Celebrating Community at Reid Park Rock’s Senior Prom
On June 27, senior residents of NYCHA’s Reid and Park Rock developments in Brooklyn enjoyed a festive night in celebration of the power of community.
The inaugural senior prom brought residents together from across the Reid Apartments consolidation and the Park Rock Consolidated bundle, which are receiving comprehensive renovations under the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program. During the “A Night in Gold” celebration, guests were invited to wear black or gold as they enjoyed dinner, played bingo, and danced, evoking memories of a special night from their past. Some of the fashionable attendees were treated to a free manicure courtesy of GlamourGals.
Held at Brooklyn’s Bethesda Healing Center, the event was presented by Black Veterans for Social Justice, the PACT project’s social services provider, in partnership with Fairstead, which is overseeing day-to-day property management at Reid Park Rock. Meals were provided by Fusion Caribbean Cuisine, while volunteers from New York Cares assisted with setting up the event and distributing dinner. Other event supporters included PACT partner BRP Companies, the Local Development Corporation of East New York, City Councilmember Darlene Mealy, and State Senator Roxanne Persaud, whose office honored local resident associations with certificates in recognition of their community service.
Keeping in spirit with the evening’s festivities, Fenimore-Lefferts Resident Association President Leonard Jones and Reid Apartments Resident Association President Serena Lezama were named Prom King and Prom Queen, respectively. Their two developments are part of the PACT project’s Reid Apartments consolidation.
Noting the enthusiastic turnout by residents at the senior prom, Mr. Jones said organizers should start planning for a “bigger venue next year.” Project partners hope the event will become an annual tradition for residents.
Across the Reid Park Rock PACT rehabilitation project – consisting of 87 buildings throughout East Brooklyn – apartment kitchens and bathrooms will be fully renovated; buildings will receive facade repairs and new layered access security systems; heating, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems will be improved; and common areas (including lobbies and outdoor spaces) will be upgraded extensively. In addition to the renovations and on-site social services, the PACT program offers a wide range of support for residents, including a variety of programming and events like the senior prom. For more information, see the Reid and Park Rock Community Plan.
