the organization’s Social Services Program and has led the Social Services Department, as its Director, for the past twenty-two years. While serving as the Acting Executive Director, Robin will continue to fulfill her duties as Social Services Director, overseeing the Los Sures ‘David Santiago’ Senior Center, the Service Coordination at the two senior buildings, and the casework staff at the Social Services Office, which includes an Emergency Food Pantry, hydroponic farm, and chicken project. Robin is actively involved in various activities addressing seniors, welfare reform, hunger programs and domestic violence, aimed at improving the lives of low-income people.
Robin co-founded the North Brooklyn Coalition Against Family Violence and served as the organization’s Chairperson for 9 years, currently serving as the Board Secretary.