Announcing Flexops “This New Initiative Aims to (CONTINUED on PAGE 12) Early, Late, and Saturday Hours for Better Customer Service

VOL. 46 NO. 3 APRIL 2016 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 7 12 14

New Tech Center at Training NYCHA Fulton Houses Fathers Recycles!

CREATING CHANGE Young NYCHA residents transform blank spaces into beautiful murals

ON MARCH 8, young Castle Hill residents began work on a vibrant mural at the Castle Hill Senior Center depicting images of togetherness and community, including two hands holding and an elder helping a young child. The mural is part of a new one-year initiative called “Public Art / Public Housing,” in which 200 NYCHA residents ages 16 to 24 will paint murals featuring positive messages on vacant walls in their developments. The project is managed by Groundswell, an organization dedicated to producing community– based public art, and funded by City Council dollars under the leadership of Ritchie Torres, who chairs the Council’s Committee on Public Housing and grew up in a NYCHA development. On March 23, 2016, NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye spoke to staff at Chelsea-Elliot Houses in Manhattan about the new FlexOps Council Member Torres, along with Council Mem- expanded hours initiative. Chelsea-Elliot (including Chelsea Addition) is one of 12 developments FlexOps will begin at this spring. ber Annabel Palma and NYCHA General Manager Michael Kelly, picked up brushes to help paint the mural. They were joined by Castle Hill Resident Asso- ciation President Geraldine Lamb, Groundswell artists and staff, and community members. Announcing FlexOps “This new initiative aims to (CONTINUED ON PAGE 12) Early, Late, and Saturday Hours for Better Customer Service

ESIDENTS WILL SOON see cleaner public shift earlier in the day, whiles others start/end it later. spaces when they leave for work and be able to NYCHA’s current single shift, an 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 R schedule routine repairs for the early evening p.m. workday, dates back nearly 50 years and does not after they get home thanks to Flexible Operations allow staff or residents to see improved conditions at the (FlexOps): Expanded Service Hours, a transformative developments. A recent survey of more than 1,400 public initiative NYCHA recently launched to extend hours for housing residents, including 58 resident leaders, found completing routine repairs, cleaning common areas, that 94 percent supported extending NYCHA’s service and scheduling meetings with property management. hours beyond the traditional 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GROUNDSWELL FlexOps will create a new, staggered shift schedule for “If we genuinely want to create cleaner, safer and frontline staff, including caretakers, maintenance works, more connected communities, we must challenge Young Castle Hill residents spent the evening of March property managers, and support staff. ourselves to think differently about what it means to 8 beautifying the Castle Hill Senior Center with a mural As part of NextGeneration NYCHA, the Authority’s serve residents. It’s clear the last generation’s model about their community as part of a new “Public Art / Public 10-year strategic plan, FlexOps will improve residents’ is no longer working for this or future generations,” Housing” initiative, funded thanks to Council Member quality of life by creating multiple work shifts, which will said NYCHA Chair & CEO Shola Olatoye. “FlexOps is Ritchie Torres. The program enables young NYCHA allow properties to operate from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. transformational change; real change our residents will residents working with Groundswell, an organization on weekdays and hold Saturday property management be able to see and feel. Our staff deserves a modern dedicated to producing community-based public art, to office hours for appointments and administrative duties. work schedule and our residents deserve the type of add vibrant public art to developments across the City. Employees will have the opportunity to benefit from a services any other New Yorker should expect.” multiple shift structure, where some staff start/end their (SEE FlexOps RESIDENT FACT SHEET ON PAGE 3) FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA LETTER FROM THE CHAIR CHANGE IS COMING Over the past two years, I’ve met with hundreds of residents at to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to better serve you, our residents. developments across the City. Many of you shared with me the This means that working families will be able to schedule frustration of wanting to raise your children in a safe, clean, and an appointment for a routine repair in the evening after work. affordable place that you are proud to call home, yet you have On Saturdays, residents will be able to sit down with devel- the nagging sense that no matter what is said, NYCHA will never opment staff by appointment. We will have multiple shifts change. I’ve heard you. to better tackle property upkeep, repairs, and other critical I stand by the fact that we’ve made some notable progress issues, while supporting greater flexibility for our staff to work at NYCHA—but it’s not enough. If you, our residents, don’t see at different times. the changes when you walk out the door of your developments, These changes won’t happen overnight, but they will when you need repairs or need to speak with management, then happen. FlexOps, as well as other changes, requires a funda- changes simply do not exist. mental shift in the mindset of what it means to serve you, our For years, NYCHA’s budget has changed, but our daily hours of residents. operations haven’t. Our buildings and the demands of our work We are changing how we do business. We are changing have changed, but our hours remain the same. We can no longer our hours and the quality of service we provide you. We are tackle the issues we face today with the solutions and operations committed to taking NYCHA in a different and better direc- of yesterday. tion through NextGeneration NYCHA, our 10-year strategic In 2016, we will make change a reality for residents. NYCHA property manage- plan to create safe, clean, and connected communities. FlexOps is just one way ment will start serving you before 8 a.m., after 4:30 p.m., and on weekends. This we can better live up to that promise. new initiative is called Flexible Operations, or FlexOps and we’ll launch it at 12 developments in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens this spring. We will start to have multiple shifts for caretakers, maintenance workers, property management, and support staff. This means some development staff will start their Shola Olatoye workday earlier, and others later, in order to extend our hours of daily operations Chair and CEO

YOU CAN NOW GET THE NYCHA BOARD MEETINGS NYCHA JOURNAL BY EMAIL! YCHA’S BOARD MEETINGS, open to the public, take place on Wednes- days at 10 am in the NYCHA 12th floor conference room at 250 Broad- Nway. People who wish to speak during the public comment period must pre-register at least 45 minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin and can only comment about items on that meeting’s agenda. Each speaker’s time is limited to three minutes. The public comment period concludes either when all SIGN UP TODAY speakers are finished or after the 30 minutes allotted by law for public comment, whichever comes first. Copies of the calendar for the upcoming board meeting are available on ON.NYC.GOV/JOURNAL-SIGNUP NYCHA’s website or can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary, 250 Broadway, 12th floor after 3 pm on the Monday before the meeting. Copies of the dispositions of prior meetings are available on NYCHA’s website or can be picked up from the Office of the Corporate Secretary no earlier than 3 pm on the Thurs- day after the board meeting. Any person requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the meeting should contact the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 212.306.6088 no later than five business days prior to the meeting. For additional information regarding the calendar of meetings, dispositions, dates and times, please call 212.306.6088.

The NYCHA UPCOMING MEETINGS: JOURNAL April 27, 2016 July 27, 2016 November 23, 2016 ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 May 25, 2016 September 28, 2016 December 21, 2016 June 29, 2016 October 26, 2016 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS * Note: There will be no board meeting in August. The November and 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 • Tel 212.306.3322 • Fax 212.577.1358 December board meetings are scheduled for the second-to-last Wednesday. www.nyc.gov/nycha

2 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1), FLEXOPS Working within the terms of NYCHA’s labor agreement, the Authority is launching FlexOps at 12 developments this spring. Initial phase sites include:

MANHATTAN BRONX • Chelsea-Elliot Houses • Forest Consolidation (Forest (including Chelsea Addition) Houses, McKinley Houses & • Dyckman Houses Eagle Ave – East 163rd Street) • Isaacs Consolidation (Isaacs • Marble Hill Houses Houses, Holmes Towers & • Mott Haven Houses Robbins Plaza) • Murphy Consolidated (Murphy Houses & 1010 East 178th Street) • Pelham Parkway

QUEENS • Hammel Consolidated (Hammel Houses & Carleton Manor) • Ravenwood Houses

BROOKLYN • Glenwood Houses • Wyckoff Gardens Consolidated (Wyckoff Gardens, Atlantic Terminal Site 4B, & 572 Warren Street)

Community Leaders, Advocates, and Residents Support Expanded Service Hours Nathaniel Green, Dyckman Houses Resi- cause there isn’t adequate staff on-site. finally have access to round-the-clock FlexOps, which represents reform that dent Association President: “Residents This new system will create flexibility— service they have asked for and deserve residents have long called for. We com- have been fighting for greater staff flex- most importantly, for working residents —much like New Yorkers outside of pub- mend NYCHA for placing resident needs ibility for years. Now, with FlexOps, we no by ensuring developments are staffed lic housing have come to expect. This at the forefront of policy decisions, which longer have to choose between working to at hours that are convenient for all, and strategy should be a model for public will improve standard of living for all. take care of our families and staying home responsive to modern, busy schedules. housing across the country.” This more effective delivery of services to get repairs done. With these new flex- We are thrilled that NYCHA is pushing will restore residents’ dignity and create ible shifts, NYCHA staff will be able to work forward with this monumental change.” Reverend Frederick Davie, Executive thriving communities residents can be with residents, from morning to evening, as Vice President of the Union Theologi- proud to call home.” a team, to get things done and make our Reverend Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, cal Seminary: “It is important for working developments stronger. This is the level of Senior Pastor of Mount Pisgah Baptist people trying to provide for their families Michelle de la Uz, Executive Director customer service our residents deserve.” Church: “As residents themselves will tell that NYCHA should be flexible in sched- of the Fifth Avenue Committee: “No you, the FlexOps program is finally bring- uling appointments for repairs. People one, regardless of their address, should Damaris Reyes, Baruch Houses resi- ing NYCHA into the 21st century—when should not have to choose between their be denied the fundamental dignity of dent and Executive Director of Good life happens 24/7, not from 8 to 4 pm. jobs and a NYCHA appointment.” clean housing conditions and repairs or Old Lower East Side (GOLES): “As a For far too long, rigid work schedules did office appointments that accommodate resident, I believe FlexOps will improve not match residents’ realities—and this Shatia Strother, Program Coordination, working families. Extending service hours maintenance and quality of life for public prevented timely and effective upkeep Families United for Racial and Ethnic is a concrete way NYCHA can improve housing tenants. All too often, off-hours of NYCHA developments. Increased staff Equality (FUREE): “FUREE fully supports the lives of thousands of families living in repairs aren’t made quickly enough be- flexibility means working residents will NYCHA’s efforts to move forward with public housing.” FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 3 Making Choices That Count Residents Envision Their Futures in NextGen I am Neighborhoods THERESA CASCONI LIKES Site B — NextGeneration NYCHA East 92nd Street between 1st Avenue and the F.D.R. Drive — because it is shorter than the other options and won’t directly obstruct views of the other buildings. Site A blocks the views from her windows. She wants to make sure that the entrances between the new and old buildings won’t be too narrow for residents to navigate strollers, wheelchairs, and shopping carts. “I gave my opinion and it was very helpful,“ Casconi says. “I hope it will all work out.” She was one of many residents who attended a visioning meeting at Holmes At a visioning session on February 24, Towers, one of two NextGen Neighbor- Wyckoff residents viewed physical models hoods sites where NYCHA plans to build of their development and discussed the 50 percent market-rate and 50 percent af- proposed new buildings that will be built fordable housing units on underused land. on the development as part of NextGen Some of the income generated by the new Neighborhoods, a plan to build 50 percent housing will be used to repair and renovate market-rate and 50 percent affordable Wyckoff and Holmes, which have $35 million housing units on underused NYCHA land. and $31.5 million in capital repair needs over the next five years, respectively. apartments between the two existing “I tell my officers to treat everyone as if they Visioning meetings are part of the buildings on 92nd Street. Residents were NextGen Neighborhoods process of given the chance to work with physical are family. NYCHA residents are willing to be gathering resident input that NYCHA models of the existing site, as well as partners with you.” staff has engaged in since last September some proposed building options. when the two sites were first announced. Wyckoff Gardens includes three In this phase, staff work with residents to 21-story buildings in Boerum Hill, recap resident feedback from previous Brooklyn with 530 units that house ap- —James Secreto, NYPD Housing Bureau Chief visioning sessions held earlier in Febru- proximately 1,150 residents. The build- Grew up in Albany Houses ary, identify building sites that residents ings cover about 12 percent of land prefer for the proposed buildings, and at the development. The proposal for possible site improvements. Wyckoff would replace two underused On two days in February, 75 Holmes parking lots with mixed-income housing residents and 97 Wyckoff residents buildings consisting of about 600 units. on the parking lot at Nevins and Wyckoff completely new option with 450 units. formed small groups and engaged in Residents were able to work with physical Streets — because these buildings would “They want 600 and we want to com- conversations with NYCHA staff from models of the three proposed sites and allow for all 600 units at heights lower promise with 450 apartments,” Holmes Resident Engagement and Real Estate voiced major concerns with the amount than Wyckoff’s, therefore not obstructing said. “We want to put the buildings on Development to discuss different options. of units. The proposed location most views and natural light. the corners so that everyone can see, so Though the majority of residents who Wyckoff residents preferred among the Each group at Wyckoff was tasked to that there are no shadows, with entrance attended the sessions don’t want a new given options were Sites A and B — a come up with a fifth option for distributing ways that face the developments so that building or buildings at their develop- building on the parking lot at Third Av- 600 new units at the development. Resident everyone can integrate.” ments, residents were committed to hav- enue and Wyckoff Street and a building Craig Holmes’ group decided to create a Holmes signed up for the Resident ing their voices heard. Stakeholder Committee, a group of “I appreciate the fact that NYCHA is residents who will attend quarterly meet- attempting to engage us and giving me ings with NYCHA to provide feedback the opportunity to give my five cents, as the process continues. Holmes said allowing me to have some control over of the visioning process, “with residents my residential destiny,” Holmes Towers involved, it’s a big collaboration and not resident Lawrence Thorne said. a dictatorship.” Holmes Towers is composed of two Feedback gathered from residents 25-story buildings on the Upper East will inform the development of the RFP. Side, Manhattan with 540 units that Follow-up sessions were held in March to house about 930 residents. The build- recap and summarize resident feedback ings cover about 16 percent of the land and answer any additional questions. at the development. The proposed new For more information about NextGen building would involve replacing the cur- Neighborhoods, visit http://www1.nyc. rent playground to construct one mixed- gov/site/nycha/about/nextgen-neigh- income housing tower of about 250-350 borhoods.page. 4 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA NYCHA Launches Public Safety Advisory Committee S PART OF NYCHA’S NEXT- Nelson, NYPD Housing Bureau GENERATION commitment Chief James Secreto, and President Ato creating safe, clean, and of the NYCHA Citywide Council of connected communities for our Presidents Ann Cotton Morris. It will residents and all New Yorkers, the also include two NYCHA resident Housing Authority launched a Public youth. NYCHA solicited applications NYPD 911 OPERATOR EXAM Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) from interested residents ages 18-25 Police Communications Technicians (911 Operators/Radio Dispatchers) are assigned to the comprised of NYCHA residents, staff, through Facebook, Twitter, and flyers Department’s Communications Section as 911 emergency call takers. They serve as a radio dispatcher of police resources and perform all other clerical and administrative duties related to the provision of and agency partners. PSAC will de- in developments in March. emergency service. velop a plan to combine current pub- Building on the vision of NYCHA’s Some of the benefits that highlight the position of Police Communication Technician include: lic safety strategies with additional existing Resident Watch Groups, • Starting Salary is $35,545 and can increase to $48,127 actions to address crime, youth and composed of resident volunteers who • Health benefits for you and your family community engagement, emergency give their time to improve develop- • Paid vacation and overtime response and preparedness, lease ment security, PSAC will ensure that Filing for the PCT Exam is open from February 26, 2016 through April 30, 2016 enforcement, and quality of life issues resident voices continue to be the ranging from littering to dog owners central focus of NextGeneration There is a $54 fee payable by money order, credit card, debit card or bank card (cash or personal checks cannot be accepted) that fail to curb their pets. NYCHA’s safety agenda. “NYCHA is serious about changing “NYCHA tenant associations are For more information please visit: how we do business at every level, often the first line for information re- NYPDCivilianJobs.com Or call: 212-RECRUIT including public safety,” said Gerald garding potentially dangerous activity Nelson, NYCHA Vice President for in public housing. We are proud that NYPD is an Equal Opportunity Employer Public Safety. “Effectively tackling NYCHA is opening a direct line of safety and quality of life issues begins communication with our leaders to with strong collaboration with public better ensure a streamlined response, housing residents, in addition to and better protect public housing NYPD and NYCHA leadership. To- residents,” said CCOP President Mor- When times got tough gether, we can create a strong frame- ris. PSAC will also seek participation and we couldn’t afford work that best serves both residents from other city agencies and part- and the larger community.” ners, including the District Attorneys healthy food, PSAC includes Vice President representing each of the boroughs.

NYCHA’s Vice President for Public Safety Gerald Nelson (standing) will help guide SNAP HELPED . NYCHA’s new Public Safety Advisory Committee, along with other NYCHA staff, - KARIMA, GRAPHIC DESIGNER residents, and agency partners. Brooklyn

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FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 5 1400 Apartments NYCHA Completes at Ocean Bay $4.8 Million Lighting (Bayside) to Receive Installation at Polo Grounds Towers Major Renovations YCHA RECENTLY COMPLETED for Neighborhood Safety, a partnership a $4.8 million lighting upgrade at between NYCHA, the Mayor’s Office of NYCHA requests proposals from developers for major N Polo Grounds Towers in Harlem. Criminal Justice, the NYPD and other city improvements and upgrades The development’s outdated exterior agencies, to reduce crime and increase lighting system, installed in the late neighborhood safety at 15 NYCHA YCHA RECENTLY RELEASED The release of the RFP is a major 1960s, was refurbished with 341 new developments with some of the highest a “Request for Proposal” (RFP) milestone for a process that started state-of-the-art, energy efficient light- crime rates in the City. N for potential developers to back in 2013, when NYCHA first met ing fixtures at entrances, walkways, and Georgia Bishop, Polo Grounds Towers upgrade about 1,400 public housing with residents and community members parking areas to help reduce crime and Resident Association First Vice President, apartments at Ocean Bay (Bayside) at Ocean Bay (Bayside) to discuss make Polo Grounds and the surrounding is happy about the new lighting at her Apartments in Far Rockaway through ways the Authority could renovate, neighborhood safer. development. “This means that tenants, the Rental Assistance Demonstration repair, and improve the quality of life “Lighting is an important aspect of staff, and police will have an easier time (RAD) program. Proposals from at the development through the RAD community safety. Following an $18 when walking throughout the develop- developers are due April 29, 2016. program. In the past year, NYCHA million investment in security cameras ment—and can spot bad behavior,” Ms. RAD is a U.S. Department of has hosted 12 monthly meetings with and modern layered-access doors, we Bishop explained. “These are the kinds Housing and Urban Development residents to inform them about RAD, are proud to further our comprehensive of changes we want to and need to see (HUD) program that allows NYCHA tenant rights, jobs and other critical security vision through the installation of for our community’s safety.” to create a public-private partnership issues related to this program. permanent lighting,” said NYCHA Chair New lighting construction has begun with developers to access additional Residents will continue to have and CEO Shola Olatoye. “Improving at eight other developments — in the funds for repairs through the Section 8 the same succession opportunities safety and security in public housing is a Bronx at Butler and Castle Hill Houses; program. It guarantees that converted and grievance procedures under key strategy in NextGeneration NYCHA, in Brooklyn at Van Dyke 1 and Boulevard units are permanently affordable, the RAD program that currently the Authority’s 10 year strategic plan, and Ingersoll Houses; in Manhattan at enables residents to retain their public exist for NYCHA’s public housing and these new lights will support a safer St. Nicholas Houses; and in Staten Island housing rights, and ensures that that residents. No resident can be evicted environment for both NYCHA residents at Stapleton Houses. NYCHA expects the public housing authority keeps without proven cause. Residents and the larger community.” installation of new lighting to be largely ownership interest in the property. As will retain the right to establish and NYCHA began the lighting installa- completed at 13 of the 15 MAP sites by part of the Authority’s NextGeneration operate a resident organization. tion project at Polo Grounds Towers in the end of 2017. Temporary light towers NYCHA strategic plan, RAD helps Finally, developers will be required August 2015. The lighting installation is will remain in place at developments until NYCHA protect the affordability of to propose a plan to train and hire part of the Mayor’s Action Plan (MAP) all projects are completed. public housing for this and future NYCHA residents, and proactively generations. engage residents on a regular basis “By leveraging the RAD program, as the project moves forward. we will help improve the quality of life for residents at Ocean Bay (Bayside), ensuring their apartments and buildings receive much-needed repairs and upgrades while preserving affordability and tenant protections,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye. NYCHA estimates that the 24 buildings and nearly 1,400 apartments at Ocean Bay (Bayside) need about $174 million in major improvements and upgrades, such as kitchen and bathroom modernizations, roof replacement, boiler replacements, and safety upgrades. Through the RFP, NYCHA is inviting developers, including non-profit entities and M/WBE firms, to submit proposals for the financing, major rehabilitation and Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye at Polo Grounds Towers on March 10 to announce that the operations of Ocean Bay (Bayside) as development received a $4.8 million lighting upgrade featuring 341 new lighting fixtures installed a Section 8 property. at entrances, walkways, and parking areas to help make the development and surrounding neighborhood safer. 6 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Getting Ahead Through Technology ACK YOUR FUTURE and part of its strategic plan, NextGeneration more about graphic design, because I’ll New York City’s Chief Technology Of- get ahead” is the motto NYCHA, the Authority works hard to de- be attending FIT to pursue a career in ficer, Minerva Tantoco, said that Tech Up “Hof Tech Up, a cutting- velop public/private partnerships like Tech graphic design.” “is a great example of how the diversity edge technology center that opened Up to connect residents to educational Fantasia lives in the nearby Elliott of New York City is its strength and how in February in a former storage area and career advancement opportunities. Houses. Rah-Asia lives in the Ocean Hill the tech industry here will be the best in of Manhattan’s Fulton Houses. For the Tech Up started as an idea from Fulton development in Brooklyn. the world because of its diversity.” young adults from Fulton, Chelsea, and Houses’ Resident Association President Elliott Houses who will learn for free how Miguel Acevedo and was brought to life to produce websites, videos, marketing with support from Hudson Guild, James- campaigns, and more, it’s not a trivial town LP, Google, The LAMP, and Girls message. By the year 2020, there will be Who Code. about 1.4 million tech jobs in the United “This is an excellent opportunity for States, but only about 400,000 candi- students to become tech savvy,” RA dates qualified to fill them. President Acevedo said. “And the best Through communications and digital part is that it’s all free of charge.” literacy courses that utilize the lab’s 25 Fantasia Dixon, an 11th grader at the laptops, interactive smart board, and Quest to Learn school, said that Tech recording studio, Tech Up will help about Up is “exciting because it’s preparing 125 participants every year gain the skills us for when we go into the workforce, they need to succeed in the 21st century. because everything and every job has to “The next Steve Jobs or Ursula Burns do with technology,” whether you’re a could be in this room,” NYCHA’s General bus driver, receptionist, or entrepreneur. Manager Michael Kelly said at Tech Up’s “And Tech Up gives you something fun ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Ursula Burns to do!” Rah-Asia Lassiter, a 12th grader grew up in Baruch Houses and is now the at the High School of Fashion Industries, Chair and CEO of Xerox, the first black said, “The program is really great and I’m NYCHA General Manager Michael Kelly checks out the computers at Tech Up, the new technology woman to lead a Fortune 500 company.) enjoying it. We just started a cool project center that opened in Fulton Houses for young NYCHA residents at Fulton, Chelsea, and Elliott General Manager Kelly also said that as on remixing videos. I came here to learn Houses to learn how to make websites, videos, and marketing campaigns for free.

issues such as floods or leaks. She then NYCHA employee since 2003, start- Keeping the Heat On conducts a variety of safety tests on the ing out as a Caretaker J. In 2009, she boilers to ensure they’re working prop- spent two evenings a week for seven erly and performs maintenance on them months learning how to become a to keep them running smoothly. She also Heating Plant Technician, through makes sure that each building is getting classes offered by the union. The next the right amount of heat, according to year, she took and passed the HPT civil the temperature outside. service test, and has been working as Then she checks for any work tickets an HPT ever since. submitted by residents, the first of four Until recently, she was stationed checks throughout the day. “That’s when at Red Hook Houses, where she also the day really starts,” Ms. Hernandez lived for 15 years. She enjoyed work- said. “Anything can happen—there can ing where she lived “because I didn’t be a problem with the building’s hot have to drive and I saved money water tank or a problem in an apartment, there, which I used to buy my house. like a radiator leak.” In between these I’m Puerto Rican, born and raised, repairs, Ms. Hernandez helps out in the so people who don’t speak English development’s storeroom, making sure well saw me as the person to go to that other HPTs in the area have the parts for help. Even when I wasn’t working, they need to do repairs. like when I was at the supermarket, The majority of the water heaters at someone would tell me, ‘Oh, I have NYCHA are the “instantaneous” type. a problem in my bedroom, can you Lillian Hernandez, a Heating Plant Technician, conducts a variety of safety tests on boilers at Ms. Hernandez enjoys working with help?’ I really learned the develop- Whitman Houses to make sure they’re working properly so that residents have hot water and these because they are environmentally ment, inside and out. I love Red Hook are warm when it’s cold outside. friendly—they consume less water and Houses; I was there for so long, it will less energy because they heat water on always be my home. I really love my LILLIAN HERNANDEZ IS one of Authority’s approximately 2,000 boilers demand. “We’re heading in the right job, working with tools, working with NYCHA’s nearly 300 Heating Plant and 2,400 water heaters citywide. direction, going green. Having the latest my hands, being busy. I like raising the Technicians (HPT). They work hard to Each morning when she gets to work, technology allows us to work better, and pipes, replacing radiator valves. When make sure residents always have hot Ms. Hernandez visits the boiler room residents will get what they need and residents have heat and hot water and water and are warm when it’s cold out- at her development, Whitman Houses we’ll get fewer complaints.” there are no complaints and every- side by operating and maintaining the in Brooklyn, to make sure there are no Ms. Hernandez has been a proud body’s happy, I’m happy.”

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 7 Lincoln Center Boro-Linc Free, Family-Friendly World-Class Arts Programming in Your Neighborhood

INCOLN CENTER’S BORO-LINC, launched in 2015, aims to provide greater access to its diverse arts and cultural offerings for all audiences and ages by breaking down geographic barriers. By partnering with arts organizations throughout the City, L Boro-Linc provides free performances, workshops, and programs to neighborhoods across New York. Boro-Linc’s partners include: Manny Cantor Center (Manhattan), Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture (Bronx), Casita Maria Center for Arts and Educa- tion (Bronx), The Center for Family Life in Sunset Park (Brooklyn), Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (Queens), and Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden (Staten Island). Here’s a list of upcoming programs over the next few months. For a complete list, visit lincolncenter.org/borolinc LIST OF UPCOMING BORO-LINC PROGRAMS:

Manhattan Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, June 3, 2016 The Manny Cantor Center, 450 Grand Concourse Metropolitan Opera Guild: Opera 197 E. Broadway April 16, 2016 in your Neighborhood! Workshop May 15, 2016 Lincoln Center Education: Batoto Yetu 7:00–9:00 p.m. Workshop 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. Dance and percussion work- In this workshop, explore the magical Pre-performance Castanets & Rhythm shop with company members world of opera including the singing, Workshop with Angélica Negrón characters, movement, music, and Build and design your own bird 11:30 a.m. Performance words, then work together to create a castanets and learn to play simple An engaging cultural event for the entire mini-opera about the neighborhood! rhythmic patterns to accompany the family featuring Batoto Yetu (Swahili for Workshop space is limited, come band at the 3:00 performance! “Our Children”) with an ensemble of early! young performers celebrating the music, Recommended for ages 6-12. Lincoln Center Education: dance, and folklore from Angola and the No music experience necessary. Acopladitos Congo, as well as other African regions. July 29, 2016 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Recommended for all ages and families. July 15, 2016 Lincoln Center Education: This Brooklyn-based band blends Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca The Villalobos Brothers curious electronic and folk instruments Brooklyn 7:00 p.m. Workshop 7:00 p.m. Workshop with original songs in Spanish for an The Center for Family Life in Experience the music and dance of Learn traditional dance steps and songs interactive musical experience. Sunset Park, 443 39th St. Flamenco with company members from Veracruz, Mexico with company Recommended for ages 3-6. April 15, 2016 in a pre-performance workshop for members and guest dancers from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln the whole family. Workshop space Mazarte Mexican dance company. The Bronx Center: Chamber Music Beginnings – is limited, come early! Casita Maria Center for Arts and Classical Categories 8:00 p.m. Performance Education, 928 Simpson St. 7:00–8:00 p.m. Performance 8:00 p.m. Performance The Villalobos Brothers’ original com- April 30, 2016 Wannabe composer Wolfgang Amadeus This world renowned company will ig- positions and arrangements masterfully Lincoln Center Education: Schmutzinberry takes a musical journey nite the stage with deep emotion and blend and celebrate the richness of Carlos Henriquez Jazz through time to check in on musical beauty in an outdoor concert filled Mexican folk music with the intricate 2:00 p.m. styles across the ages, guided by the with song and dance from Spain. harmonies of jazz and classical music. Presented in collaboration with world-class artists of The Chamber Music the South Bronx Culture Trail Society of Lincoln Center. Recommended The performance takes place at for ages 6-10. Monsignor Del Valle Square, Hunts Point Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard

May 7, 2016 Lincoln Center Education: Bertha Hope & Jazzberry Jam! 2:00 p.m. Presented in collaboration with the South Bronx Culture Trail This performance takes at Graham Triangle, Lincoln Avenue between East 137th and 138th Streets

May 14, 2016 Juilliard Jazz with Samora Pinderhughes 2:00 p.m. This performance takes at Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education

8 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT Miguel Acevedo: The Rainmaker of Fulton Houses MIGUEL ACEVEDO’S MISSION is to carpentry training in our office. We want create relationships that benefit his to equip residents with a trade so they’re neighbors. In his six years as Resident As- in a position to get a job. I want to make sociation President of Manhattan’s Fulton sure that we are not forgotten. If you’re Houses, he’s done just that, bringing in a not part of the conversation, you’re going variety of partners to host programs and to be left out of the conversation. sponsor scholarships for public housing residents of the Chelsea area. Why is partnership important? Corporations like Jamestown will be Can you describe some of the work the first to ask, “How can I help your you’re doing with youth? families?” And that’s what you need in For the past six years, we [the Fulton communities. We’re also working with Houses Resident Association] have been the NYPD Housing Bureau. I’ve been doing afterschool programs, for reading, doing National Night Out for the last six homework, and recreation. I’ve created re- years. It’s like Family Days, but the police lationships and partnerships, like the part- actually do the barbecuing, flipping the nership with Jamestown [a local investment burgers, giving out the hot dogs. And company] that created funding for the they’re creating relationships with resi- new technology center at Fulton Houses Miguel Acevedo (center), Resident Association President of Fulton Houses, helped cut the ribbon at dents of Fulton Houses. Since I’ve taken run by Hudson Guild [a local community Tech Up, a new technology center for youth at Fulton Houses. over, crime has dropped significantly, and organization]. We have art programs with that’s because of the events we have and the Whitney Museum, where artists and housing development to partner with. kids to be without the opportunity to get the relationships we’re creating. museum employees discuss art with teens. We did an OSHA training for 60-plus into higher education. My role is to make We have a partnership with the High Line residents at the resident association of- sure there are opportunities to succeed. What do you think of NextGeneration Park, which created an arts and crafts fice to get residents certified for con- That’s why I created scholarship programs. NYCHA, the Authority’s long-term plan? program. For eight years, we’ve offered a struction work. We also did some health I’ve partnered with the Avenues school, I think the plan makes sense. Because you $20,000 to $40,000 scholarship for a Fulton and small business programs with REES. which costs $50,000 a year. A child from have to work with the community and get Houses resident with a high school di- We used TPA funds to buy a projector, Fulton Houses goes there because I them to understand the deficit NYCHA ploma or GED who wants to start a career screen, and computers, which instructors advocated for it, and now we’re trying to is really in and the ways we can work in the culinary industry. This is funded by a use when we do training programs and get more public housing residents into that together to make sure that we understand fundraiser with the James Beard Founda- classes. This TPA funding has created school. I want to not only get scholarships that NYCHA is not going to displace tion and Jamestown. People pay $200 to something beneficial for residents. but also get the student and the parents to residents, but is just trying to get funding $240 a plate for a dinner at Chelsea Market, understand the value of the scholarship. for upgrades. This really is for the next where award-winning chefs from across the What motivates you to do this work? Education is first and foremost for generation of people. The message is that country cook (it’s called Sunday Supper). My mom raised 11 kids. So it was almost anyone. One of my biggest goals now is we’re looking for ways to fix the develop- We’re planning to expand this to Brooklyn impossible for her as a single parent to to create employment, not only though ments so that they don’t become useless and the Bronx, so we’re looking for a public afford for us to go to college. I don’t want OSHA training, but also electrical and and have to be torn down. PROM POP UP SHOP POPS UP IN BROOKLYN, BRONX AND HARLEM OOKING FOR THE perfect gown or fly- Lest tie for this year’s prom? Check out the Prom Pop Up Shop events organized byS Cubed Productions, LLC. and co-sponsored by NYCHA. Each event features time to “shop” for dresses, acces- BROOKLYN BRONX sories, and bowties, as well April 16, 2016 April 23, 2016 as free haircuts and styling Noon – 4 p.m. Noon – 4 p.m. and cosmetic makeovers. Bushwick-Hylan Children’s Arts & Sciences HARLEM They’re free and open to all Cornerstone Workshop April 30, 2016 high school students with a Grand Street Settlement Bronx River Cornerstone 1 p.m.– 5 p.m. school ID who pre-register 50 Humboldt St. Community Center Clinton Community Center online at http://www. Brooklyn, 1619 East 174th St. 120 East 110th St. scubedproductionsinc. New York 11206 Bronx, N. Y. 10472 New York, N.Y. 10029 com/future-events.html. 718.453.8116 718.589.0553 212.876.1240

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 9 NRTA Graduates: “They’re Going to the Top” RIDE RAN HIGH at the gradua- thanked the Fifth Avenue Committee, one tion ceremony for 27 job-bound of several partners in the training initiative, P public housing residents on March “for help in reaching my financial goals.” 4. The hard-working students successfully The Fifth Avenue Committee and completed a rigorous four-week janitorial Brooklyn Workforce Initiatives (BWI) are training program at the NYCHA Resident NYCHA’s Training Academy partners, Training Academy (NRTA) that prepares enhancing the training and providing them for employment as NYCHA caretak- participants and graduates with continuing ers. To the cheers of family members, fel- support through financial coaching, access low graduates, and dedicated staff from to benefits, and other services to succeed NYCHA and its program partners, each in work and life. Wayne Mackie (left), formerly of Linden Houses, walks off the field with fellow NFL official resident stepped forward to receive his or “You are now part of a larger family Scott Edwards after officiating his first Super Bowl, Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California her certificate, cameras flashing. that will be supporting you,” Fifth Avenue where the Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers. “You should all be very proud of your Committee executive director Michelle de accomplishments,” NYCHA Office of la Uz told the graduates, who have access Public and Private Partnerships Director to the comprehensive package of financial SCORE! FORMER NYCHA RESIDENT Rasmia Kirmani-Frye told the graduates. support services through New York City’s “You are joining more than 1,300 NYCHA first Financial Opportunity Center, oper- OFFICIATES SUPER BOWL 50 residents who have already completed the ated by the Fifth Avenue Committee. ORE THAN 111 million he should think about becoming one Resident Training Academy, and you’ll be Wade Tlumak, a trainer at BWI, said people saw former Linden because “I was always needling them.” glad to know that more than 1,170 of them of the graduates, “This is a very special MHouses resident Wayne Football officiating allowed Mackie to have been placed in jobs.” group, very motivated. They’re going to Mackie run through his moves on referee on the weekends. In 1992 he be- “This is just my first step,” said Tiphany the top. We train to do the job well but Super Bowl Sunday when the Denver gan officiating sand lot and junior varsity Malloy, 35, who traveled from Richmond also to be ready to advance. I am very Broncos played the Carolina Panthers. high school games. In 1996 he began Terrace Houses in Staten Island to the proud of them.” Mackie didn’t score any points or officiating Division II and III collegiate training location at Ingersoll Houses in Launched in 2010, NRTA is one of the make any tackles but he did make games. Over the next decade he moved Brooklyn “by boat, bus, and train and nev- City’s premier workforce development quite a few important maneuvers: as up the ranks in collegiate football, arena er missed a day.” In addition to learning initiatives, preparing NYCHA residents for one of the game’s officials, he refer- football and games with NFL Europe. In skills, “the instructors, who were wonder- careers as caretakers, pest control tech- eed the third most-watched program 2007 he joined the NFL and officiated ful, taught us a lot about ourselves and the nicians and maintenance aides, and for in American television history. the Arizona Cardinals at the San Fran- experience really gave my self-confidence work in construction-related positions with Though Mackie has been an NFL cisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. a boost.” After beginning work as a care- NYCHA contractors. official for nine years, this was his first What Mackie loves most about offici- taker, Ms. Malloy plans to apply for training Ms. Kirmani-Frye thanked NYCHA’s Super Bowl. When the NFL called him ating is the challenge of the game and to become a heating plant technician. committed partners, including the MetLife he said, “I was ecstatic. It was a great the relationships he’s built over the years Reginald Benton, age 23, a resident of Foundation and the Local Initiatives Sup- feeling to know that you’ve reached with other officials. “Some of these peo- Breukelen Houses in Brooklyn, addressed port Corporation, which fund the Financial the pinnacle of success at something ple are people I would have never met. the gathering on behalf of the graduates. Opportunity Center; the Fifth Avenue you strove for your entire career.” He I know I can go anywhere in the coun- Like many of the students, Mr. Benton had Committee, and Brooklyn Workforce Initia- previously attended as an alternate try and know someone and have the other responsibilities to meet while attend- tives for their essential support. official at Super Bowl 46 in 2012 when relationships and the camaraderie that ing the full-day training sessions, includ- For information about NYCHA’s Resi- the New York Giants beat the New we’ve developed.”Mackie also likes being working full time at Shake Shack. Mr. dent Training Academy and other oppor- England Patriots in Indianapolis. ing able to give back to his community. Benton thanked NYCHA and NRTA for pro- tunities through NYCHA’s Department of The best part about Super Bowl 50: He was one of the first officials involved viding the skills and training that will allow Resident Economic Empowerment and “My 82-year-old father was able to at- with the NYCHA/NFL Football Officiat- him to “give back to the community” and Sustainability (REES), call 718.289.8100. tend in person,” he says. ing Academy, launched in 2010. The Mackie was one of nine officials eight-week co-ed program for NYCHA chosen from a group of 121 to referee residents 17 to 30, teaches participants the big game. Qualifications include the skills needed to become a football five years of experience as an NFL official. [For more information about the official, ranking in the top tier—Mackie NFL’s Football Officiating Academy, visit is Head Linesman—penalty accuracy, www.nflofficiating.com.] and test scores. “I lived in Brooklyn and I also grew Was he nervous to be officiating the up in housing. I am the example, sport’s biggest game? Mackie said that that if you focus, concentrate, and though there is a lot of hype surround- go to school, this is what you can ing the game, “once they kick the ball do,”Mackie says. off it’s just another game.” When he’s not traveling across the Mackie got into officiating after country to officiate games, Mackie graduating from Colgate University in works full-time for Housing Preserva- 1982. Whileplaying basketball in different tion and Development (HPD) as the semi-professional leagues around the Director of Operations for the Division City, he heard from several referees that of Neighborhood Preservation. NYCHA celebrated the latest cohort of NRTA graduates at a ceremony held on March 4. 10 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Free or Inexpensive Spay or Neuter Services for Public Housing Residents and Section 8 Renters REE OR LOW cost spay and When you visit the mobile neuter services are available for clinic, you must bring (1) photo F your dog or cat, through the identification with a New York City City’s Animal Population Control address showing you are over 18 Program. The NYC Department years of age, as well as (2) one of of Health and Mental Hygiene has the following documents as proof of partnered with the ASPCA to provide receiving public assistance (a) the services for free to public housing a NYCHA rent bill or Section residents and Section 8 renters in 8 voucher or (b) Medicaid or Manhattan, Queens or Staten Island. In Health Plus, Medicare, SSI, Brooklyn and the Bronx there is a $5.00 Welfare, TANF, or Food Stamps. fee for NYCHA residents and Section 8 benefits. Your female pet will live a people and inanimate objects after he’s If you will be seeking spay/neuter renters. The ASPCA brings high-quality longer, healthier life as spaying helps neutered. Some aggression problems services in Manhattan, Queens spay or neuter services directly to your prevent uterine infections and breast may also be avoided by early neutering. or Staten Island you may also visit neighborhood on its Mobile Spay/ tumors, which can be malignant or To find a mobile clinic near you and https://www.aspca.org/sites/ Neuter Clinics. Services include spay/ cancerous. Neutering your male to learn how to prepare your pet for default/files/upload/files/msnc_ neuter surgery, vaccinations (rabies plus companion prevents testicular cancer surgery, go to http://www.aspca.org/ doh_nyc_flyer_2016_01.pdf to print FVRCP vaccine for cats/DA2PPV vaccine and some prostate problems. In nyc/aspca-mobile-spayneuter-clinic and bring the provided optional for dogs), a nail trim if required, a small addition, neutering male cats makes or call 877.772.9692. voucher for completely FREE services. tattoo at area of incision, and an e-collar. them less likely to spray and mark In addition to avoiding unwanted territory, and spayed females will not pregnancies, spaying or neutering your go into heat. Your neutered dog might pet has several health and behavioral be less likely to harass other dogs, CITY HARVEST MOBILE MARKET ON STATEN ISLAND: NYC CHILDREN’S CABINET PRESENTS NYC BABY SHOWERS Free & Healthy Food ARE YOU EXPECTING a child? Or MOBILE MARKET IS a City Harvest was your child born in the past year? event held twice a month year-round If so, you’re invited to a Baby Shower that provides free fruits, vegetables, thrown by NYC Children’s Cabinet. and recipes to supplement your The Baby Showers will be hosted family’s diet. Go early to sign up and by NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray bring proof of address and a matching and Deputy Mayor Richard Buery and photo ID. Each household can register will feature food, entertainment, and once. You can call the Mobile Market educational activities for children, Hotline the day before for updates at parents, and caregivers. There will 866.444.0244.

be also information provided about PHOTOGRAPHY OFFICE ED REED/MAYORAL The Mariner’s Harbor Mobile how to raise healthy and happy Market is held every first Wednesday New Yorkers. MAY 21 and third Saturday in the basketball (NYC Baby Shower for court directly in front of the Senior RSVP here: Young Parents) Center at 22 Roxbury Street from http://www1.nyc.gov/site/children- 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. scabinet/initiatives/baby-showers. Children’s Aid Society, courts at Stapleton Houses, the first page Next Generation Center Upcoming Market Dates: Tuesday and third Saturday of each 910 E172nd St, Bronx, NY 10460 Saturday, April 16 month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. APRIL 23 Wednesday, May 4 (NYC Baby Shower) JUNE 25 Saturday, May 21 Upcoming Market Dates: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (NYC Baby Shower for Wednesday, June 1 Saturday, April 16 Brownsville Spanish Speakers) Saturday, June 18 Tuesday, May 3 Recreation Center 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, May 21 1555 Linden Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11212 El Museo Del Barrio Open to residents of: Tuesday, June 7 1230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029 Mariner’s Harbor Houses Saturday, June 18 MAY (DATE TBD) Arlington Terrace Apartments (NYC Baby Shower) 10302, 10303, 10310 or 10314 zip codes Open to residents of: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Stapleton Houses Senior Center Rockaway YMCA The Mobile Market on Staten Island is 10301, 10304, 10305, or 10310 zip codes 207 Beach 73rd St, Arverne, NY 11692 held behind 75 Hill Street, in the tennis

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 11 (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) CREATING CHANGE creatively tell the individual stories behind CUNY Fatherhood public housing,” said Council Member Torres. “Art is an incredibly powerful and important tool that can transform lives Program: and inspire change. The murals created through ‘Public Art/Public Housing’ will Preparing new dads for the role be a symbol of what is possible in public housing developments when we engage of a lifetime youth and the community.” HEN RAJIB GONZALEZ Participating developments were Council Member Annabel Palma (left) and saw the flyer in the lobby of identified from the Mayor’s Action Plan Council Member Ritchie Torres (right) helped W Chelsea Houses, he thought (MAP) for Safety, and include Castle Hill Castle Hill youth paint the new mural at the the program sounded too good to be Houses (Bronx), Queensbridge (Queens), senior center. true but called anyway. Though he had St. Nicholas Houses (Manhattan), Staple- just been laid off and was looking for ton Houses (Staten Island), and Tompkins work, he didn’t imagine that he’d find a Houses (Brooklyn). All youth will be paid as job training opportunity that would en- apprentice artists for their participation. able him to not only become financially “Public art is a powerful way to re- stable, but a better father and more flect the vibrancy of our communities responsible parent too. and people,” NYCHA General Manager Yet that’s the mission of the CUNY Michael Kelly said. “Thanks to the leader-

