Volume 25 • Summer 2007

Scholars go into the streets for HOPE Count 2007

n any given night in , over 35,000 people, O both children and adults are in shelters. Thousands Wof additional homeless spend their time outside of shelters, in public places, on the hottest days and coldest nights. This last January, some of this year’s Public Service Scholars also spent part of a night on the streets, an experi- ence that was chilling both physically and intellectually.

In 2004, Mayor Bloomberg introduced a five-year plan to reduce the number of people living in shelter and on the city’s streets by two-thirds by 2009. He called the plan “Uniting for Solutions Beyond Shelter.” A major part is an annual survey, the Homeless Outreach Population Estimate, or HOPE. It seeks to estimate consistently from year to year all those living on city streets, in parks, subways, and other public spaces in the five boroughs. According to the Commissioner of Homeless Services, Robert V. Hess, “HOPE is not just about counting people or adding up numbers; HOPE is about reaching out to those men and women who most need our help.”

This census is a key tool in evaluating strategies to end Scholars Melissa Ramirez and Ines Robles homelessness; its results help determine budget allocations and develop housing resources. Over 2,500 volunteers are The 2007 survey estimated 3,755 people were living on the needed each year for this sweep. On the appointed evening, streets. This total, disclosed May 2, was 2% less than the volunteers meet at sites through the five boroughs for a brief 3,843 estimated in 2006, and 15% less than 2005, the first orientation and training. Under supervision of a team leader year that the Department of Homeless Services covered the with social service or previous HOPE experience, volunteers entire City. The 2007 results, however, showed that while are urged to record the number of people sleeping unshel- most boroughs stayed even or decreased in terms of people tered and to approach everyone else they encounter to ask living on streets or in parks, there was a significant rise in the questions about the respondents’ housing situation. They number of homeless in the subways. also are told to offer transportation to a shelter to anyone willing to accept it, or to call 311 if anyone is at imminent risk Since the homeless in the subway system are currently the from the cold or other health problems. Teams then disperse responsibility of the MTA and their outreach team, MTA in assigned geographic areas to work from midnight to 4 a.m., Connections, one result of this year’s count will be closer accompanied by a police escort for neighborhoods that coordination between the DHS and MTA teams. Starting with warrant it. Select volunteers, not known to the counters, also an initiative in Penn Station, the transit area with the highest pose as homeless people to help gauge the accuracy of the concentration of unsheltered homeless, efforts will be made total estimate and allows the Department of Homeless working across agencies to incorporate below ground Services to adjust its final estimate.

Continued on page three A view from the DIRECTOR’S CHAIR by Elaine M. Walsh, Ph.D.

was delighted to get back into A particularly exciting night came on because of alumni involvement. A list of I full swing at the Public Service January 29, with the city’s annual some of our alumni in this field can be I Scholar Program after my sab- Homeless Outreach Population Estimate found on pages four and five, with batical last year. The time was well- (HOPE). As detailed on our cover, this is a focus on two alumni, Magdalena spent researching my book about the Mayor Bloomberg’s initiative to estimate O’Campo-Franco and Arlene Aviles. impact of the program on our alumni. I the number of unsheltered people around had the opportunity to reconnect with the city so that services can be improved or Lastly, I cannot thank our generous scholars from years ago, many of whom devised that will ultimately decrease the friends enough. Every year is a challenge are now involved in exciting careers in homeless population. What an experience for us to raise funds to cover expenses. public service. In addition to participating this was for the scholars who volunteered! While provides in-kind in my research, the alumni discussions It was yet another way to understand support, we must raise over $200,000 reinforced my beliefs about the effects the needs of a most vulnerable population from individuals, foundations, corporations the program had on their career choices, in the city. Comments from the volun- and government sources to continue our again making me proud to be a part of teers are also found on page three. activities. Our alumni attest over and this important work. over the value of the Public Service I am happy this issue highlights the Scholar Program for their career devel- This year’s scholars are following in that many alumni who have found their calling opment, which is a true testament to the same route of making the most of their in social work. A few scholars every year program’s importance for these scholars, time in the program to prepare for jobs continue to pursue social work, a field and countless people and institutions or continued education after graduation. always seeking committed professionals who benefit from the assistance of Many share their future plans on page to make differences in the lives of others. alumni. We appreciate every donation five. New York City’s public service Our alumni have established their roots and consider our donors integral to workforce will continue to benefit from a in various social work areas in our city— the future sustainability and growth of strong cohort of dedicated leaders from hospitals, schools, non-profit and state our program. the graduating class. agencies, which are all much stronger

DEDICATED TO OUR MISSION SUPPORT THE Public Service Scholar Program The Public Service Scholar Program, a leadership program, seeks to improve our cities and the lives of Please consider supporting the work of our scholars. people by preparing talented undergraduates for Every dollar is greatly appreciated. careers in the public and nonprofit sectors. Housed in Please make checks payable to: the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning at Hunter College Foundation for the Public Service Scholar Program Hunter College, the 18-credit, full academic year program gives these students, especially women and minority- Contributions can be mailed to: group members, an opportunity to explore public service Dr. Elaine M. Walsh, Director through internships in government agencies, legislative Public Service Scholar Program offices and nonprofit organizations. Scholars participate Hunter College in academic seminars on city government and public 695 Park Avenue New York, NY 10021 policy. The PSSP receives external funds to support the program, including funding for stipends for our scholars. Please call 212-772-5599 with credit card donations. Without this help, our students could not participate. Thank you for your belief in our mission!

2 HIGHLIGHTS

Scholars in Albany

n March, four current Public Service Scholars—Melanie centers and senior programs throughout the state to discuss current I Dulfo, Yvette Almaguer, Melissa Ramirez and Tyrone issues involving Medicaid and other government programs. WThomas—traveled to Albany to tell legislators their concerns about two vulnerable groups in New York City, its Yvette, Melissa and Tyrone advocated on behalf of the Citizens’ children and senior citizens. Committee for Children of New York (CCC). Yvette, a scholar at CCC, helped to make many of the arrangements for the Albany Melanie attended a legislative conference held by the New York effort. The scholars particularly pressed for increased budget State Coalition for the Aging. She accompanied others from her allocations for child health and welfare programs. Yvette said: internship agency, the Council of Senior Centers and Services of “The experience was amazing. I learned the step-by-step process New York. The topic of the conference was “The World of Long of being an effective advocate from an organization that has Term Care Is Changing: Community-Based Services Are on the advocacy down to an art. The meetings with the legislators Forefront.” Officials from government agencies and legislators gave me insight to the world of politics vs. policy and legislation met with 50 leaders from nonprofit community-based senior vs. budget.”

End of Year Celebration

n May 7th at the City Hall Council Chambers, Public O Service Scholar alumni, program staff members, friends, Winternship supervisors and City Council members gathered to celebrate the accomplishments and graduation of the 2007 scholars.

2007 Public Service Scholars

NYC Council Members David Weprin and Charles Barron Dr. Susan Nayowith, director of advocacy in the NYC address students and guests at award ceremony. Department of Homeless Services, was acknowledged for her leadership of the PSSP during the past year.

7 THANK YOU: Our program thrives because of you

Many thanks to the following contributors of the Public Service Scholar Program. This listing represents total giving during the time period of July 1, 2005 — May 31, 2007.

$100,000 New York Industrial Wendy Cortez Anne and Sidney Emerman New York Assembly Member Retention Network Evelyn Davidson Susan Frohlich Herman D. Farrell, Jr. Palladia Joan DiBlasi Paulette Geanacopoulos Ann S. Kheel Charitable Trust Elaine M. Walsh Jack Doyle Phyllis Glantz Kim and Andre Floyd Hadassah Gold $20,000-$39,000 $500–$999 Phoebe C. Flynn Lidia Groblewska Helena Rubinstein Foundation Kumkum Ahluwalia Yvette Furman Timothy B. Harwood United Way of New York City Boston Foundation Helene Goldfarb Wendell Hauser Barbara Brenner Maria Herrera Maria Herrera $10,000-$19,999 John and Marie Dacey Barbara Janes Paula Horowitz Anonymous Antoinette D’Orazio Peggy Jurow Ana Hristova David and Karen Blumenthal Virginia C. Fields Florence Kasman Suzie Jary Citizens’ Committee for Pauline Gray Steven Kaye and Miriam Joseph Children Barbara Grodd Linda Rubin Kaye Nikola Kapovic New York State Assembly Judith M. Kaplan Anthony J. King Joseph and Ruth LaCascia Member Alexander B. Arlene Kendall Catherine Heller-Lenihan Man Yee Leung Pete Grannis Ronnie Kessler Joan Lewis Thailary Lim Henry J. Kaiser Foundation, Kenea Letts Antonios Likourezos Kelly Amerson Lopez on behalf of Donna Shalala Carol Richards and Literacy, Inc. Anissa Mak New York State Senator Steven Mermey Man Wai Lun Yvonne Mbewe Liz Krueger Neighborhood Family Patricia Mackey Carina Medici Delegation, Services Coalition Hon. Miguel Martinez Beverly Medici New York State Assembly Vision Services for the Blind Brenda McGowan Miranda Reilly New York City Department Wall Street Rising and Shana Fox Martin Calabrese-Mencher of Youth and Community Noah Pfefferblit City Council Member Gwendolyn Nieves Development Donald C. Wallerson, M.D. Rosie Mendez Erica Papendorf-Bustos The Richards Family Fund Hon. Ruth Messinger Kamilah Parsons at Long Island Community $250–$499 Walter and Emilee Metlitz Renee Piechocki Foundation Georgette Clarke Claire Miller Penelope W. Pi-Sunyer New York Assembly Member Adele Conner Susan Nayowith Beverly M. Post Pete Grannis Terry Drucker Alicia Noel Janice Puner Sheila B. Kamerman New York City Department Eva Rios $5,000–$9,999 Arlene Kendall of Homeless Services Susan Scannell Baby Buggy Dee Livingston Dan O’Neil Alisa M. Schierman Miriam P. Burns Thomas Maiorano Lori Richards Judith Schneider New York City Council Marjorie McCarty Adrienne Ryder Gloria Beline Smith Member Daniel R. Garodnick Linda Meaney Mathew Schiffgens Mildred Spieser Ivan Seidenberg Foundation Muriel C. Reed Barbara Schoetzau Cynthia Stuen New York State Senator Patricia E. Richards Ronald Schulman Selma Topel Jose M. Serrano Goddard Riverside Anne Seifried Sara Whitehead Community Center Betsy Wade Helen Yanolatos $1,000–$4,999 Barbara and Stanley Peter and Suzanne Walsh Shirley Zimmett Agenda for Children Silverstone Mark Windley Tomorrow Irma J. Wright American Jewish $100–$249 Judith Zabar Matching Contributions World Service Susan Alt Lucille Zarin were received from Big Brothers Big Sisters Jean Banton the following: of New York City Pamela Barnhart Up to $99 Bronx Council on the Arts Richard Behrendt Ralph Andrew New York Times Foundation Chinese American Renee Blumenthal Kamelia Angelova Sony Electronics Inc. Planning Council City Council Member Bernice Baxter Dorothy Epstein Gale A. Brewer Susan Bellinger *We sincerely apologize for Ursula Mahoney Aarti Bridgelal Florence Belsky anyone we may not have Manhattan Delegation, Ann Burack-Weiss Joanne Berger included. Please contact City Council Catskill Pharmacy Howard and Miriam Berman our Program Office at New York City Department Roslyn Chernesky Kimber Bogard 212-772-5599 if you were of Small Business Services James Collin and Phillis Caroff not acknowledged. Pat Brownell Eleonora Demetrio Kathryn Conroy Yessica Diaz-Roman

6 HOPE Count Continued from front cover the innovative techniques that have been so successful order (though I realize the cost of such enumerations on streets and in parks over the past two years. must be high and may not be the best use of DHS/City funds.”).

For those scholars who participated this year, the experience Claudia Chan was assigned to the Upper East Side near will not easily be forgotten. “I was a decoy in the Northeast Hunter College. “It was a cold night,” she says. “Homeless Bronx,” Melanie Dulfo says. “It was definitely one of the most people were either in the subway station or inside cardboard interesting nights I've spent in New York. While I will never boxes. It was an experience that makes me more interested fully understand what people who become homeless go about the homeless and what compels an individual to sleep through, I can say that I walked in their shoes for one night. in the shivering cold as opposed to going to a shelter.” And it was harder, much harder, than I thought it would be. The cold, the isolation, and the fear made for an incredibly Richard David sees it as “a fantastic experience. I was posted humbling experience. I remember thinking at the end how as a decoy along with a student from N.Y.U. We were dressed badly I wanted to use the restroom and feeling shy of going in very old, destroyed looking clothes and sat on cardboard into a gas station to do so. I thought of all those people who boxes in a corner under a construction site in the freezing cold. We arrived at 10 pm for the count at the Columbia School of Public Service and were deployed to our respective sites at 11:30 pm. We were found by a group of about five volunteers at 1 am. We were the second pair of decoys to be found, which showed that the count was accurate and well planned and administered, at least in this regard. Overall, the experience was unrivaled by anything I had ever done or participated in and I would consider it again next year.”

Mardeen Cortorreal was stationed as a decoy in the South Bronx. “I learned the true value of a good home and good employ- ment," he says. “I will always remember that what I did that day was by choice, which is far from an option to some people who have undergone similar circumstances around the world.”

It was an overall good experience for Ines Robles. "I learned to appreciate what I have because we were cold and we wanted Scholar Josh Thomas with Deputy Mayor to go home. We wanted to go home because we had a place to for Health and Human Services Linda Gibbs call home — the homeless don’t. I also learned that is not easy to would come into stores to use the bathroom, and you would compile the statistics about how many unsheltered homeless know they were homeless, and a bubble of space appeared are out there. It takes brave volunteers to go out there in the around them. People would turn away, wrinkling their noses, middle of the night and do the survey. The night of the count or they would pretend not to see the person. More than the is cold and dangerous, but there are still people who are willing embarrassment, it was the isolation that bothered me. When to do it." you become homeless, people automatically erase you from their vision.” Melissa Ramirez had this to report: "The experience was very interesting. It was something I never did before, so I felt Josh Thomas found that the Count left him with more ques- uncomfortable because I did not know what to expect. The tions than answers. “What bothers me the most is the team worked very well together. Every one was nice and Department of Homeless Services decision to count the considerate of each other. Our team did not have pens or homeless at a time of year when only the hardcore homeless identification that stated HOPE Count 2007. People that we would be on the streets. While it is absolutely critical that this stopped on the street had no idea about HOPE 2007. My population be identified and brought into shelters, what about recommendation is that the Count be held during the spring people who experience seasonal homelessness? What about time. I believe the count is inadequate. We as volunteers are people who might be able to crowd into someone else’s home not allowed to go to abandoned homes, alleys etc. for safety rea- when it is bitter cold outside but who are otherwise homeless sons, but I believe in this type of cold weather many homeless and unable to maintain year-round living quarters? It seems people will be there. There also should be more advertise- to me that quarterly or at least semi-annual counts are in ment about the Count.”

3 ALUMNI IN ACTION: Strengthening the city through social work

‘97 steady flow of Public Service MAGDALENA O’CAMPO-FRANCO A Scholars goes into the field of Wsocial work. While such careers After graduating from the Public Service Scholar Program, Magdalena O’Campo-Franco encompass an array of jobs in the city, earned a scholarship from the city’s Department of Education to study for a master’s degree in social work at . The scholarship was targeted at bilingual our alumni seem to gravitate toward applicants who would commit to working in the school system. work that assists those in particular need of help. This issue of the newsletter Since earning her degree, she has been a bilingual social worker and she now works at provides an opportunity to identify and two elementary schools in Brooklyn for the Committee on Special Education of the city’s education department. Her main task is to assess the educational disabilities of children acknowledge those scholars who have identified as needing special help in the classroom. This involves working with the chosen to become professional social children and their parents, in addition to seeking out services for children needing workers. There are 31 scholars that educational and mental health support. Magdalena also provides counseling to the have graduated from graduate programs general student population. She particularly provides crisis intervention for students in Social Work. Two most recent scholars faced with multiple issues such as potential suicide, family violence or peer pressure. are currently attending graduate school Magdalena is also involved in the William Randolph Hearst Program for nurses, social and in September two more will also workers, and other health care professionals. She earned a scholarship to this training start their graduate studies. Our social program at the Vincent J. Fontana Center for Child Protection, a division of New York work alumni now work with some of Foundling. The Hearst program offers professionals training and education to help them “advance to leadership positions in the field of child-abuse prevention and treatment.” the most vulnerable populations in our society. Through their work as clinicians, Especially inspiring to Magdalena is the work on behalf of children with disabilities. She advocates, policy makers, researchers, credits the Public Service Scholar Program as important in her career path. “It taught administrators, and educators, they me the importance of education, being assertive, understanding government, and networking,” she says. “At my current job, I utilize these skills to help families that attempt to empower different client have children with disabilities advocate to receive the appropriate services in a timely groups. They serve as witnesses to manner. I will be forever grateful to Elaine and the PSSP for the genuine concern, many of our major social problems and support, and guidance.” work to raise the consciousness of ‘01 those in the larger society about the ARLENE AVILES need for social justice.

Arlene Aviles loves her job. She is a licensed bilingual social worker at the New York We highlight two of our alumni as Presbyterian Center for Special Studies, where she is an angel in disguise for many of her representatives of the work that our HIV patients. Arlene is responsible for 100 patients, who have a range of medical needs. social work scholars are doing. We She assesses each patient’s needs to ensure they receive comprehensive assistance. hope those we have identified on page Some days most of her time may go to counseling only one or two patients. Arlene says, five who are in the field will take the “Many just want to talk and I am there to listen.: Other days, she is at her desk, on the opportunity to network with each other. phone, pressing for her patients’ rights. Most are poor and speak little English; many are We did not include those alumni for undocumented immigrants. Arlene provides help in getting medical care, insurance benefits, home care and visiting nurse services. She also offers grief counseling to family whom we did not have current work- members. Education is also a key component of her work. Many of the men are crystal place information. Please contact meth users and continue to engage in unprotected sex. She is dedicated to educating her Elaine M. Walsh at 212-772-5599 or patients about safe sex and helping them find a way to stop abusing drugs. [email protected] if you want Arlene, a graduate of Columbia University’s School of Social Work, was encouraged, to connect with someone, are a social inspired and motivated to pursue a career in social work while in the Public Service worker and we missed you, or if our Scholar Program. She had a placement with Miriam Burns, then a senior policy analyst information about you should be in the New York City Council. “Miriam was an amazing supervisor and I learned a great updated. We look forward to hearing amount about policy, as well as picked up pointers on her supervising skills,” Arlene from you. Continued on next page

4 says. That experience strengthened Arlene’s ability in her current Why is her work so gratifying? Arlene is focused on this most vulnerable post to supervise social work graduate interns from New York population at an extremely difficult time in their lives. She loves University. Arlene says, “Supervising interns is important to me getting her patients the education, medical and mental health care because I want to make sure good social workers are being nurtured they need. Since most of the people she works with speak only for our city’s many needs. I also learn a great deal from them. They Spanish, speaking for them in seeking the services they need is keep me fresh and up–to-date. It’s important for me to give back, just important and rewarding. “My patients greatly appreciate someone as many did for me in the PSSP. I was fortunate to have participated treating them without judgment,” she says. “Seeing the smile on their in the PSSP and value that experience.” faces and hearing their laughter is wonderful.”

Public Service Scholar Alumni Social Workers

■Marisol Castellanos ■Yessica Diaz ■Alyson Jackson ■Sandra Prendergast MIC Women’s Health Services— Doctoral Student at The Graduate Student at Hunter Project Manager at Administration Jamaica Hospital Joseph L. Mailman School of College School of Social Work for Children’s Services Public Health of Columbia ■Natasha Celestine Andrews ■Lo Phong La Kiatoukaysi ■Ines Robles Social Worker and Staff Attorney University HIV/AIDS Career Counselor Graduate student effective fall at Legal Aid Bureau of Maryland ■Paulette Diggs at Good Samaritan Project 2007 at Hunter College School Psychiatric Social Worker at of Social Work ■Sandra Centina ■Kathryn Leak Queens Child Guidance Center Steinway Child and Family Program Director at Hunter ■Zoe Ruiz Services ■Natasha Ferrell McCartney College Liberty Partnership PS. I61 Social Worker at NYC 1199 National Benefit Fund Program Dept. of Education ■Donna Marie Clement-Antoine Chief of Staff at Administration ■William Fletcher ■Damond Lindsay ■Kathryn Straub for Children’s Services Borough Director at Program Supervisor at Green Social Worker at Mt. Sinai Administration for Children’s Chimney’s Children’s Services Hospital ■Jenniffer Daly Services Training Supervisor at ■Victoria Ly ■Melissa Thoen James Satterwhite Academy ■Jeri Goodman Social Work Supervisor at Social Worker, Child Study for Child Welfare Training, Coordinator at Children’s Heart Share Child Welfare Team at the Elizabeth, NJ Administration for Children’s Programs Single Parent Agency Board of Education, Services Resource Center Special Services ■Moriamo-Lola Odunsi ■Eleonora Demetrio ■Lidia Groblewska Social Worker at Mt. Sinai ■Kimberly Williams Graduate student at Columbia Graduate student effective fall Hospital Fairfax, VA Department University School of Social Work 2007 at Hunter College School of Family Services ■Elizabeth Pereira of Social Work NYC Department of Education

2007 SCHOLARS Moving forward…

he graduating class of scholars is now equipped with Emilia Ptaszynska, graduating, will attend the University of T experience, education and knowledge to begin profes- Virginia starting this summer for a master’s degree in accounting. Wsional careers in public service, or at the least, to plot Plans this summer also include her wedding. She will begin working their next moves. Where do some of them hope to go? for Ernst & Young in the fall.

Danilda Abreu, graduating this spring, will pursue full-time Joshua Thomas will continue to work at his placement, work in the health care service field. CHAMP, the Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project. He will fill an Americorps VISTA position at this agency for a year in Claudia Chan will continue to work at her placement this Providence, R.I. Then he will use an education grant and VISTA summer at the Office of State Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan. alumni fellowship and scholarship opportunities to pursue a master’s in either in public administration or public health. Melanie Dulfo is considering working with the elderly. She has already been approached by a number of senior center directors. Tyrone Thomas will begin law school at the University of Melanie plans to apply for graduate school in social work. Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with assistance from a merit-based scholarship. Adam Hutton wants to be a journalist in the city. Amalia Torrentes hopes to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in social work.

5 Breakfast with the trustees of the Ann S. Kheel Charitable Trust

n January, Ann S. Kheel fellows, seven

I from the PSSP, gathered for breakfast Ellen Kheel by taken *picture W with the trustees to discuss achievements Ann S. Kheel Charitable Trust Trustees Luis Alvarez, Gail Sheehy, Veronica Kelly, made over the past year. Charles Rangel and Gabe Pressman with Kheel fellows.

Public Service Scholar Program DIRECTOR Elaine M. Walsh, Ph.D. EDITORIAL BOARD WRITER Kristy Jelenik Ursula Mahoney DESIGNER Andrew Ross Betsy Wade Volume 25 • Summer 2007 PHOTOGRAPHERS Nicholas Giampetruzzi Susan Nayowith, Ph.D. Bill DeStefano

Public Service PRE-SORT STANDARD Scholar Program U.S. POSTAGE Hunter College PAID 695 Park Avenue PERMIT 5432 New York, NY 10021 WHITE PLAINS, NY