From its earliest days, the Community House has treated social work interns not simply as students, but as full participants in its mission—people encouraged to observe closely, respond creatively, and act on what they see.
After more than 30 years at QCH, former Executive Director Irma Rodriguez reflects on a way of working rooted in trust, belonging, and mutual responsibility—core to QCH’s vision today of an empowered community where all people are engaged, supported, and have a voice.
In 2003, QCH launched its Immigration Services in response to profound changes and growing challenges facing immigrant communities, offering trusted legal assistance and advocacy rooted in dignity and access.
For more than two decades, QCH’s alternative high schools have played a critical role in supporting young adults who have struggled in traditional high schools, helping them succeed in school and prepare for life beyond graduation.
“I was the Executive Director of the Community House for 31 years. When I began, the center—then known as the Forest Hills Community House—was based in a community center in Forest Hills.
“I joined Queens Connect at a moment when I was trying to figure out what came next. After graduating in 2022, I knew I needed more experience and skills to build my resume and transition into adulthood with confidence.
“I first connected with QCH in the early 90s, not long after I moved to Forest Hills. I wasn’t looking for a full-time job. I just wanted to stay busy and be around people. A friend suggested I stop by the community center, and that visit turned into years of involvement.
"I grew up in the foster care system, moving from home to home while carrying a lot of trauma. School never felt safe. I often felt unheard and on my own. By the time I reached my teenage years, I knew I needed a fresh start—a place where I could breathe and rebuild.
A single mom doing it all — until she found a community that refused to let her struggle alone. This is Jenny’s story, and it highlights how QCH’s afterschool, housing, and food pantry support — all under one roof — helped her family find stability.
In 1983, a social work intern at our Forest Hills Community Center started hosting “Sunday Socials” for older adults who, due to mobility challenges, could no longer attend the senior center.