Fatherhood Academy (CFA), free 16- ship of Council Member Ritchie Torres and PHOTO CREDIT GROUNDSWELL week program at LaGuardia Community this innovative, artistic partnership with College in Queens is for fathers ages 18 Groundswell, we are empowering and to 24, which aims to strengthen families elevating the voices of NYCHA residents Castle Hill Resident Association President through education, employment, and and the community—for all to see.” Geraldine Lamb. personal development. It helps partici- NYCHA Resident Associations will guide pants gain their High School Equiva- Jorge Perez the creation of the murals, for a total of 15 will be completed in August 2016. lency and prepare for college; prepare new public artworks throughout the city. “I joined this project because I like art, for college, assists with work experience These mural projects will demonstrate how a lot,” said youth artist and Castle Hill through employment or internships; pro- Brooks, Program Manager of the CFA art, public housing, and Groundswell’s youth resident Brenda Rodriguez, age 20. “I vides workshops on building healthy re- at LaGuardia. “Not only did they get development model can be aligned to sup- paint at home and I wanted to be a part lationships, conflict resolution, financial an education from this program, but port long-term, community-driven change. of something in my community. Our mural empowerment, and child development; they learned how to have conversations At Castle Hill, Groundswell will theme is unity, which to me means every- and offers a safe and supportive men’s about fatherhood in a safe environment employ 40 young adult residents to one coming together so that we can all discussion group, as well as mentors. so that they could begin to have differ- collaborate on the research, design, and succeed. I feel some people do succeed Since the CFA began at LaGuardia ent conversations with their children.” creation of three mural projects spot- but don’t help others out. It is important to Community College in 2012, 136 men Through CFA Gonzalez returned lighting the unique assets of the Bronx pay it forward. Through this project we can have graduated, 80 have been placed to college and became a part-time community; the final mural in the series send out this important message.” in jobs, 61 received their High School math tutor for fellow fathers preparing Equivalency diplomas, and 21 have en- for their High School Equivalency. He rolled into CUNY community colleges. graduated from LaGuardia in 2015 and “The biggest thing I hear is how currently works full-time as a recre- important it is for these young men ational associate with Women in Need. to be able to provide a better life for He has three children, Tyler, 10; Laila, 9; their children. They want to provide and Rajib, 6. both financially and emotionally to their Though he completed the program children, not just be a disciplinarian, in 2012, Gonzalez says he joined a but to sit down with their children and lifelong brotherhood. “A lot of minor- say, ‘Let’s read together,’” says Raheem ity young men, we’re taught that it’s not good to ask for help, but in this program we learn that it’s okay. It allows us to have faith in the program. A lot of young men see that it’s possible to have hope and aspirations.” Jorge Perez, another 2012 graduate eyes, but I gained a lot of maturity in across the City, CFA was recently of the program, agrees with Gonza- the program,” he explains. “It was an expanded to Hostos Community Col- lez’s sentiments. Through CFA Perez, awesome experience and I am so proud lege in the Bronx and Kingsborough formerly of Marlboro Houses, received of myself that now I can provide a better Community College in Brooklyn. To his GED. He is currently attending City future for my kids; I’m someone they can learn more about the CFA, please call Tech majoring in Human Services. look up to.” 718.730.7337 or visit the website “This program was a stepping stone; The CFA is made possible through at www.cuny.edu/cfa, or Facebook it made me become a better father, New York City’s Young Men’s Initiative at https://www.facebook.com/ made me become a man. When I had and Center for Economic Opportunity. CUNYFatherhood, or Instagram at Rajib Gonzalez my children I was still a baby in people’s To provide more opportunities for fathers CFA_LAGCC.

12 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA NYCHA Recycles! Everything You Need to Know About Recycling

What is recycling? What can be recycled? Recycling is the process of collecting materials that would otherwise be disposed The following materials should be depos- of as trash and transforming them into new products. ited in the green bin. • Paper and cardboard – Flattened Why is recycling important? boxes. If you can rip it, you can recycle it. NO: Hardcover books, food-soiled or Recycling helps us conserve natural resources waxed paper (e.g. trees, oil) and prevents usable materials from being wasted. It improves the cleanliness The following materials should be depos- of our environment and creates green jobs. ited in the blue bin (empty and rinse them By recycling, NYCHA plays an important part before recycling). in helping the City achieve its goal of sending • Metal – Cans, foil, and anything Zero Waste to landfills by 2030. mostly metal NO: Batteries Why is NYCHA recycling? • Glass – Bottles and jars only. NO: Light bulbs, drinking glasses, As a landlord, NYCHA is responsible for complying with the City’s recycling law windows, mirrors by providing bins and recycling education to our residents. Recycling also • Plastic – All rigid plastics benefits NYCHA employees by creating safer and more efficient waste NO: bags, wrappers, flexible pouches/ collection conditions. tubes, foam • Cartons – Milk, juice, soup, wine, etc. Why should I recycle? For more information on what to recycle, Responsible waste disposal helps reduce rodent and insect infestation in and visit on.nyc.gov/what-to-recycle or go to around your apartment and building. Deposit recyclable materials in designated your development’s management office bins and dispose of trash in trash chutes or other designated receptacles. for print materials. Recycling makes your community safer and cleaner. What education is NYCHA providing on recycling? Where can I recycle in my community? NYCHA is working closely with the NYC Department of Sanitation and GrowNYC to Bring your recyclables to the provide educational activities, workshops, and events to promote recycling. To request outdoor recycling contain- a recycling workshop or event in your community, contact: ers. Recycling containers GrowNYC: [email protected], 212.788.7964 should be clearly labeled NYCHA’s Resident Engagement Department: [email protected], and show what recyclable 718.707.5401 materials should be placed inside. Place non-recyclable waste in trash chutes and How can I get more involved? bring large objects to Help keep it clean and green designated locations. Signs by becoming an Environmental should be posted above Ambassador! Environmental Am- each trash chute to provide bassadors are NYCHA residents information about proper who are trained by GrowNYC to waste disposal. The NYCHA become community recycling Recycles! website is also a experts. After completing two helpful resource for recy- recycling workshops, Environmen- cling information. tal Ambassadors conduct 12 hours on.nyc.gov/nycharecycles of local outreach at their development to encourage their neighbors to participate in the NYCHA Recycles! program. For more information about becoming an Environmental Ambassador please visit: grownyc.org/recycling/NYCHA

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 13 NYCHA Recycles! Ambassadors for Planet Earth

E’VE ONLY GOT one planet After Green City Force, she decided and taking better care of to make it her mission to teach people W it requires fresh thinking about the importance of taking care of and unique partnerships. Our NYCHA the environment. She joined NYCHA as Recycles! program, created in part- a Recycling Project Outreach Coordina- nership with the NYC Department of tor and worked to engage residents and Sanitation, is making sure that all 328 helped organize recycling kick-off events developments are recycling by the end at NYCHA developments citywide. But of this year. We’ve also collaborated Junious wanted to do even more in her with GrowNYC, a non-profit organiza- community, so she signed up to become tion that works to make New York City a an Environmental Ambassador. cleaner and healthier place, to create a “Taking care of the environment is a new and exciting program for residents, community effort and it begins at home. NYCHA Environmental Ambassadors. I want to be more involved and focused As Ambassadors, these residents on the people in my own community,” will become volunteer community she says. experts on recycling and will help their Through the program, Junious is in- fellow residents learn the ins and outs terested in learning new ways to be more of the City’s recycling program. environmentally friendly. “I decided to do GrowNYC will provide two interac- this program so that I can inspire some- tive recycling workshops to Ambas- one in my neighborhood, someone my sadors in training to teach them why age, older, my little sister— to really take Pamela Azore, a Pomonok Houses resident for 23 years and a member of the Resident recycling is important, what items to pride in their neighborhood. My goal is Green Committee, is excited to learn more about recycling through the Environmental recycle, and how to encourage their to make it a better place, make it cleaner Ambassador program. neighbors and community members and more visually appealing for current to recycle. During training, residents and future generations. Recycling and will also attend field trips to various healthy environments go hand in hand New York City recycling centers to see and with proper trash disposal you see the City’s recycling program behind the benefits immediately.” the scenes. After completing their training, Ambassadors will spend at PAMELA AZORE least twelve hours on recycling efforts “To be honest,” Pamela Azore says, “I at their developments. To learn more didn’t recycle before 2010.” That year, about the Environmental Ambassador she learned about the importance of program, please visit: recycling after she joined the Resident GrowNYC.org/NYCHARecycles. Green Committee (RGC) at Pomonok Houses. She’s a proud recycler now and Meet two NYCHA says “This green thing is kind of infec- tious! If recycling is the least thing I could residents who volunteered do to help out the planet, then I’ll do it. to become Environmental Just think, if a fraction of us do it, we’d be Ambassadors: surprised at how much we could change.” Taking care of the environment is a 24/7 role for Joy Junious. Not only is she getting ready to Azore signed up to be an Environmen- become an Environmental Ambassador, but her work with Green City Force opened the doors JOY JUNIOUS tal Ambassador because she wants to for a new job as a Field Technician in energy management with the Association for Energy Brownsville Houses resident Joy Junious, “immerse myself in how to better get the Affordability, Inc., a provider of technical services for energy efficiency in buildings. This new 20, says her interest in the environment word out about recycling. I know I don’t position builds on the energy auditing skills she developed as a Green City Force trainee and began when she was a high school stu- have all the tools yet but a program like could lead to a career in weatherization, solar thermal technology, and other green technologies. dent at The New York Harbor School— this can help me.” an aquatic-themed academic program. She says the blue and green recycling as possible, I know that they care about educated fellow residentshow to take After high school, Junious joined Green bins at her development are a beauti- the planet and want their children and care of trees and planted gardens; and City Force and worked on numerous ful sight and hopes that through the grandchildren to grow up in a healthy is currently planning Pomonok’s Third projects, including removing weeds from program she becomes “really proficient environment.” Annual Resident Green Committee a garden at Lillian Wald Houses and in delivering the message to residents A resident of Pomonok Houses for 23 Palooza, a major community event that working on home reconstruction with and neighbors that we’re going green! I years and leader of the RGC, Azore has combines recycling, green activities, the Friends of Rockaway organization. want to try to help them do this as simply helped plan special projects and events; and fun for the whole family.

14 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA NYCHA Recycles! Recycling Kicks Off at Sotomayor Houses SOTOMAYOR HOUSES RESIDENTS All residents received Sort and Store sta- are ready to recycle! At their Recy- tions — blue and green reusable bags cling Kick Off on February 23, they that feature photos of the recyclable learned about the history of recycling items that can be placed in them — at NYCHA, as well as how NYCHA is which helps make recycling easier: they implementing recycling at all devel- can sort their recyclables using the bags opments. A GrowNYC representative in their apartments and then dump the explained why people should recycle, bags in the corresponding color recy- what to recycle, and how to recycle. cling bin at their development. Earlier Residents played an interactive game, that day, 19 young people attended a choosing from different materials on a kids-only recycling meeting, where they table, such as empty cans and cartons, played recycling games and received hangers, a Styrofoam egg carton, and plush DSNY Binnie Babies as prizes. cardboard boxes, deciding where A kick-off meeting for seniors at Soto- they should be stored to be recycled: mayor will be held on April 21. For more in color-coded bags, blue for metal, information about Recycling Kick-Off glass, plastic, and cartons; green for Meetings, contact Resident Engagement paper and cardboard; black for trash. at 718.707.5401.

NYCHA RECYCLES IMPLEMENTATION REGISTER TODAY FOR THE CORRECTION OFFICER EXAM

99 Developments 229 Developments MAR 1-31 MAY 2-31 Launched Remaining

30.2%

Impacting 267,818 151,529 Residents Residents Left

36.1% WE ARE 853 Buildings with 1,736 Buildings Left Recycling 33% LEADERS Register online at nyc.gov/examsforjobs LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 18, 2016 visit us at nyc.gov/jointheboldest or email: [email protected]

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 15 Residents Join the Board of the Fund for Public Housing HE FUND FOR Public Housing (The Fund), an independent non-profit organization that will raise funds to provide increased opportunities and services to NYCHA residents and to help repair NYCHA’s buildings, is a key part of NYCHA’s NextGeneration NYCHA 10-year strategic plan to make NYCHA Tcommunities safer, cleaner, and more connected. Its Board of Directors includes two residents, one specifically between the ages of 18-24 to help develop leadership among young adult residents.

Diatre Padilla, time but I didn’t sign up board position is my chance her understand the full age 24, for a one-shot deal.” to offer the resident voice scope of what NYCHA Soundview Houses Padilla believes and perspective to the real is facing, that it’s not Thinking of ways to improve The Fund could be decision makers.” just her development public housing has been “an amazing tool for As one of the first resident that needs assistance in Diatre Padilla’s mind transforming this agency board members, Stanley says but the entire Housing for a long time. He and . . . private funds are she will “use my voice and my Authority due to years of his grandmother — who essential to creating the position to improve the image underfunding. has lived at Soundview long-term and innovative of residents of public housing. “I think the Fund for 40 years — often have transformation that For too long people have will help provide conversations about NYCHA really needs.” regarded residents of these NYCHA communities what could be done to properties as second-class citizens, with resources, referrals, and improve their development.As criminals, drug addicts, uneducated, sustainable improvements which an undergraduate at Columbia Latiya Stanley, age 33, unemployed, etc. Truthfully, this will directly benefit residents as well University, Padilla majored in urban Breukelen Houses is not the case. My neighbors are as neighbors in the surrounding studies. He is interested in cities and Breukelen resident Latiya Stanley hardworking adults, retired seniors, communities,” she explains. “I want how the physical environment affects believes that the right to safe, clean people living with disabilities and to see this institution reinforced so people living in those cities. affordable housing is one of our most bright children. We need to move past that future generations of families Currently, he is the Executive important rights. One of her main the stigma and save public housing.” will be able to use this service to Assistant to the Director at The goals after she graduates from Hunter Being on the board has helped further their goals.” Architectural League of New York. College’s master’s program in social In this position, he juggles several work this May is to find a position different roles, including administrative/ working with families living in the office duties and editing the New York homeless shelter system. Architecture Diary, an online listing of Stanley says that the shelter system architecture, design, and urbanism- is about housing and is connected to related events. employment and education services, When Padilla heard about the something with which she has first-hand opportunity to become one of the first experience: she and her eight-year-old resident board members for The Fund daughter lived in a homeless shelter for Public Housing he thought, “It’s before moving into Breukelen Houses time for me to get out there. This is an in 2011. Now she wants to give back. opportunity that I could be involved Though she moved in more with in an authentic way, a way to really recently, Breukelen has been part be able to enact some changes.” of her life since she was born. Being a member of the Board will help Her grandmother has lived at the him dive deeper into urban studies development for more than 40 and planning. One of his dreams has years and her parents used to live always been to go to law school and there as well. “Some of my fondest he is currently looking into dual J.D./ memories from childhood are etched Master’s in Urban Planning programs into this property,” Stanley says. Her City School of the Arts is a new arts-based 6th–8th grade that combine both his interest in urban grandmother’s apartment has always charter school opening this fall in Lower Manhattan. The studies with his interest in law. been home base for the family. school is public, free and close to the 2/3, 4/5 and J trains. “I’m very interested in urban Stanley wanted to get involved planning and the physical with the Resident Association at transformation of the city. To be her development but the meetings a part of these adaptations, the never fit in with her work and We’re now enrolling for next year’s 6th grade class. planning, overseeing, and effecting school schedule and her daughter’s the change . . . I want to see some schedule, so when she learned about real changes — a project or program the opportunity to become a Resident go from brainstorming to seeing Board Member with the fund for a NYCHA campus with physical Public Housing, she jumped at the Learn more and apply now at www.cityschoolofthearts.org changes, to seeing a new community chance: “Instead of being one of center open up. I know it takes a long those people that just complains, this

16 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA School of the arts ad.r1.indd 1 3/23/16 8:42 AM