NYCHA and Kaboom! Begin New Partnership

VOL. 47 NO. 8 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2017 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4 7 10 Childcare Business Two New Farms Live-in Pathways at NYCHA Caretaker Pilot Success!

NYCHA and KaBOOM! Begin New Partnership

Sherwin Darden, a Penn-Wortman Houses resident and community coach at the new Jobs Plus center in Brooklyn, speaks to the audience at the grand opening. NEW JOBS PLUS CENTER BUILDS FUTURES FOR PENN- WORTMAN RESIDENTS WHEN SHERWIN DARDEN, a Penn- Wortman Houses resident, walked into the new Jobs Plus Center in his neighborhood, he didn’t have a Social Security card, government identification, or health care, let alone a job. Now he’s got all of those, and he’s helping his neighbors too. He’s been hired by the Young volunteers help add color to the playground. center to be a community coach there, and has helped nine other residents land Playground Project at Pomonok Houses Is First of Many jobs so far. He has also been a mentor N NOVEMBER 4, volunteers trans- paint a basketball court and playground to his son, who is headed to Princeton formed an unused recreational area floors, and assemble playground equipment in the fall. O at Pomonok Houses in Queens into to build a new playground based on draw- The new center is the first Jobs Plus a safe, fun, beautiful playground. ings made by children at Pomonok Houses site funded by the U.S. Department of It took just six hours for residents, neighbors, during a KaBOOM! workshop. Housing and Urban (CONTINUED ON PAGE 3) and volunteers from NYCHA, KaBOOM!, Play- This the first playground built through world, and JetBlue to pour and lay concrete, NextGen NYCHA Plays, (CONTINUED ON PAGE 14)

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA LETTER FROM THE CHAIR MAKING CONNECTIONS Boston Road Plaza, Middletown Plaza, and Twin Parks East. AS WE LOOK forward to 2018, this is the time of year Live-in caretakers are responsible for their normal janitorial many of us deepen our connections with the people most and maintenance work during the day, but are also available important to us: our family, friends, neighbors, our com- after hours in case of emergencies, which gives our senior munities. We take stock of what is most important to us. residents a greater sense of security. At NYCHA, the people most important to us are you, And you’ll read three success stories from NYCHApre- our residents, the more than 400,000 New Yorkers who call NYCHA neurs—resident business owners who have opened home daycares home. Our NextGen NYCHA promise is to create safe, clean and thanks to their participation in the Childcare Business Pathways connected communities for you. In this issue of The NYCHA Jour- (CBP) program, managed by NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic nal, we highlight a few of the programs that provide Office of resi- Empowerment & Sustainability and our partners. Through CBP, dents with some of the best services New York City has to offer. these residents developed the skills and obtained the tools they In October, we held a ribbon-cutting for a new Jobs Plus Center that needed to open successful businesses. Their daycares are now will serve residents of Penn-Wortman Houses. This is the first federally helping the parents of our youngest residents. funded Jobs Plus Center; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban NYCHA is always striving to be the best landlord we can be. Development (HUD) is providing $2 million over four years for the If there are ways we can do better, let us know – contact center, which will offer job training, career opportunities, and financial [email protected]. counseling. Jobs Plus has been proven to increase residents’ earnings Wishing you a warm and healthy holiday season, by an average of 16 percent. Since 2009, with support from our agency partners, Jobs Plus has helped almost 7,000 residents get jobs. In the Bronx, we’re piloting a program to improve customer ser- Shola Olatoye vice by having live-in caretakers at three of our senior developments, Chair and CEO

NYCHA BOARD MEETINGS YCHA’S BOARD MEETINGS, open to the public, take meeting. For additional information regarding the calendar of place on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the NYCHA 12th floor meetings, dispositions, dates, and times, please call 212-306-6088. N conference room at 250 Broadway. People who wish to For those unable to attend the board meetings, please visit speak during the public comment period must pre-register at http://on.nyc.gov/boardmeetings at the time of the meeting to least 45 minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin and watch live. You may also watch past board meetings by visiting can only comment about items on that meeting’s agenda. Each NYCHAnnel, NYCHA’s YouTube page at speaker’s time is limited to three minutes. The public comment https://www.youtube.com/c/nycha. period concludes either when all speakers are finished or after the 30 minutes allotted by law for public comment, whichever Upcoming Meetings: comes first. November 29, 2017 December 20, 2017 Copies of the calendar for the upcoming board meeting are available on NYCHA’s website or can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary, 250 Broadway, 12th floor, after 3 p.m. on the Monday before the meeting. Copies of the dispositions The NYCHA of prior meetings are available on NYCHA’s website or can be JOURNAL picked up from the Office of the Corporate Secretary no earlier ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 than 3 p.m. on the Thursday after the board meeting. Any person PUBLISHED BY THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS meeting should contact the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 212-306-6088 no later than five business days prior to the www.nyc.gov/nycha

2 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA NEW JOBS PLUS CENTER BUILDS FUTURES FOR PENN-WORTMAN RESIDENTS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

Development (HUD) in New York City. A nationally recognized program that helps increase employment and earnings among public housing residents, Jobs Plus boosts residents’ earnings by an average of 16 percent. “One of our NextGeneration NYCHA goals is to engage with residents in new ways by connecting them to best-in- class services, like Jobs Plus. By combining stable, long- From left to right: Diana Reyna, Deputy Borough President for Brooklyn; Lynne Patton, HUD Regional Administrator term affordable housing with for New York and New Jersey; Tracey Capers, Executive Vice President of Programs/Organizational Development at thoughtful services, we are Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation; and NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye at the opening of the Penn-Wortman strengthening public housing Jobs Plus Center. and empowering residents,” commend NYCHA for their said NYCHA Chair & CEO national leadership in piloting Shola Olatoye. and expanding a program Making NYCHA In New York City, Jobs that has placed nearly Plus is an interagency 7,000 residents in jobs that Developments Cleaner partnership between will increase their financial NYCHA, the NYC Human independence.” ANITORIAL STAFF AT Ingersoll Houses spent a day Resources Administration, the At the Penn-Wortman Jobs learning how to use new floor-cleaning machines that will Mayor’s Office for Economic Plus Center, Brooklyn-based Jsave them hours of labor, make developments cleaner, and Opportunity, and the NYC nonprofit Bedford Stuyvesant improve quality of life for residents. NYCHA plans to buy over Department of Consumer Restoration Corporation is 1,000 machines so that all NYCHA developments have access to Affairs’ Office of Financial providing customized educa- this time-saving equipment. All janitorial staff will be trained Empowerment. The Penn- tional curricula across the Jobs on how to use the machines by the end of the year. Wortman center is the tenth Plus model’s three core com- site in the city. Jobs Plus ponents: employment-related serves 27 developments and services, financial incentives, has helped almost 7,000 and community support for NYCHA residents find jobs. work. Additional services at “The Jobs Plus model the center include financial proves that with the right counseling, education assis- combination of support and tance, and help opening a safe opportunity, public housing and affordable bank account, residents can move toward decreasing debt, and increas- economic self-sufficiency,” ing and establishing credit. Benjamin Magwood, Supervisor Anthony Jones, Supervisor of said Lynne Patton, HUD Visit or call the center at 425 of Housing Caretakers at O’Dwyer Housing Caretakers at Mariner’s Regional Administrator for New Lots Avenue (between Gardens Consolidation, gets a Harbor, takes the Kaivac OmniFlex New York and New Jersey, New Jersey and Vermont) in hands-on lesson on how to use one for a spin. at the ribbon cutting. “I Brooklyn, 347-537-2925. of the new floor-cleaning machines.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 3 City Hall in Your Borough: Manhattan

NYCHA JOINED MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO for “City Hall in Your Borough: Manhattan,” from September 25 to 29, spending the week focused on the needs and concerns of Manhattan residents. This was the fourth borough in the Mayor’s City Hall in Your Borough initiative.

September 25 September 27 September 28: New Farms at NYCHA NYCHA’s getting greener! Two new urban farms are being built NYCHA Chair & CEO Shola NYCHA participated in City at NYCHA developments. One is currently under construction at Olatoye and Council Member Hall’s Resource Fair held Forest Hills in the Bronx, and another will be built at a development Helen Rosenthal toured De at the Malcolm X and Dr. on Staten Island. Hostos Apartments and Betty Shabazz Memorial NYCHA Chair & CEO Shola Olatoye joined First Lady Chirlane discussed solutions to replace and Educational Center in McCray, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, restaurant the development’s roof. Washington Heights. owner Carla Hall, co-host of ABC’s “The Chew,” Wagner Houses Resident Association President Katie Harris, and others at Wagner Houses Farm in East Harlem for the announcement. “We are thrilled to expand NYCHA’s farm program to two more September 26 developments,” said Chair Olatoye. “Farms at NYCHA are innova- tive and create an important cornerstone for our communities.” At Grant Houses, NYCHA The two new farms are funded by $500,000 from the Mayor’s General Manager Michael Building Healthy Communities (BHC) initiative—a $12 million pro- Kelly, City Council Member gram started in 2016 that brings together numerous City agencies Mark Levine, Resident and private funders to work on improving health outcomes in 12 Association President neighborhoods. In these targeted areas, BHC is increasing access to Carlton Davis, and residents healthy and affordable food, providing more opportunities for physi- toured the construction site cal activity, and fostering public safety. of their future laundromat. The first NYCHA farm was built at Red Hook Houses in 2013, fol- Grant is home to more than lowed by three farms built through BHC in Brownsville, Canarsie, and 4,400 residents, but the Council Member Levine, the East Harlem; all the farms are supported through BHC. Green City closest place to do laundry construction site will soon have Force, an AmeriCorps program that trains 18-to-24-year-old NYCHA is a 10-15 minute walk away. all the necessary plumbing residents in green jobs, builds and maintains the farms. NYCHA’s Thanks to $1.1 million from and ventilation needed to be farms are responsible for more than 25,000 pounds of fresh produce transformed into a laundromat. that has been distributed to residents.

4 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA City Hall in Your Borough: Manhattan

from the Mayor’s Office, a performance of “We Are Family” by seniors from the Lincoln Senior Center, and a song and poem recital of Langston Hughes’ “My People” by children from the Mary Watson Day Care Center. A NextGen NYCHA Resource Fair at the development featured a visit from the NYCHA Mobile Command bus to address residents’ maintenance issues, as well as food, games, face painting, music, and an opportunity to hop onto one of NYCHA’s Digital Vans. The celebration was September 29: resources they need. development in the country organized in partnership with Harlem River Houses “Harlem River Houses is not built for African Americans. It is the Harlem River Resident only a national landmark but important we acknowledge this Association, Congress Turns 80 a New York City asset,” Chair anniversary and remember our Member Adriano Espaillat, NYCHA celebrated the 80th Olatoye said. “New York City history as we strive to preserve the Manhattan Borough President anniversary of New York City set the standard for affordable Authority for future generations of Gale Brewer, New York State landmark Harlem River Houses housing with developments like working New Yorkers.” Senator Brian Benjamin, with a celebration that brought Harlem River, which was the first The anniversary party and New York City Council together residents, community federally funded public housing included a proclamation Member Bill Perkins. members, and elected officials. Harlem River Houses is rich with history: It opened its doors in 1937; was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975; and is home to the Macomb Bridge Library, the smallest branch of the New York Public Library—it has just 12 chairs! Soon, the library will move into a renovated 3,375-square- foot space across the street from Harlem River Houses. The new space, owned by NYCHA, will increase annual visits while connecting residents to

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 5 NYCHA Cares About Seniors Safe, Clean, and Connected: NYCHA Makes Seniors Comfortable by Victor González, NYCHA Resident Board Member

the Authority’s NextGeneration NYCHA strategic plan is reshaping public housing for the 21st-century century needs of seniors. Safe, secure and comfortable buildings are the first priority, and NYCHA has updated its architectural guidelines to provide a blueprint for health, accessibility, and beauty. The Authority is investing millions to provide age- Victor González at a NextGen NYCHA Resource Fair held at Wise Towers friendly improvements at 89 over the summer. developments, including more MOVED INTO WISE comfortable outdoor seating to the needs of every individual, entitlements, doing household TOWERS when my wife areas, handrails throughout helping to prevent social chores, or other daily needs Iand I got married in 1972, corridors, and accessibility isolation and enhance safety and are supported by trained and 45 years later I still call it renovations in apartments. We independence. staff from Presbyterian home. I raised three daughters all know there is not enough Partnering with experts helps Senior Services’ Circle of in this wonderful community. affordable housing for seniors NYCHA connect seniors to best- Care program. From the day we opened the in our city, so NYCHA is also in-class services. For instance, Many seniors need door to our new apartment, using its land to build 650 new socially isolated or homebound live-in help from medical Wise Towers offered the best units of 100 percent affordable seniors in Queens receive professionals and caregivers, of New York City. Neighbors senior housing. regular home visits through and NYCHA permits from all walks of life shared Better buildings are just Henry Street Settlement’s Senior caregivers to join a household cultures and helped one the beginning. At NYCHA’s 78 Companion Program. DFTA’s when possible. Recognizing another out. Kids never missed seniors-only buildings and 13 Grandparent Resource Center that many caregivers are family a Family Day and everyone NORCs (naturally occurring assists seniors who are raising members, the Authority will decorated the hallways retirement communities), seniors young relatives. Older Adults also accommodate caregivers’ together at the holidays. and their caregivers receive Technology Services (known requests for lease succession Wise Towers is as vital a assistance from on-site and as OATS) helps seniors make rights if the caregiver qualifies place today as it was 45 years nearby healthcare professionals the most of new technologies for tenancy. Seniors with ago, and I can’t imagine a who deliver individual counseling, through classes on computer disabilities can request more nurturing and engaged recreational activities and literacy, digital photography, accommodations that will community to live in. I am cultural opportunities. Take the financial management, social make it easier for them to age honored to represent my HUD-funded Senior Resident media, and health and fitness. in place in their apartment. NYCHA neighbors across the Advisor & Service Coordinator Seniors who need assistance Seniors with questions five boroughs as a Resident Program, for example: at eight with transportation, buying about any of these programs Member on the NYCHA developments, the Senior and preparing food, paying should talk to their Property Board. I see first-hand how Resident Advisor tailors support bills, getting vital benefits and Managers.

6 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA NYCHA Cares About Seniors Round the Clock Caretakers Improve Service and Customer Satisfaction AS PART OF NYCHA’S EFFORTS The live-in caretaker performs to improve customer service, janitorial and maintenance work in the Authority is piloting a live-in the developments during regular caretaker program at three senior business hours. As a resident of developments in the Bronx: Boston the development, he or she is also Road Plaza, Middletown Plaza, and available to respond to emergen- Antonio Cordero, the new live-in caretaker at Boston Road Plaza. Twin Parks East. cy situations around the clock. The program is based on a Antonio Cordero, a NYCHA so I know what tenants want and Resident Association, has resided recommendation from Council employee since 2010 and for- need,” he explained. “As a live- in the development for 25 years. Member James Vacca: “We have merly a caretaker at Carver in caretaker, I would like to keep “I noticed a difference within two seniors who are vulnerable, seniors Houses, is proud to be the new the residents happy. By keep- days of Antonio being here. The who often need assistance, seniors live-in caretaker at Boston Road ing the building clean, it makes floors, elevators, and lobbies are who have medical issues, so having Plaza. “The feedback that I’m them happy. And any problems cleaner, and I’m hearing good someone on the premises means hearing [from residents] is that that they have, if I can help, I’m things from neighbors as well. that their needs can be addressed. I’m doing a good job, and that’s more than willing to help.” Our building has been kept im- This is going to be an invaluable what I like to hear. I was born Laurenne Talbert, Vice Presi- maculate. He does an awesome resource for these tenants.” and raised at Van Dyke Houses, dent of the Boston Road Plaza job, an excellent job.” A NYCHA Love Story Longtime Edenwald Residents Celebrate Their 74th Wedding Anniversary By Shameeka Feliciano N NOVEMBER 15, 2017, Edenwald resi- self-motivated. In 1943, with only Odents Charles and one witness, they solidified their worked, Mrs. Solomon devoted to include 22 grandchildren, 19 Arlanda Solomon will celebrate union in a courthouse in Sander- herself to being a housewife and great-grandchildren, two great- 74 years of marriage. sville, Georgia. nurturing mother. great-grandchildren, and one The couple says the secret to The Solomons later moved to Mr. Solomon worked as a three times great-grandchild. maintaining a loving and lasting Lakeland, Florida, where Mr. Solo- shipping clerk for Kiffee Sales Their family says their love story is marriage is “to be patient, to mon found work as an orange until business fell short. He then one that shows true commitment truly listen to one another, and picker. In 1944, they welcomed worked as a juvenile counselor and dedication, birthing genera- to always respect each other!” their first child and decided to at the Children’s Village until tions deeply rooted in love, faith, Charles and Arlanda met in move to Harlem to look for better he retired. After their last child and strength of family. 1941 in Washington County, opportunities. was born, Mrs. Solomon started Shameeka Feliciano is the Georgia. Mr. Solomon described In 1954, the Solomons became work as a sales clerk for E.J. granddaughter of Charles and Mrs. Solomon as outspoken residents of Edenwald Houses in Korvette, and then moved on Arlanda Solomon. She is a Super- and sassy when they first met, the Bronx, where their family grew to Bloomingdale’s, where she visor of Caretakers for Betances while Mrs. Solomon described to include a total of 10 beauti- worked until retirement. and Mitchel Houses and a former her husband as charming and ful children. While Mr. Solomon The Solomon family has grown Edenwald Houses resident.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 7 NYCHA Cares About Seniors Better Than Ever NEARLY 80,000 PEOPLE screenings, like blood age 62 or older live in NYCHA pressure checks, and developments. As the anchors vaccines, like the flu shot. If of their communities, seniors you live with a chronic illness, contribute to the strength and talk to your doctor about how vitality of their neighborhoods. to manage it. The healthier and more en- • Manage your medications. gaged they are, the more they Keep a list of your medications, will have to offer. and review it with your doctor, The writer Betty Friedan said nurse, or pharmacist at that “aging is not lost youth but every visit. Always take your a new stage of opportunity and medications as prescribed. Melrose Mott Haven, Red A-Ride and Meals on Wheels. strength.”Here are some recom- Ask if any medications (or Hook, and Stapleton—an • Presbyterian Senior Services’ mended strategies to help you medication combinations) organization known as OATS Circle of Care program gives be the best you can be, whether increase your risk of falling. (Older Adults Technology seniors a helping hand with you are 25 or 85. • Reduce your risk of falls Services) teaches seniors transportation, buying and • Maintain your brain. Find a by keeping your bones and classes in computer technology preparing food, paying bills, new hobby or skill to master, muscles strong with physical (including Microsoft Office), getting vital benefits and like playing an instrument or activity, having your vision digital photography, financial entitlements, doing household learning a new sport. Learning checked, and clearing your management, social media, chores, or other daily needs. something new keeps your floors of safety hazards. Make and health and fitness. The program, currently brain flexible. sure floors are well lit so you • DFTA’s Grandparent Resource available to residents of Saint • Stay socially active. can see where you are going. Center helps seniors who are Nicholas Houses, Sondra Involvement with other people raising young relatives at the Thomas Apartments, UPACA, of all ages keeps depression Resources for a 15 NYCHA developments and Cassidy-Lafayette Houses, at bay and elevates happiness. Good Life that are the focus of the also provides caregivers Take classes or participate in NYCHA partners with a variety of Mayor’s Action Plan (MAP) for with guidance, training, and discussion groups at a senior providers throughout the city to Neighborhood Safety. Through interpretation services. center (see below) or library. Or connect seniors to life-changing the program, seniors and their • The Harlem Health Advocacy consider volunteering in your programs. caregivers can participate in Partners program helps resi- community. How about joining • Visit one of the 111 senior workshops on community dents of King Towers, Lehman your development’s resident centers at NYCHA develop- safety, mental health Village, and Clinton, Johnson, association or Resident ments to get involved with a awareness, senior scams, and Taft Houses improve their Watch team? range of recreational, health, nutrition, falls prevention, and health through coaching and re- • Be physically active. An and cultural activities, services, child and elder abuse. ferrals. The initiative is a collabo- activity you enjoy doing every and resources. The majority of • Henry Street Settlement’s ration of the City’s Department day for 20-30 minutes will keep these centers are sponsored by Senior Companion Program of Health and Mental Hygiene, your body strong. the City’s Department for the matches healthy, older adult NYCHA, the Community Service • Eat well (plenty of fruits, Aging (DFTA). They offer free volunteers with seniors Society, and the NYU-CUNY vegetables, and whole grains). meals, counseling on social who need assistance to live Prevention Research Center. • If you drink alcohol, do so in services, and assistance with independently. Companions For more information and moderation. public benefits. help them go shopping or to resources, visit the Department • Don’t smoke. • At five senior centers— doctors’ appointments and for the Aging’s website, • Keep up with health Queensbridge, Jefferson, obtain services such as Access- www.nyc.gov/aging.

8 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA NYCHA Cares About Seniors Improving Lives For Seniors N NOVEMBER 2, NYCHA, the Hudson Guild, and the feel comfortable coming here. They have conversations, they play Department for the Aging (DFTA) held a special sneak dominoes, they play pool, everything they need is done here and Opeek of construction progress underway at the Fulton it’s been done for 50-plus years. We at the tenant association ap- Houses Community Center. preciate the Hudson Guild and are looking forward to the future... Fulton Houses Community Center is home to a longstanding NextGeneration is truly next generation—without NYCHA and neighborhood resource, a senior center that provides programs our partners it doesn’t happen.” for residents of Fulton Houses and the greater Chelsea commu- Funding for the center’s renovation was provided by NYCHA, nity. Operated by Hudson Guild in partnership with DFTA, the Congressman Jerrold Nadler, State Senator Brad Hoylman, Assem- center had not been renovated since it opened in 1965. bly Member Dick Gottfried, Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Council Speak- When the center is finished it will feature a wider, easier to navi- er Melissa Mark-Viverito, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, gate entrance, an updated auditorium with improved sound and City Council Member Corey Johnson, and several individual donors. lighting, upgraded and ADA-compliant bathrooms throughout, a new, modernized kitchen, plus a separate teaching kitchen for activities, and much more. Scheduled to reopen in 2019, the center will serve 200 seniors daily, offer 65 weekly activities, and provide 42,000 meals a year. It will also offer the community a modern, inviting space for meetings and celebrations, youth activities, and the potential for new programs of all kinds. At the event, Fulton Houses Resident Association President Miguel Acevedo spoke about how important the center is to the From left to right: Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, Fulton Houses RA community, “especially for my vulnerable seniors who come to President Miguel Acevedo, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, this place daily, not only to get fed, but to have conversation. Our Hudson Guild Executive Director Ken Jockers, NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye, seniors are some of the loneliest people in New York, but they City Council Member Corey Johnson, and State Senator Brad Hoylman.

Educating Seniors About Domestic Violence DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AFFECTS victims of all ages. On October 27, 2017, about 150 seniors attended the Brooklyn Senior Domestic Violence Program, organized by NYCHA’s Community Engagement and Partnerships department. Representatives from the Mayor’s Of- fice to Combat Domestic Violence, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, and the Urban Justice Center gave presentations or were in attendance. Seniors performed skits and read poetry about domestic violence situations, the Senior Choir sang, and NYCHA social workers provided referrals to social services. Held in Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, the breakfasts NYCHA’s Senior Choir perform a few songs while wearing purple, the reached 600 seniors with information on available City resources. color to raise awareness about domestic violence.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 9 When Your Business Is Child’s Play NYCHA Supports Childcare Center Entrepreneurs OME NYCHA RESIDENTS dream of owning their own businesses but don’t have the financial support or training to get their ideas off the ground. NYCHA’s Food Business Pathways program has helped more than 130 residents launch the food-based businesses of their S dreams. Launched at the end of 2016, Childcare Business Pathways (CBP) helps residents start their own childcare businesses. CBP is a partnership between NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability (REES), the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), Business Outreach Network (BOCNet), Childcare Development Support Corporation (CDSC), and Citi Community Development. It provides NYCHA residents with almost everything they need to start up: free training, licensing, and technical assistance as well as grants to pay for certifications and start-up supplies. Meet three CBP graduates who are proud owners of new daycares.

Shanique Blake Fatou Lowe Latoya Culp Daisy “B”abies Group Fatou Lowe Group Miss Latoya’s Daycare Family Day Care Family Daycare Sheepshead Bay Ms. Blake has 646-280-0449 or 917-443-1843 Houses, Brooklyn been a NYCHA Adams Houses, Bronx 917-673-4341 resident for 18 Ms. Lowe has Ms. Culp has lived years and a care- lived at Adams at Sheepshead for 17 giver for many for seven years. years. As the oldest of years. She spent She worked at an six, she has been caring for children since 10 years as a outside daycare fa- she was a little girl. She is a mother of resident manager cility for two years four children and a grandmother to one. of a group home and works part-time as and had plenty of Her business is licensed to care for eight a caseworker for an agency that provides experience caring children. care for people with developmental for children with “Taking care of kids is something that disabilities. She is also a foster parent. Her her six sisters and just comes to me. Even when I was a business is licensed to care for 10 children. one brother. She is teenager, people called me ‘Grandma’ “I was in the process of trying to ob- also a student at Borough of Manhattan because I was always taking care of tain my license myself but it was taking a Community College studying liberal arts. someone. I know it’s going to take time while. Going through the CBP program Her business is licensed to care for up to to get it off the ground, but my plan is helped me learn how to market my busi- 10 children. to expand my business. There’s a com- ness, how to research competitors in the “I enrolled in CBP to help parents, mercial space here in my neighborhood I area and make my daycare unique, and and my mother and I share this passion would love to have. I have already recom- how to handle finances. I’d like parents of and we can work together. I liked being mended CBP because it gave me more children with special needs to know that in the program because they helped me knowledge and insight on what it takes my daycare is open to them. I used to work understand the business side, how to to be a business owner. CBP offered a lot in group homes; before adults with special handle the finances, advertise, and how more than I would’ve received if I tried to needs come into our group homes, they’re to handle our clients. Since I’m a private do things on my own—I wouldn’t have children at home with their parents, and owner, I want to add things for the kids, been able to afford starting my own day- they need support. I have volunteers willing like gymnastics in the summertime. I also care on my own.” to provide speech therapy and physical want to add lifestyle skills to my program, therapy for children who need it. Eventu- like cooking and hair braiding. I hope to ally, I want to have a center-based setting. become a pediatrician in the future, so To learn more about the Childcare And I’d love to be able to expand and have right now I’m getting as much experi- Business Pathways program, visit: more than one location.” ence as I can interacting with children.” opportunitynycha.org/business-development/childcare-business-pathways.

