CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

To celebrate Women's History Month, staff at our Pomonok Community Center orchestrated a powerful intergenerational gathering on March 14, where neighbors from across the community shared heartfelt stories highlighting the profound influence of women in their lives. Participants spanning generations recounted personal narratives of how women had provided unwavering encouragement, life-changing motivation, and boundless inspiration throughout their journeys. Attendees crafted personalized vision boards, visually representing the significant impact of these influential women.

ADVOCATING FOR AGE STRONG QUEENS

Imagine a Queens where everyone's voice matters, where support is a given, and where mutual responsibility fuels a thriving community. That's the vision QCH champions. On March 19, our incredible older adults didn't just imagine it – they lived it. Neighbors from all six of our centers stormed Queens Borough Hall alongside hundreds of advocates for Age Strong Queens Advocacy Day, demanding increased funding for vital aging services. More than just attendees, they were storytellers, advocates, and change-makers. Some of them got to meet Borough President Donovan Richards for the first time, and with passion and conviction, they took to the podium, sharing powerful testimonies about how QCH's older adult centers transform their lives.

ENHANCED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Every giggle, every word, every shared moment matters. QCH's Queens Childcare Network (QCCN) supports 100 dedicated family-based childcare providers, giving them the tools to create nurturing environments for children aged 6 weeks to 3 years. But we're not stopping there. In partnership with LENA Grow since 2022, we've integrated a powerful approach using 'talk pedometer' technology. This system provides objective, data-driven insights into conversational interactions, directly enhancing children's language and brain development. This is about more than just numbers; it's about empowering caregivers with objective insights, strengthening their skills, and unlocking the potential within each child. Thanks to the Stella and Charles Guttman Foundation and the Viking Global Foundation, QCCN is building a community of empowered educators, ensuring over 300 children receive the language-rich start they need to thrive.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: ANGELICA CARCHI

In this special edition of Meet Your Neighbor, we hear from Angelica Carchi, QCH Program Director at Newtown High School.

"I remember being at Freshman orientation for QCH’s program at Newtown High School and thinking to myself, 'no one will notice me in this big school'. Little did I know the experience would expose me to new opportunities that I would never see myself in. Some experiences included attending Liberty Science Center in New Jersey to doing team building activities somewhere in Connecticut. Through each trip and group mentoring session, the thought of going unnoticed began to fade. 

Years later, I got to achieve one of my professional goals: working with students as a Counseling Specialist at QCH's YABC at HS for Arts and Business. I was able to utilize all my prior experiences to work with a population that often goes unnoticed. Within the year, I came to love building a community with my teammates. I found joy in counseling and watching students blossom into confident graduates. 

Now I am in a supervisory role as a QCH Program Director at Newtown High School, the school that I once attended. It often feels surreal to know that I am here again but in a different role. In the tough days, I think about all the barriers I overcame throughout my education and professional years. Supporting young adults means equipping students with lifelong skills that empower them to prevail learning barriers. As a first-generation college graduate, I have seen first-hand that a community outside my immediate family was vital for my journey.

During my time at QCH, I completed my one-year work anniversary and celebrated my one-year wedding anniversary. I also continue to have an active role serving youth in my local church, while preparing to become a first-time mom. Overall, reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for all the opportunities I have gotten to be a part of."

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