Building a Stronger Community
Brooklyn Metropolis Lions Club President
Lion Astrid Benjamin-Campbell, 2025-2026
I am privileged to be serving as President of the Brooklyn Metropolis Lions Club, Inc. for the Lionistic year 2025-2026 – an organization that I have spent more than 15 years serving, the Brooklyn communities with unwavering compassion, purpose, dedication and initiate satisfaction.
Service ignites something in me that I cannot explain that is continuous and neverending.
I am inspired by the rich legacy of service established by our members both locally and internationally and excited to help shape its future. I look forward to working closely with the devoted Board and members of our Club and the enthusiastic young leaders of our two dynamic LEO Clubs, as we continue to grow our impact together.
Keeping with the guidelines of principles of Lions Clubs International, we are committed to creating a positive impact—locally, globally and internationally—through acts of kindness, service initiatives, and collaborative partnerships that uplift those in need.
Let’s Learn and Lead Together.
Yours in Service,
Lion Astrid Benjamin-Campbell, PRJU, PMJF, CS, ATW
Community Focus: United in Local and Global Impact
Guided by the visionary leadership of Lions Club International, we at the Brooklyn Metropolis Lions Club are committed to “serving a world in need, one act of kindness at a time.” Taking our cue from Lions Clubs International’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we focus our efforts on challenges that matter most to Brooklyn’s diverse communities.
With compassion and purpose, we collaborate closely with local organizations, schools, businesses, and leaders to create meaningful, lasting impact across neighborhoods like Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Flatbush, and East New York, ensuring that every project reflects our commitment to strengthening and empowering the communities we call home.
United in service, our Club works alongside Lions and Leos worldwide, uplifting our community with projects in hunger relief, health and well-being, education, and sustainable development. Every effort is made possible through the unwavering support of our international association and global foundation. Together, we’re committed to empowering communities and building a brighter future for the world we all share.
Our Mission in Action: Areas of Service
Humanitarian Relief: Offering immediate support and resources to those impacted by natural disasters both in the U.S. and across the Caribbean.
Healthcare & Vision: Providing critical health screenings, collaborating with local schools and hospitals to identify and address pressing medical needs.
Hunger Relief: Feeding hundreds of families annually through holiday meals, food baskets, and ongoing partnerships with food banks and local organizations.
Education & Youth Development: Equipping students with essential school supplies, reading materials, and positive role models to foster a brighter future.
Environment: Providing hands on service, and sweat equity, to improve the quality of life for Brooklyn’s residents of all ages.
From healthcare to hunger relief, education to emergency aid, BMLC’s projects are designed to address urgent needs with a compassionate, hands-on approach. Our recent initiatives include:
Where We Serve: Key Areas of Impact
Bedford-Stuyvesant
Bedford-Stuyvesant, a historically Black neighborhood in Brooklyn, has undergone significant changes in recent years. Despite some economic growth, it continues to face challenges related to poverty and gentrification.
The median household income in Bedford-Stuyvesant is $65,000, which is lower than the citywide average. This, combined with a poverty rate of 24.3%, highlights the economic disparities in the neighborhood. Gentrification has led to rising property values, making it difficult for long-time residents to afford housing and contributing to the displacement of many families.
Crown Heights
Crown Heights, a diverse and vibrant neighborhood in Brooklyn, has seen both economic growth and challenges. While it has experienced gentrification, it still faces pockets of poverty.
The median household income in Crown Heights is $81,600, slightly higher than the citywide average. However, the poverty rate of 20.2% indicates that economic disparities persist. Many households in Crown Heights are rent-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent. Additionally, income inequality is a growing issue, with a widening gap between the highest and lowest earners.
East New York
East New York, a predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhood in Brooklyn, continues to face significant economic challenges.
With a median household income of $48,000, well below the citywide average, and a poverty rate of 31.8%, East New York has one of the highest poverty rates in the city. Despite economic development efforts, many residents continue to struggle with limited access to jobs, affordable housing, and other essential resources.
Flatbush
Flatbush, a diverse neighborhood in Brooklyn, has seen economic growth in recent years. While it faces some challenges, its overall economic situation is relatively better compared to other neighborhoods.
The median household income in Flatbush is $70,000, slightly lower than the citywide average. The poverty rate of 18.4% is close to the citywide average. Increased commercial development has contributed to economic growth, but there are still pockets of economic need within the neighborhood.
To learn more about our signature projects and mements of service please click below
Join Us In Service
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, partnering, or donating, there are countless ways to contribute to our mission. Together, we can bring hope, support, and positive change to communities across Brooklyn and beyond.
Join us on this journey of service—because when we work together, we create a lasting impact that transcends borders and strengthens the very fabric of our community.
You can reach us via email please click below to send a note to
Lion Dr. Janille Williams our Club Secretary.
Thank you!
Brooklyn Metropolis Lions Club 