Celebrating NYCHA Health Corps Alumni Who Went Above and Beyond in Serving Residents
For eight dedicated NYCHA Health Corps program alumni, the end of summer 2025 saw not just the conclusion of their year of serving NYCHA residents but also a celebration of their extraordinary resilience, commitment, and impact. On September 9, the group gathered for a special meeting with NYCHA’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Eva Trimble, where together they reflected on their experiences and looked ahead to what’s next for this growing program.
The eight NYCHA residents were part of the third NYCHA Health Corps cohort, which began its service last September. They spent the year working in four key Authority departments: Family Partnerships, the Office of Public-Private Partnerships, Resident Health Initiatives, and Resident Relocation. Each of them had a hands-on role in their program, working directly to connect NYCHA residents with resources that support health and well-being.
When their 10-month AmeriCorps service term ended in June, the eight alumni were hired to extend their work through NYCHA’s summer seasonal program – connecting expectant families with support, serving as liaisons to resident gardeners, helping residents with temporary relocation while major home repairs were underway, and providing social services support to residents experiencing hardship.
“Even when the program was paused in the spring, our members kept coming back,” said Marco Vela, NYCHA Health Corps Coordinator. “That spoke volumes about their dedication — not only to NYCHA but also to the communities they served.”
At the gathering with COO Trimble, the Health Corps alumni shared stories of their work’s impact. From organizing a citywide community baby shower to assisting residents who had endured fires in their apartments, the staff members’ contributions made a difference to so many residents across NYCHA’s developments. COO Trimble praised the cohort for their perseverance and noted that their ability to adapt, stay engaged, and find ways to serve — despite any challenges they’d faced — mirrored the resilience of NYCHA communities.
“Thank you for your incredible service as AmeriCorps Members and seasonal employees,” COO Trimble said. “It’s clear you share my passion for the work we do to build stronger public housing communities. I particularly want to thank you for demonstrating excellent customer service throughout the year.”
“I’m at my best when I’m giving to others,” said program participant Desiree Samuels. Rochine Beausejour, another new program alumna, agreed: “Small acts of service really can have a big impact.”
The celebration closed with a moving poem read by its author, program participant and Douglass Houses resident Russell Taylor. Entitled “Grow those Greens,” Mr. Taylor’s poetry captured the essence of the Farms and Gardens program he served; it illustrated that the drive to serve and lift up our communities is unstoppable, even amid obstacles. The full text of Mr. Taylor’s poem can be found here.
Join the Next NYCHA Health Corps Cohort
Serving with the NYCHA Health Corps has often provided a springboard for participants interested in building health careers. All participants are assigned to a public or non-profit host site and have the opportunity to acquire vital work experience and training, all while receiving a living allowance and other benefits.
“This exciting program grows stronger each year,” said NYCHA’s Senior Director for Resident Health Initiatives Andrea Mata. “We’re excited to recruit the next group of emerging community health leaders and help them gain entry into health and related careers while performing stellar service to NYCHA residents and other community members.”
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are now open. For more information, visit the website of NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES) or email health.corps@nycha.nyc.gov.