10 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Updated Heating Season CEASE THE GREASE CESE LA GRASA Temperature Requirements ROM OCTOBER 1 through May 31, New York City building owners must maintain an indoor temperature of at least 68 degrees between PROPER DISPOSAL OF MANERA CORRECTA DE F6 a.m. and 10 p.m. when it’s below 55 degrees outside. From 10 p.m. DESHACERSE DE LA GRASA Y to 6 a.m., indoor temperature must be at least 62 degrees regardless of the COOKING OIL AND GREASE temperature outside. Hot water must be kept at a minimum temperature EL ACEITE DE COCINA of 120 degrees year-round. Residents experiencing issues with heat or hot water should call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or report u Cooking oil poured into a drain clogs pipes in u u Aceite de cocina desechado en el desagüe the issue on the MyNYCHA mobile app or web version. your home and city sewers. obstruye las tuberías en su hogar y el u Clogged sewers cause sewage backups into alcantarillado de la ciudad. DAY NIGHT your home and neighborhood. u Las líneas de alcantarillado obstruidas causan u 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. el retorno de aguas residuales a su hogar y a u Clogged sewer pipes can release sewage into At least 68ºF inside At least 62ºF inside su vecindario. local waterways, harming the environment. u u Las líneas de alcantarillado obstruidas pueden ser causa de la entrada de aguas residuales en las vías fluviales de la ciudad, lo cual deteriora el medioambiente. DON’T No outside temperature pour cooking Below 55ºF outside requirement oil or grease down the kitchen sink, toilet, or any NO Vierta grasa o aceite de 58593NYPD other drain in your home. NYCHA Journal cocina en el fregadero de la 1/4 pg cocina, el inodoro o ningún 5” x 5” otro desagüe en su hogar. DO10.20. 2pour017 cooled cooking oil andp 12 grease into a container, then seal and discard with Keeping the streets of New York City safe your regular garbage. SI Vierta el aceite de cocina y la grasa en un recipiente, cierre and moving el recipiente y desechelo en la Benefits: basura. • Potentially earn over $38,000 after 1 year of service Before washing pots, • Enjoy a competitive benefit package pans, and dishes: Antes de lavar ollas, • Pension and Deferred Compensation available sartenes y platos: DO wipe off oil and grease with a dry Employment Requirements: : • Be at least 18 years of age at time of appointment paper towel. SI Límpielos de aceite y grasa • Have a High School Diploma or equivalent con una toalla de papel seca. • Pass a background investigation and drug screening DO scrape leftover food into the trash. • Must be a NYC resident (5 boroughs) within 90 days of appointment • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and SI Retire de ellos los restos de alimentos y tirelos a will be required to submit proof of such eligibility la basura. For more information, • A valid NYS Driver’s License is required for this position please visit: nyc.gov/dep Para mas información, Bill de Blasio, Mayor visite: nyc.gov/dep Emily Lloyd, Commissioner nyc.gov/dep Bill de Blasio, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Mayor FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 11 Emily Lloyd, Commissioner Emily Lloyd, Commissioner Rev. 6/14 Rev. 6/14 NYCHA’s Going Solar Low-Cost, Clean Energy and Jobs for Residents in the Booming Solar Industry YCHA HAS NYCHA has been working with LAUNCHED its first partners to provide better ser- Nlarge-scale solar pro- vice for residents, reduce energy gram, which will use light and and costs, and curb the effects heat from the sun to provide of climate change. NYCHA’s solar clean, low-cost energy to low- to program will play a major role in moderate-income New York- helping meet the City’s goal to ers, including public housing reduce greenhouse gas emissions residents. The program will also 80 percent by 2050. create jobs for NYCHA residents “I’m glad this solar program is in the growing solar industry. finally happening at NYCHA build- Miguel Rodriguez, a Lillian Wald Houses resident and solar installer, NYCHA is looking for de- ings and that the City is progress- stands in front of solar panels on the roof of the NYC Lab School for velopers to install solar power ing and moving towards renewable Collaborative Studies. on rooftops and parking lots energy,” said Miguel Rodriguez, a at 14 developments, which will Lillian Wald Houses resident who provide energy for 500 to 1,600 has worked in the solar industry households. The developments through NYCHA’s Green City are located throughout the Force partnership. five boroughs: Queensbridge After graduating high school, North, Queensbridge South, Mr. Rodriguez enrolled in a com- Taylor Street-Wythe Avenue, puter science program but found Pomonok, Beach 41st Street- he couldn’t successfully manage Beach Channel Drive, Carleton working 30 hours a week to help Manor, Coney Island Site 1B, support his family while also at- Throggs Neck Addition, New tending college full time. He spent Lane Area, South Beach, Taft, several months unemployed then Polo Grounds Towers, Wyckoff enrolled in Henry Street Settle- Gardens, and Gowanus. ment’s Employment Coordination Developers will be chosen in Program, where he learned about 2018, and the first solar instal- Green City Force (GCF), which lations will be made by 2019. provides young people ages 18–24 NYCHA will lease the sites for with training, education, and lead- up to 25 years; developer(s) will ership opportunities in preparation install, operate, and maintain for careers in the energy economy. the solar systems and sell the After graduating from GCF’s Clean power to low- to moderate- Energy Corps program, he landed income residents citywide. By an internship with GRID Alterna- 2025, NYCHA plans to install tives, a nonprofit solar electric solar at 190 developments, installer, and then took a job as which will provide power to up a solar installer. to 6,600 households. “This is going to make a huge Since the release of its Sus- difference within our communi- tainability Agenda last year, ties,” Mr. Rodriguez said.

