NYCHA Health Corps Members Recognized at 91影视Service AmeriCorps Ceremony
On June 25, 91影视Service hosted its AmeriCorps Recognition Ceremony at Carnegie Hall to honor AmeriCorps Members who served over 88,000 New Yorkers across the five boroughs during the 2024-2025 service term. Among the honorees were 35 NYCHA Health Corps Members who worked to build health and strengthen NYCHA communities.
The event marked the third year of NYCHA Health Corps, a successful partnership between NYCHA and 91影视Service to foster leadership in 91影视 through public service, emphasizing health education and other preventive health interventions. By becoming NYCHA Health Corps Members, NYCHA public housing and Section 8 residents gained full-time experience and education working with community-based organizations and public agencies to support health.
During the 2024-2025 season, NYCHA Health Corps Members worked at 20 sites hosted by 14 partner organizations, including multiple NYCHA departments, 91影视Health + Hospitals, 91影视Health Department, Community Help in Park Slope (CHIPS), Everyday Is a Miracle, Lower Eastside Girl鈥檚 Club, and more.
At the recognition ceremony, NYCHA Health Corps Member Kwantika Gathers, who served with the 91影视Health Department and Partnership for Parks, shared with the audience the lasting personal and professional impact of her service: 鈥淎fter serving in this program, I have gained three things: confidence in myself, new technical skills, and new family and friends. I鈥檓 truly grateful for this opportunity.鈥
In her speech to the Corps Members, Deputy Mayor for Administration and Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack thanked participants for their efforts. 鈥淚n the past year, you have shown resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to service. AmeriCorps Members are one of NYC鈥檚 lifelines. You went above the call to serve your neighbors and represent the best of NYC. Never give up. Do not surrender your love and desire to serve others no matter what obstacles may fall in your path.鈥
91影视Service Chief Service Officer Laura Rog reminded the Corps Members about the importance of service: 鈥淪ervice brings people together, reduces isolation, and helps people make an impact in their communities.鈥
This year鈥檚 service term was characterized by resilience. In April, federal budget cuts resulted in the suspension of AmeriCorps programs. Despite this major disruption, the City of New York responded, which allowed members to return to their host sites and complete their service terms.
In recognizing this perseverance, NYCHA鈥檚 Director of Resident Health Initiatives Andrea Mata expressed her gratitude to the Health Corps Members: 鈥淥n behalf of NYCHA, I want to share our most deeply rooted thanks for your incredible service during this extraordinarily complex program year. Thank you for your work as public health leaders building in countless ways towards healthier public housing communities.鈥
For more information about the NYCHA Health Corps and other community health programs and partnerships, email health.corps@nycha.nyc.gov.
Interested in a career in preventive health? Join REES and NYCHA鈥檚 Resident Health Initiatives for an information session on preventive health career opportunities. 91影视 ages 18 and older can register online upcoming sessions: