Meet Your Neighbor: Christopher Gonzalez

"I first connected with QCH through the SYEP program in 2017. It introduced me to my first job experience at the Queens Public Library in South Ozone Park. The library had a big connection to the community and hosted a variety of community events such as a Cat in the Hat read-a-long, free coding classes for middle schoolers during the summer, and they even brought a zookeeper to show and teach kids in the community about lizards, birds, and other animals. Though I only worked there for 2 months over the summer, I was really invested in the community. The parents got to know me, and I got to know them. When they found out I was leaving, the parents that frequently visited the library got together and threw me a pizza party.  

Fast forward 5 years later, I came across a parent that used to attend the library I worked at. She recognized me, stopped me, said hi and thanked me for watching over her child while I worked at the library. I had been the one hosting the coding lessons for the middle schoolers. What surprised me most was that the child, who is now in high school, remembered me as well! He said he had fun in my class. This moment cemented my desire to continue working with and for communities, especially in Queens.  

I'm currently working at QCH as a Family Support Coordinator. In this role, I'm able to help the entire household. This includes parents, children, cousins, aunts, uncles, and anyone else living in the household. I'm super grateful to be in this position, providing ongoing support and follow-up for families. It's always a pleasure seeing the household grow and develop. Given that my first work experience was SYEP through QCH and now working for QCH, it feels like things have come full circle."

—Christopher Gonzalez, Family Support Coordinator