12 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Celebrating NYCHA’s Congratulations to: CITYWIDE WINNERS Resident Gardeners Flower Garden: Oasis Garden, Washington Houses & Gardens Vegetable Garden: UNDREDS OF professionals. The ceremony Hawaiian Paradise, South NYCHA’S resident was sponsored by Unilever Jamaica Houses Hgardeners, NYCHA and highlighted the hard work Theme Garden: Ebony’s staff, and partners gathered at and dedication of NYCHA’s Garden, Marcy Houses Johnson Community Center resident gardeners and in Manhattan on November NYCHA’s Garden & Greening 2017 3, 2017, for the 54th Annual Program, a year-round Master Gardener Award NYCHA Garden & Greening beautification, environmental Marian Dolphus, Award Ceremony. preservation and education South Jamaica Houses More than 600 NYCHA initiative that benefits gardens, tended by over 1,000 residents as well as seniors, To view the full list gardeners, were judged by a the greater community, and 2017 Master Gardener Marian of winners, visit panel of respected horticultural community centers citywide. Dolphus of South Jamaica Houses. www.nychajournal.nyc.

Hurricane Download Service Center New App to NYC Center Open Get Important to Help Families NYC Updates Displaced by Hurricanes MANY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES displaced by the recent THE NYC NOTIFY app is a Features include: hurricanes in Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and new service from the City that • Receiving messages based other Caribbean islands have relocated to New York City to stay sends important information on current location. Users can with family and friends. To connect these individuals and families and updates to subscribers’ also add up to five addresses to resources, the City has opened a service center to provide phones. The app is available to receive alerts specific to information and assistance to those in need. for free on Apple or Android home, work, or school. City government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and devices and provides news • A “receive all” mode that community-based organizations will offer a number of resources on events such as hurricanes provides all emergency and services, including enrollment in public benefits and health and blizzards, major traffic and notifications, regardless of insurance, food assistance, cash assistance, mental health mass transit disruptions, public location or topic. counseling, emergency pharmacy assistance, meals for seniors, legal health hazards, school closings, • A map feature that provides consultation, and information and assistance for displaced students. and unscheduled parking rule detailed information about The service center opened on Thursday, October 19 at the suspensions. the locations of emergencies Julia De Burgos Latino Cultural Center at 1680 Lexington Avenue in in relation to a user’s current Manhattan, and is open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday, location. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m.–5 p.m. on Sundays. Visit nyc.gov or call 311 to make an appointment.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 13 YOUR NAME HERE

Last year’s winners of the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute Scholarship for NYCHA residents take the stage; the Institute has offered scholarships to NYCHA residents since 1983. Scholarship Competition for NYCHA Resident Actors and Actresses

HE LEE STRASBERG Theatre & Film Institute is offering two Straus Performing Arts Center, located at 225 East 27th Street, 12-week acting scholarships to qualified residents of the New York, NY 10016. TNew York City Housing Authority. To participate, you must For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact be at least 6 years of age and must audition and be interviewed. 718-707-5479 or email [email protected]. From October 31, 2017, to January 12, 2018, auditions will be Read about last year’s scholarship winners here: held every Tuesday and Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the https://www.nychajournal.nyc/ready-limelight.

POMONOK HOUSES BUILDS A PLAYGROUND (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) a partnership between NYCHA, the Fund for Public Housing, and KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to play. The partnership plans to build many more playgrounds at NYCHA developments through the initiative. What makes the KaBOOM! experience so special is community involvement in the design and build process from the beginning. At the end of the playground After six hours of work, volunteers celebrate the new playground they built. build, NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye thanked the vol- talk to your friends, your com- happened here today. Ask them to their local elected officials, we unteers and partners for making munity, your cousins who live in to work to bring it to their com- need them to talk to their fellow the playground a reality. She the Bronx and Queens, and tell munities, because we need them residents to say ‘we want this in said to residents: “Go back and them about something good that to ask for it, we need them to talk our community as well.’”

14 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA