The NYCHA Journal

The NYCHA Journal has informed and inspired residents since 1970, covering the news, contributions, and uplifting stories of the NYCHA community while providing the latest information on Authority initiatives.

Woman seated, wearing a hat, with text The Hope Program and a quote from the story
Program Partners REES Top Story 

From Self-Referral to Training to Employed

LaToya

To celebrate NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability reaching the milestone of 20,000 residents connected to valuable economic services, The NYCHA Journal is highlighting how residents can work with REES to plan their goals and achieve their dreams. (See previous stories in this series here and here.) 

Eastchester Gardens resident and single mother Rose Williams was searching for a new job and for help growing her business. When she learned that NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability (REES) could help her gain the knowledge she needed, she logged on to NYCHA’s Self-Service Portal to search for opportunities.  

NYCHA residents and Section 8 participants can use Opportunity Connect on the Self-Service Portal to refer themselves to education, employment assistance, financial counseling, and more. (Residents without access to a computer or smartphone can ask their Housing Assistants for a referral or call the REES Hotline at 718-289-8100 to make an appointment for a REES Information Session.)  

The first organization that interested her was The HOPE Program, which provides a combination of training, adult basic education, industry certifications, internships and job placement, and long-term support to alumni.  

After she referred herself, representatives from HOPE contacted her, she participated in an information session, and she enrolled in HOPEworks. HOPEworks is a seven-week program that provides stipends and helps participants succeed in the job market by providing assistance with cover letter and resume writing, interview prep, computer skills, financial literacy, wellness, and important skills such as public speaking and conflict resolution. It is the most popular job advancement program among NYCHA residents. 
 
In addition to HOPEworks, The HOPE Program offers five other programs for New Yorkers 18 and older in all five boroughs: 

  • Intervine: A 10-week transitional employment program where participants receive paid hands-on learning and training working on green infrastructure and horticultural projects across NYC.  
     
  • YouthBuild: A six-month internationally recognized program that provides 18- to 24-year-olds with essential skills training, leadership opportunities, high school equivalency prep, and paid hands-on training in construction and other fields.   
     
  • Green & Clean HVAC Training: A 13-week program, with stipend, that prepares participants for careers in high efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, with a focus on heat pumps and energy-efficient technology.  
     
  • Sustainable South Bronx: A 12-week program, with stipend, that prepares participants for careers in the green infrastructure and maintenance fields. Participants learn in the class and through hands-on community greening projects and receive industry-recognized certifications and job application skills.  
     
  • NYC °CoolRoofs: A 10-week program where participants receive hands-on experience helping to make New York City more sustainable. They are paid to coat rooftops in a reflective material that reduces their energy output.  

Approximately 14 percent of The HOPE Program’s participants are NYCHA residents. Many of the residents who complete the program go on to work in the following industries: accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance, construction, and retail. 

“I fell in love with The HOPE Program,” Ms. Williams said. “They have a saying, ‘Once you’re HOPE, you’re HOPE for life,’ and it’s true. It’s a beautiful, supportive program and it should be something anyone graduating from high school or college takes, because I wasn’t taught some of the skills I learned at HOPE.” 

Ms. Williams took the course from April to August of this year and was nervous that remote classes weren’t going to work for her. Her expectations were exceeded, however: “I gained and learned so much. I learned about computer etiquette – we did a group project working in PowerPoint. I learned how to work with others in a group setting, how to delegate tasks, and better interviewing skills. I love to refer people to the program.”  
 
After completing the program, HOPE helped Ms. Williams secure a job as a resident aide; the organization is also helping her grow her business, Global Citizens Press Collective, which helps organize fundraisers and community events and offers assistance printing materials.  
 
“We really look forward to working with NYCHA residents and helping them see all the amazing opportunities HOPE has to offer,” said Nakita Vanstory, Director of Recruitment and Admissions at The HOPE Program. “We want to keep and maintain that relationship with students and let them know that we’re always here for them. If they don’t know what they want to do, if they’re getting frustrated with their job search, HOPE is here to provide that extra support. We also want our alumni to know that it’s HOPE for life: If they need to revise their resumes, if they want to move up in their careers, whatever it is, they can come back. We also have a strong network of employers, and they trust the quality of our training.” 

The HOPE Program recently awarded NYCHA REES with a “Referral Partner of the Year” Award for its “dedication and commitment to HOPE and our participants.” 

Learn more about HOPE here: The HOPE Program – Work. Grow. Sustain. Virtual information sessions are offered every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 p.m. 

Visit OpportunityNYCHA – REES or call the REES Hotline at 718-289-8100 to learn more and sign up for an information session.