“I Am NextGen” Honorees Personify NYCHA’s Commitment to Service
Denise Guess, a community coordinator in the Resident Engagement Department, has worked for NYCHA for 10 years. Raised in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, she earned her bachelor’s degree in human services from Claflin College and a master’s in human services from Lincoln University. A resident of East Flatbush, Ms. Guess says her most outstanding on-the-job characteristic is her smile!
What are some of the things you do in Resident Engagement?
I develop relationships with residents in 27 developments in west Brooklyn to identify and work towards their goals. I also work with outside partners to bring more resources to the community. After resident association and other meetings, I will follow up on various issues such as apartment repairs and other needs.
How do you build good relationships with residents?
It’s important to listen carefully and communicate with residents to show them that you understand and care. When residents see that you followed up to get the assistance they need, this builds trust that helps you work together on new goals.
What personal qualities help you at your job?
I’m really dedicated to helping others. It’s rewarding to see people get on the right path by connecting them to the services they need to be productive members of their community. Most people really do want to contribute, if they can get the tools and assistance they need.
Darold Burgess has been a resident of Ingersoll Houses—where he raised three daughters for 50 years. For the past two years, he was vice president of the resident association. Prior to that, Mr. Burgess worked to form an anti-violence mentoring group, Kids in Crossfire, to teach children how to stay safe in the community.
Why do you attend the visioning/planning meetings at Ingersoll Houses?
I attended all of these meetings because, as a community leader, I want to empower residents. It takes community participation to bring about the change we need.
Do you feel that residents’ input at the meetings is being heard?
Yes. We formed different committees for playgrounds, safety and security, maintenance and repair, and job placement, and appointed resident liaisons for each. We want to work in partnership with NYCHA to express our concerns for the community and improve our quality of life.
How do you feel about 100 percent affordable housing being privately developed at Ingersoll Houses?
The affordable housing being built here will help provide needed funds for capital work and repairs. But we want it done in a way that takes our needs into account. We want to keep working with NYCHA to ensure a better quality of life here for everyone.
