Applying to college in 2018 was one of the best decisions of my life because it led me to intern for QCH's Case Management Department and meet Ms. Blanca Goris, the best role model in the social work field.
When I was in middle school, my mom told me about a program that she felt my cousin and I should join to gain more experience. I was skeptical at first, but after my first Access for Young Women (AFYW) session, I've been a participant since!
As I was exploring my options during COVID, one of my past supervisors contacted me about the Queens Connect Culinary Arts program at QCH. I was excited about the idea to expand my knowledge of cooking and the food industry.
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.
I needed a place where I could express myself freely without worrying about judgment from others, and that’s exactly what Access for Young Women (AFYW) has been for me.
I always understood the power of coaching and mentoring, first as a beneficiary of guidance, and now as a small business coach and mentor to the youth and women of all ages. As a student in public and private secondary schools, I learned the value of working for what you want in life.
On the month that we are reminded of Dr. King’s emphasis on service, Queens Community House highlights Brian Martens, one of our volunteers for QCH’s Friendly Visiting Program.
I lived in Queens for more than 23 years without legal status, and in all those years I didn’t go to my country once. In 2015, I got my green card, and now I use it to visit my friends and family twice each year.
