"I was born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens. Growing up, I didn't see many positive programs for young women. When I was 12, I saw a Girls Inc. interview on TV, inspiring me to seek a leadership program. My mom found the Access for Young Women (AFYW) program at QCH.
QNS.com: Queens Community House marks 26 years of youth empowerment at annual leadership conference | May 2025: Queens Community House (QCH), one of the borough’s largest and most impactful social service organizations, celebrated the 26th anniversary of its Youth Leadership
"I was there, you know, pretty much from the beginning, we knew it as SAGE in Queens. I guess you could say I was one of the first participants at what's now known as the Queens Center for Gay Seniors, of Queens Community House.
"In 1975, my family of four could not afford a two-bedroom apartment on our income, so we were so excited when we received a letter stating that we were eligible to live in the Forest Hills Coop.
QCH is celebrating 50 years of impact and community building across the borough! We're continuing our "50 for 50" series, honoring people – past and current – who embody the QCH spirit.
In our latest Community Matters, we highlight the "purposeful planting" initiative led by K-5 students from our afterschool program at PS 160Q, our Social Adult Day Services program's intergenerational connection with high school students,