Longtime Grant Houses Caretaker, Former Resident Wins John DeCarlo Award
In recognition of her many years of tireless service to the Grant Houses community, Caretaker Elizabeth Reynoso has received this year’s grand prize for the John DeCarlo Memorial Award.
On August 5, Ms. Reynoso, who is a former longtime resident of the Manhattan development, was presented the commendation at a celebratory luncheon attended by fellow Grant Houses staff and NYCHA executives, including Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt and Chief Operating Officer Eva Trimble.
Named after a veteran NYCHA Caretaker who lost his life while on duty at Brooklyn’s Marlboro Houses in 1997, the John DeCarlo Memorial Award is presented each year to two exemplary Caretakers with a minimum of five years of service. The grand-prize winner also receives a $1,000 check.
After joining the NYCHA workforce as a Caretaker in 2002, Ms. Reynoso has devoted her entire career to serving Grant Houses, the same community she used to call home and where nearly 3,800 residents now live. She has become so in tune with the needs of the job over the past two decades that many of the daily responsibilities for maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for residents now come easy to her.
Stating proudly, “I love my job,” she was deeply moved by the recognition from her NYCHA family for her hard work throughout her caretaking career.
“I was surprised and I couldn’t believe it,” she said of receiving the annual DeCarlo Award. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this, and I’m so happy.”
Davon Wilson, Supervisor of Housing Caretakers at Grant Houses, pointed to numerous ways Ms. Reynoso is deserving of the commendation, saying her dedication, integrity, and compassion “reflect the highest standards of service.”
“Elizabeth consistently demonstrates an exceptional commitment to improving the quality of life for residents through both her professionalism and genuine care for the community,” he said. “Whether addressing maintenance needs, safety concerns, or quality-of-life issues, she follows through with urgency and accountability. Her efforts have contributed to a more positive and cohesive community environment.”
Notably, the supervisor said that Ms. Reynoso has forged trusting relationships with residents thanks to her caring nature, approachable demeanor, consistent follow-through, and responsiveness.
“She routinely takes extra time to listen to residents’ concerns, making them feel heard, respected, and valued,” Mr. Wilson said. “Additionally, Elizabeth regularly supports her team by sharing knowledge, assisting co-workers when needed, and stepping into leadership roles during high-pressure situations.”
Ms. Reynoso quipped that residents have made sure to let her know how much her quality of work is missed any time she has been absent over the years.
“I’m trying to help the residents all the time,” she said. “When they know that I had taken a vacation, they tell me, ‘I missed you’ and ‘I know when you’re not here.’”
Mr. Wilson was equally appreciative as he praised the veteran Caretaker for leading by example, demonstrating strong attention to detail, and being proactive in addressing various community needs across the campus.
“What sets Elizabeth apart is her proactive mindset – she does not wait for issues to arise but actively identifies potential concerns and resolves them before they impact operations or residents,” he noted.
While Ms. Reynoso has helped ensure a safe and clean campus at Grant Houses for nearly 25 years, her supervisor noted her spirit of service has not wavered, as she exhibits the same drive and passion for the job as when she first started.
“Elizabeth is a great representation of NYCHA and its key morals of resident service,” Mr. Wilson said.