Two Women Caretakers Named John DeCarlo Award Recipients for First Time 

An annual NYCHA award honoring outstanding caretakers has recognized two women for the first time in its nearly 25-year history.  

The John DeCarlo Memorial Award, named after a longtime NYCHA caretaker who lost his life while on duty at Brooklyn’s Marlboro Houses in 1997, is presented each year to two exemplary caretakers with a minimum of five years of service. The grand-prize honoree earns a $1,000 check, while the runner up receives a $500 prize.  

Judith Waite is the 2023 grand-prize winner. She has worked as a caretaker for five years at Monroe Houses in the Bronx, where she is always ready to lend a helping hand to fellow staff. This year’s runner-up honoree is Jacqueline Santiago, a 22-year caretaker at Staten Island’s Berry Houses, who is lauded for taking genuine care of her assigned areas. 

Yvette Andino, NYCHA’s Vice President for Employee Engagement, was quick to note the significance of having two women finally claim both categories of the caretaker recognition.  

“It is great to see two women at the same time receiving this award,” Ms. Andino said. “It is a testament that more women are working in non-traditional positions at NYCHA.” 

Ms. Waite was presented with the grand-prize honor during a celebratory lunch with Monroe Houses colleagues in late June, while Ms. Santiago celebrated her award with fellow staff at a Berry Houses ceremony on August 4.  

According to her supervisor, Ms. Waite – whose efforts have previously been commended by Monroe Houses residents – is a very professional, reliable, and respectful employee who brings a positive attitude to her work. 

“Judith always has a cheerful and genuine demeanor about herself,” Supervisor of Housing Caretakers Lesley Myers said. “She works very hard to maintain a clean and safe environment for residents and for her fellow co-workers.”  

A team player, Ms. Waite seeks to assist colleagues however she can, whether it’s by addressing a jammed compactor, cleaning the basement, or organizing storage rooms, her supervisor noted.  

“She has helped show the ropes to new caretaker staff and is always willing to lend a helping hand to all of her co-workers or supervisors,” Ms. Myers said. “She is always looking for ways to make everyone smile.” 

At Berry Houses, Ms. Santiago is also praised for her dedication to helping others. As someone who takes considerable care in maintaining her work sites and keeping them at the highest standards, Ms. Santiago demonstrates the “epitome” of customer service, according to her supervisor.  

“Ms. Santiago is so conscientious of her assigned area,” Supervisor of Housing Caretakers Dennis Marshall described. “She takes her responsibilities very seriously; any tasks that are asked of her you can bet will be carried out to the best of her ability at all times.”  

Featured photo caption: Grand-prize winner Judith Waite (center) was joined by NYCHA executives and colleagues to receive this year’s John DeCarlo Memorial Award at Monroe Houses.