ALUMNI RETURN TO SUPPORT THEIR PEERS AT SATELLITE HIGH SCHOOL

All of our school-based programs have seen a sharp rise in migrant participants over the past year. At Queens Satellite High School for Opportunity, one of QCH’s transfer schools, our staff is committed to providing these newly-arrived students with the academic, emotional, and practical support needed to graduate, as well as to prepare them for life after high school. In addition to challenges faced by most teenagers, most of these students are also carrying trauma, have limited English proficiency, and are struggling to adjust to a new environment.

To support them, four alumni returned to the school on January 18 to participate in an alumni panel. Current students had the opportunity to hear from graduates who were once in similar circumstances. For students uncertain about their next steps, the panel provided a glimpse into the different paths they can take in pursuing education, trades, certifications, and careers, while connecting with others whose struggles and journeys are relatable to their own.

"I’m proud to be here because the program helped shape who I am today," said Juan-Valle Cruz, one of the panelists, who now works for the NYC Department of Education. "The panel gave me a chance to be an example for current students, showing them that if I can do it, so can they. They can make it through high school and into a career, despite all the obstacles, just like me.”

INTERGENERATIONAL ART EXPO

Our settlement house model comes to life within our community centers, where neighbors from different backgrounds have opportunities to meet, interact, and celebrate together. The staff at the Pomonok Community Center is always exploring creative ways to connect residents of all ages and backgrounds. On January 27, the entire Center was transformed into an intergenerational art expo.

On the first floor, local artists were able to showcase and sell beautiful artwork to attendees. The second floor displayed a museum exhibition with sculptures, collages, paintings, live spoken word poetry and musical performances, all contributed by talented participants from our Pomonok Older Adult Center. The third floor served as a space for community members of all ages to create art together.

GABRIELA GAINS CONFIDENCE

"My Queens Connect experience was a great transition into adulthood for me," said Gabriela Clarke. Gabriela had been worried about potential job opportunities for her as an amputee. "I was used to hearing about opportunities that excited me at first but then led me to pause because of my disability," she said. "I tend to ask myself: 'Will they allow me to participate, or will my disability be an issue for them'?" When she found out about our Queens Connect Culinary Arts program, she was excited about the opportunity to gain work experience while also doing something she enjoyed: cooking. She still carried some hesitation with her, but her worries dissipated on her first day in the kitchen with Culinary Instructor Robert Rosario. "Chef Rob was really patient with me from the moment I started, and I quickly made connections with many peers, which put me at ease," said Clarke.

On January 19, Gabriela was one of 60 youth workforce participants celebrated at a Milestone Ceremony at the Forest Hills Community Center. She received her food handler's certification and is now eligible to do frontline service in local restaurants. "Queens Connect gave me confidence in myself and showed me that there are good work opportunities out there for me, where I can be creative and showcase my skills.”

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: NATNITTHA

The Forest Hills Older Adult Center provides a culturally-rich environment where older adults can make new friends, enjoy a hot meal, keep physically active, learn new skills, and give back through volunteer opportunities. In this special edition of our Meet Your Neighbor series, hear from Natnittha, a program participant at the Forest Hills Older Adult Center.

“I learned about the Forest Hills Older Adult Center when my friend took me here, who was volunteering at the time. Now that I’m an older adult, when I saw all the great opportunities and services being offered here, I signed up to be a participant. Since November 2022, I’ve been helping the food pantry service. I love supporting people and connecting with my neighbors in Forest Hills. I also lead our chair yoga sessions each week, both here and sometimes at the Queens Center for Gay Seniors. Everything I get to do here reminds me of the community work I enjoyed doing in Thailand, bringing people together and creating a supportive environment. It’s great being able to help the community here in Queens.”

Queens Community House provides individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities.